Hadden Barthol
Hadden performs at an exemplary level in demanding and unpredictable circumstances. He approaches every call with calm leadership, sound decision-making, and careful attention to patient safety. Whether managing a critical medical emergency, complex trauma, or routine request for assistance, Hadden treats every patient and family with dignity, respect, and genuine compassion.
One particularly meaningful example of Hadden’s commitment to others involved two separate individuals who needed assistance extending beyond the immediate emergency response. Through rapid assessment, skilled intervention, and effective communication, Hadden helped both individuals connect with the additional treatment and services they needed. His involvement, however, did not end when his responsibility as a Paramedic did. On his own time, Hadden sat with each individual, offering compassion, support, and a reassuring presence during an especially difficult time in their lives.
Both individuals were ultimately connected with needed treatment and services. One has since experienced remarkable improvement, while the other is no longer within Southern Paramedic Service’s response area and their outcome is unknown. Hadden’s willingness to give his personal time to people in need reflects a level of compassion and dedication that extends far beyond the traditional responsibilities of emergency medical care.
Beyond direct patient care, Hadden strengthens the entire Southern Paramedic Service team. He supports his colleagues, mentors developing clinicians, promotes teamwork, and models personal accountability. His commitment to continuing education and operational excellence contributes to a positive work environment and advances the organization’s mission. He also represents the EMS profession with integrity in his interactions with families, hospitals, public safety partners, and community members.
Through his clinical excellence, compassion, mentorship, and willingness to go beyond the call of duty for those in need, Hadden exemplifies the finest traditions of emergency medical services. Southern Paramedic Service is proud to recognize Hadden Barthol as a 2026 Star of Life.
Miranda Welch
Southern Paramedic Service is honored to nominate EMT and Paramedic student Miranda Welch as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life. During her first year of service with Southern Paramedic Service, Miranda has consistently demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment, compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the patients and communities she serves.
During what initially appeared to be a routine transport, Miranda cared for a dialysis patient she had transported on numerous occasions. Because she had taken the time to truly know her patient over multiple encounters, she immediately recognized subtle but significant changes in his mental status and behavior. While these changes may have been dismissed by someone unfamiliar with the patient’s baseline, Miranda trusted her assessment and knew something was seriously wrong.
Rather than simply returning the patient to the nursing facility as originally planned, Miranda advocated for the patient and made the critical decision to divert to the emergency department for immediate evaluation. Upon arrival, a Code Stroke was activated. The patient was diagnosed with an acute stroke and received timely intervention. Follow-up confirmed that, because of Miranda’s quick recognition and decisive actions, the patient received the treatment he needed and ultimately made a full recovery.
Miranda’s actions exemplify the very best of emergency medical services. She demonstrated that exceptional patient care extends beyond protocols and vital signs; it requires experience, compassion, critical thinking, and the courage to speak up when something does not seem right. Her commitment to knowing her patients and advocating for them directly changed the course of this patient’s life.
Miranda consistently embodies the mission of Southern Paramedic Service through professionalism, clinical excellence, and selfless service. Her dedication to her patients and the EMS profession makes her an outstanding representative of ambulance services nationwide.
Miranda is an outstanding EMT who will make an excellent Paramedic. She is also a trusted colleague and dedicated public servant whose character and accomplishments merit this distinguished recognition. Southern Paramedic Service is proud to recognize Miranda Welch as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
Shelby Hawkins
Southern Paramedic Services is proud to recognize Shelby W. Hawkins as a Star of Life for his passion and commitment to serving communities across rural Arkansas. As an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Shelby is driven by a deep sense of community service and a desire to support people in their most vulnerable moments.
Shelby has demonstrated extraordinary dedication during times of crisis, including his service in response to several natural disasters. He assisted during the devastating Wynne tornado and later served as EMS command during the Newport/Diaz tornado, coordinating efforts across multiple agencies to maximize lifesaving care while managing scarce local resources. He has also supported hurricane deployments along the nation’s borders and participated in inland rescue missions.
Colleagues describe Shelby as a steady leader who ensures that teamwork and patient care remain the focus, even under the most challenging circumstances. He is especially passionate about providing EMS education and outreach in underserved communities, recognizing the importance of strengthening resilience in rural areas where resources are limited.
Shelby’s dedication is also reflected in his educational and professional achievements. He graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy at Black River Technical College with merit, holds a General Arkansas Law Enforcement Certification, and completed coursework at Arkansas State University toward a degree in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. In addition, he is an ASA Basic Life Support Instructor and a certified Stop the Bleed Instructor with the American College of Surgeons.
Through his service, leadership, and unwavering compassion, Shelby exemplifies the very best of EMS. Southern Paramedic Services is honored to recognize him as a Star of Life.