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Fighting Opioids from the Frontline

- (2/15/2019)

AMR Regional Director Chris Stawasz was recognized for his leadership in coordinating the emergency medical services response to the opioid crisis in the state – and underscored the importance of this life-saving initiative.

New Medevac Chopper Blessed

- (4/3/2019)

The ceremony was for REACH Air Medical Services and its helicopter, which began its official medevac work as new subcontractors for American Medical Response last week.

CAMTS Awards Full Accreditation to Air Evac Lifeteam

- (7/18/2019)

Seth Myers, president of Air Evac Lifeteam, said Air Evac was first accredited by CAMTS in 2008, and has earned continuous reaccreditation ever since.

Rural Metro Fire Captain Wins 2019 Top First Responder Award

- (11/22/2019)

Rural Metro Fire Department's Captain Martin Mendez says he knew this was his calling from the first time he shadowed a firefighter as a teenager.

Martin was a True Hero of Pandemic

- (4/27/2020)

The recent death of Southwest Mississippi paramedic David Martin is a reminder that the heroes in the face of COVID-19 extends past the emergency room doors of local hospitals.

AMR of Western New York: 2019 was Highest Year Ever for Cardiac Arrest Saves

- (5/27/2020)

American Medical Response (AMR) of Western New York announced 2019 was a record-best year for cardiac arrest survival statistics, according to the national cardiac arrest registry to enhance survival (CARES) program. Last year, AMR had its highest number of survivors from cardiac arrest.

AMR Paramedic Honored for Her Lifesaving Efforts

- (7/21/2020)

Youngstown, OH, Paramedic, Lorie Burton, was recognized by the American Ambulance Association as a 'Star of Life" for saving an 81-year-old cardic arrest patient.

AMR Paramedics Honored for Saving Lives

- (11/11/2020)

Paramedics Jennifer Hutchinson, Joao Bernardo and Nicholas Biuso received an award for their intervention and care of a patient who was suffering from a potentially deadly heart attack.

Longtime TN Firefighter Dies from COVID-19

- (1/8/2021)

John Howell Clift, a firefighter with Knoxville's Rural Metro Fire Department for more than 40 years, died Saturday after he was hospitalized with the virus in early December.

The Life of Daryl Tombs was Celebrated with a Funeral Procession

- (1/24/2021)

The funeral of Daryl Tombs, was followed by an EMS procession to the Seaman Cemetery in Savona.

Arizona Paramedic was First Inspired by Fifth Grade Teacher

- (3/3/2021)

For 23 years, Keith Lowry, paramedic for LifeLine Ambulance, has served in emergency medical services. He was first inspired to become a paramedic by his fifth-grade teacher, who was a volunteer paramedic in upstate New York.

Focusing on Today 

- (4/16/2021)

Cancer patient Charlie Moore was in the fight of his life. An emergency and a call to 911 had a profound impact on him. He credits the team at Rural Metro Fire and their quick response to helping give him another chance to focus on today. 

Baxter the Therapy Dog Provides Support to Paramedics

- (6/1/2021)

The dog is based in San Diego but was sent to assist first responders in Imperial County during a COVID-19 surge.

Finding My Voice

- (6/18/2021)

EMT Abdallah Al-Obaidi shares his journey from Iraq to Jordan to Georgia. Along the way, Al-Obaidi was thrilled to find more ways to connect with people as an EMT, first with the student-led Emory Emergency Medical Services and then with AMR.

First Responder Award Presented During Commissioners Meeting

- (7/13/2021)

The first responder commendation was presented to Miranda Hicks a paramedic with Lifeguard EMS in recognition of her outstanding contributions to providing public safety for the citizens of Brown County.

Jacob Dindinger's Family Talks About Their Loved One

- (7/23/2021)

The American Medical Response EMT was shot on July 18 in Tucson, Ariz.

The Triumph of Hope

- (8/25/2021)

It was hope, and the skill of first responders and hospital staff, that saved the life of three-year-old drowning victim Brody Drumheller.

Fire Chief Kevin Hoban Reflects on Time Volunteering at Ground Zero

- (9/11/2021)

It began like an ordinary Tuesday morning for Hoban who, at the time, was a paramedic for American Medical Response. The radio alarm clock went off. It was tuned to KLYT-FM out of Albuquerque.

