Larissa Schwerin, NREMT-P, FF1, FF2, is a Paramedic with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, preparedness, and compassionate patient care. Since beginning her EMS career in 2021, Larissa has served communities in both Michigan and Illinois, earning the respect of colleagues through her clinical expertise, professionalism, and ability to remain composed in challenging situations.

Larissa began her EMS career in Michigan, earning her Paramedic license shortly after obtaining her EMT certification. She started professionally with Universal Ambulance before joining Superior in Michigan, where she served for three years. In July 2025, Larissa transitioned to Superior’s Illinois operations, continuing to demonstrate clinical excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to the highest standards of patient care.

Before entering EMS, Larissa served in the United States Army as a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Fire Direction Specialist with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, attaining the rank of Private First Class. She was among the first female MLRS specialists in the nation and the first woman to serve in that role within her unit. Larissa was honorably discharged in 2015, carrying with her lessons in preparation, discipline, teamwork, and composure under pressure that continue to influence her work as a Paramedic.

Those qualities were on full display in July 2026 when Larissa and her EMT partner were transporting a patient who unexpectedly went into active labor. During her assessment, Larissa determined that delivery was imminent. With no additional assistance nearby and no hospital within a reasonable distance, she directed her partner to safely pull the ambulance to the side of the highway and prepared to deliver the baby.

In the back of the ambulance, Larissa remained calm, focused, and compassionate as she and her partner successfully delivered the newborn and cared for both mother and child. Faced with a rapidly evolving situation far from additional resources, Larissa relied on her training, clinical judgment, and preparation to take control of the situation and provide the care her patients needed.

From military service to emergency medicine, Larissa has consistently demonstrated the ability to serve others with courage, discipline, compassion, and professionalism. Her preparedness and composure inspire confidence among her colleagues and help ensure exceptional care for her patients. Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Paramedic Larissa Schwerin as a Star of Life.

Jessica Bertolotti, FP-C, CCEMTP, NRP, is a Critical Care Manager, flight Paramedic, educator, and EMS leader whose nearly three decades of service have been defined by clinical excellence, education, mentorship, and support for fellow EMS professionals. Jessica began her career with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance in 1997 and has served as a Critical Care Paramedic, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, Clinical Coordinator, and, since 2021, Critical Care Manager.

Today, Jessica leads the Midwest’s largest critical care transport team while supporting clinical education, staff development, operational improvement, and program growth. She has strengthened Superior’s Advanced Scope Paramedic program, developed competency-based critical care training, and served as the primary instructor for Advanced Scope Paramedic education as well as Critical Care Orientation and Onboarding. Her work has helped build collaborative relationships among Advanced Scope providers throughout the region and expanded her educational and consultative reach into Wisconsin.

Jessica also manages a specialty team supporting a pediatric critical care transport program, where Advanced Scope Paramedics and EMTs work collaboratively with a hospital-based transport team. Across these responsibilities, she combines extensive clinical experience with a passion for preparing clinicians to deliver exceptional care to some of the most critically ill and medically complex patients.

Her commitment to EMS professionals extends beyond clinical performance. Jessica leads Superior’s CARE Team, a peer-support program with members across multiple states. Recognizing that meaningful support must be both approachable and accessible, she developed a centralized website of mental health and wellness resources for Superior employees and established multiple pathways for employees to access peer support. Her work reflects a deep understanding that caring for caregivers is essential to building a strong and sustainable EMS workforce.

Jessica’s influence reaches beyond Superior through her service to the critical care and air medical communities. She has served as the Illinois representative for the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics (I-CAPP) and volunteers with E.C.H.O. (Every Coast Helicopter Operations) as Co-Director of Education, a Conference Planning Committee member, and a Peer Support Team member. Through these roles, she advances education, professional development, collaboration, and peer support for clinicians beyond her own organization.

Throughout her career, Jessica has demonstrated that exceptional EMS leadership means developing both clinical excellence and the people behind it. Her dedication to advancing critical care, educating and mentoring clinicians, and supporting the well-being of EMS professionals exemplifies the spirit of a Star of Life. Superior Air-Ground Ambulance is proud to recognize Jessica Bertolotti as a Star of Life.