Anna Blair

Navy Veteran Anna Blair was inspired to join the Navy by her grandmother, who served in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during WWII.

Joshua Phillips

The Army gave Joshua the tools and experience to effectively lead, manage and supervise.

Louis Hanssen

It was a twist of fate that led Louis Hanssen to the Navy.

Nicholas Cox

After serving 22 years in the United States Army, Cox continues to serve his community.

Peter Broda

Broda's experience in the Coast Guard prepared him for leadership in aviation.

Robert Galvin

Air Evac Lifeteam's Robert Galvin used his experice in the Army to prepare him for COVID-19 deployment in New York City.

Shawn Hunter

As an Army veteran, Shawn Hunter has worn many hats.

Amira Drakes

Amira Drakes is being honored as a Star of Life for the difficult delivery of a baby. Responding to a pregnancy call, Amira took over when the mother@s amniotic sac burst on the <b>wa</b>y to the hospital. She leapt to action. She prepared to deliver the baby then and there but realized the child@s head <b>wa</b>s stuck in the birth canal. Her training took over...

Bryan McKeon

Bryan McKeon is being honored as a Star of Life for his actions while off duty that resulted in saving a cardiac arrest victim@s life. He <b>wa</b>s at his local gym when a patient in their 70s collapsed. It <b>wa</b>s a lucky day for that patient as Bryan and an off duty San Jose Fire Department medic were close at hand. Together, they began CPR and delivered a...

Ismael Esparza

Ismael Esparza is being honored as a Star of Life for putting his own life at risk while off duty and pulling a victim from a burning car on the side of a mountain. Late one October evening, Ismael <b>wa</b>s driving down a mountain road when he saw that a car had gone off the road, flipped down the embankment on its roof, and burst into flames. He could ...

James Brodigan

James (Jim) Brodigan is being honored as a star of life for his quick actions that enabled an elderly patient to reach a local ICU. Jim <b>wa</b>s off duty pursuing his hobby when he visited the home of a man who had an old pinball machine for sale. The man suddenly paled, weakened and became short of breath. Soon, he collapsed to the floor and <b>wa</b>s unresp...

Kayla Stack

Kayla Stack is being honored as a Star of Life for her actions that saved the life of a cardiac arrest victim the week before Christmas last year. She and her partner arrived on the scene and found the patient to be pulseless and apneic. While Kayla went through the standard cardiac arrest protocols, it soon became apparent that this <b>wa</b>sn@t a stand...

Kyle Hilb

Kyle Hilb is being honored as a Star of Life for his actions that saved a 13-year-old boy who had collapsed on his middle school@s track. Kyle and his partner, Devin Schofield, were first on the scene that day, finding a school staff member performing CPR on the young patient. Kyle stepped in immediately and took over chest compressions. He began C...

Loretta Burton

Loretta (Lorie) Burton is being honored as a Star of Life for her actions that saved the life of a cardiac arrest patient in April of 2019. On that day, she and her EMT partner were called to a dental clinic parking lot where they found an 81-year-old male in cardiac arrest. With the help of her partner, Lorie began CPR and then continued ALS care ...

Sean Luce

Sean Luce is being honored as a Star of Life for his leadership and his actions in saving the life of a fall and cardiac arrest victim. Sean serves as part of RMF@s Airport Rescue Firefighting unit at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. He <b>wa</b>s the primary EMS provider during a routine response when he and his crew were dispatched to a hangar...

Courtney Tullos

Headed to work on a rural road one morning last year, Courtney saw a van hit a tree. She stopped to help and, on approaching the van, noticed smoke coming from the hood. The driver <b>wa</b>s still inside. Courtney opened the door and told the man they needed to get a<b>wa</b>y fast. It <b>wa</b>s then that Courtney saw that the man <b>wa</b>s a paraplegic who drove with han...

Elizabeth “Beth” Yancey

Beth Yancey has a unique ability to see the silver lining behind every dark cloud. Beth spent three years as a Mesa Fire Department Connector program volunteer, but a heart condition kept her from entering the fire service on a full-time basis. Beth poured her passion into EMS instead. Just a few years into her career, a serious car wreck sidelined...

Jeff Behling

Jeff Behling proved early last year that knowledge and know-how never take a day off. Jeff <b>wa</b>s at a junkyard looking for auto parts when an exhaust manifold fell onto another man. Jeff <b>wa</b>s off-duty but jumped into action. Based on the man@s color, Jeff knew the situation <b>wa</b>s serious. He determined the man had a potentially life-threatening arterial...

Kristen Casteel

Last year kept Kristen Casteel on her toes. In 2018, Kristen @ who has worked in the EMS industry for 13 years and as a paramedic for the past six @ delivered three babies in the field and successfully resuscitated four cardiac arrest patients. @ @ Though Kristen provides the same strong clinical care to each of her patients, one incident has cem...

Lynford Lewis

Mentor. Caregiver. Change agent. Those are all words used to describe Lynford Lewis. @ As a teacher, Lynford helps new team members acclimate to the EMS profession. He is respected by his peers for the <b>wa</b>y he approaches his job, cares for patients and advocates for his team. Lynford demonstrates a positive attitude and solution-focused mindset. A...

Michael Sanchez

If there were a @Mr. Greenville, Texas@ contest, Michael Sanchez would be an odds-on favorite to win it. @ Last year, Michael@s co-workers and local first responders picked him as Hunt County Fire Association@s EMT of the Year. He@s received this honor and mentorship a<b>wa</b>rd several times during his 17 years at AMR-Hunt County EMS. Michael helps or...

Peter Beemer

In April 2018, Kauai <b>wa</b>s hit by unrelenting rain. Forty-nine inches fell in 24 hours, causing devastation across the remote Ha<b>wa</b>iian island. Peter Beemer <b>wa</b>s home with his wife and three children when the storm hit. Peter <b>wa</b>s trapped behind landslides and <b>wa</b>tched his car and truck float a<b>wa</b>y in the flood <b>wa</b>ters, but that didn@t stop him from respon...

Callen Daquiaog

American Medical Response Las Vegas, Nevada (MedicWest) Callen Daquiaog is a hero and teacher among heroes. However, being the humble man that he is, he would never admit it. On October 1, 2017, he <b>wa</b>s one of many who responded to the Route 91 Festival shooting. He made life saving decisions in the face of danger. At the time, no one knew when th...

Nicole (Nicky) Androski

American Medical Response San Diego, California On May 18, 2017, Nicky and her partner, Thomas Hlava, came to stop at a traffic light. In front of them <b>wa</b>s what Nicky describes as a @very good-looking Corvette.@ As the light turned green, the Corvette started moving for<b>wa</b>rd and then quickly stopped for no apparent reason. As they were about to pa...

Brad Andrews

Brad Andrews is being honored as a Star of Life for his quick action in saving an unconscious patient in the ambulance bay of a local hospital. Brad <b>wa</b>s in the bay when a car sped in with the patient inside. After realizing the patient <b>wa</b>s nonresponsive, Brad acted immediately and began CPR. Even as hospital staff wheeled the patient into the ER, B...

All Clear Foundation awarded $2M HRSA Grant

- (2/1/2022)

All Clear Foundation was awarded a $2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support the health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers and emergency responders.

New Mexico EMT to be Honored at Annual Stars of Life Awards Ceremony

- (4/29/2022)

Jack Rathgeber is being honored for the actions he took during an off-highway rescue call to access a patient.

Hometown Hero

- (5/19/2022)

Chief Chad Curry is honored for his dedication in saving lives in Texas. His passion for the EMS industry was featured in the Lubbock paper, Senior Link.

Spring 2022 Colorado Rural School Cardiac Emergency Preparedness Webinar

- (5/25/2022)

The webinar was locally sponsored in Colorado by Global Medical Response.

Fallen EMT Honored

- (7/18/2022)

Jacob Dindinger was shot in July 2021 while responding to a call in Tucson, Arizona. He later died from his injuries.

Decatur, Macon County Announce New Ambulance Service

- (8/15/2022)

Abbott EMS/GMR was chosen, in part, due to its national recognition and level of experience.

Three Structures Destroyed in Rum Creek Fire in Oregon

- (8/31/2022)

Rural Metro Fire of Josephine County says a residence in the hills above Almeda County Park was also completely ruined by the wildfire.

The Right Place at The Right Time

- (9/9/2022)

2022 Star of Life Kyle Brule was on his way home when he saved a patient burning in a car.

Rural Metro Graduate New Class of 32 Recruits in Knoxville, TN

- (10/28/2022)

The graduating class spans three years. The graduation was for 2020, 2021 and 2022 graduates of the academy.

Pilot Identified in December Life Flight Plane Crash Off Maui

- (1/5/2023)

The pilot was among the crew of the air ambulance that went down on Dec. 15, 2022.

Effingham County Chamber Welcomes New Member, Air Evac Lifeteam

- (2/16/2023)

The Air Evac Lifeteam base in the Illinois county was welcomed by the chamber with a special plaque honoring their induction.

A Remarkable Woman

- (4/13/2023)

Paramedic Lisa LaRusso was a finalist for the Remarkable Woman Award in Los Angeles. On top of her tough but rewarding EMS career, she volunteered for multiple FEMA deployments and started a non-profit organization that teaches kids and parents about water safety.

Evansville Paramedic Supervisor Receives Award

- (5/22/2023)

James DiMarco, with American Medical Response of Evansville, was given the Indiana EMS Association's Paramedic of the Year award.

AMR Helps Connecticut Hospice Patient Get Final Wish to Visit Her Horse

- (7/11/2023)

The patient's horse, Bella, was a cherished companion for 28 years.

AEL Celebrates 25 Years of Service in Jackson, Tennessee

- (10/26/2023)

Air Evac Lifeteam started in 1985 and this was the seventh aircraft in the company and the first one in Tennessee.

Patient Thanks First Responders for Saving His Life

- (11/1/2023)

Josh Fowler of Lubbock, Texas believes he's alive today because of the medical care he received by AeroCare.

EMT's Quick Thinking Saves Lives

- (11/15/2023)

A harrowing scene was no match for the heroism displayed by EMT Hiram Sanchez.

AMR to Continue Ambulance Services on Kauai

- (12/14/2023)

The Hawaii State Department of Health says it was able to secure an extension of American Medical Response's contract through September 2024.

Zach Dayton

Zach Dayton provided immediate medical intervention for a woman and her stillborn baby, who <b>wa</b>s born in a car at a parking lot, ultimately saving the baby@s life. It happened on an afternoon in late April 2022, when Zach <b>wa</b>s <b>wa</b>lking his gurney out to the ambulance bay in Mesa. That@s when he noticed a frantic woman pounding on the glass doors of th...

Sean Fuller

Demonstrating that EMS, at times, requires more than medical intervention to save lives, Sean Fuller is being honored for his actions when dispatched to a suicide attempt. Fuller@s supervisors highlighted the humanity that Sean brought to a situation that can be tense and difficult for patients and first responders alike. Amazingly, the emotionally...

Rob Spencer

When the time to provide care at a moment@s notice came on a day in April 2022, Rob Spencer sprang into action. The call involved a young child, who had been riding on a mower when he <b>wa</b>s run over by the very vehicle he had been riding. Rob arrived to find this child still under the mower with horrific injuries. The injuries were so severe that Rob...

Rick Fikes

Rick Fikes, Abilene, Texas, In early October 2022, Rick Fikes and his partner responded to a call that a person at a group home <b>wa</b>s choking while eating a meal. Upon arriving at the scene, a firefighter with the local fire department <b>wa</b>s already visualizing the patient@s air<b>wa</b>y. The firefighter told Rick the patient@s air<b>wa</b>y <b>wa</b>s full of pasta and t...

Randall Roberson

Putting others above himself, Randall Roberson@s commitment to serving his community <b>wa</b>s on full display when historic flooding ravaged Eastern Kentucky. On one evening in late July 2022, Randall <b>wa</b>s on duty as flood <b>wa</b>ters began rising. It quickly became clear to him that it <b>wa</b>s no longer safe for his family to remain in their home. Randall@s supe...

Matthew Kohl

Matthew Kohl@s supervisors call him an ultra-professional paramedic who has rapidly risen through the ranks. In 2016, he <b>wa</b>s at the EMT level. He became AMR Evansville@s first-ever EMT level field training officer (which had been reserved for paramedics before). By 2020, he <b>wa</b>s graduating from paramedic school, with a degree, in the middle of a pan...

Karina Galvez-Martinez

For Karina Galvez-Martinez@s supervisors, there is no better epitome of providing care to the world at a moment@s notice than she. Karina, who began her career as an EMT, is now a paramedic. Her ever-increasing skills have prepared her to intervene in medical situations even while off duty. Such <b>wa</b>s the case earlier this year, when Karina <b>wa</b>s at h...

Hiram Sanchez

Hiram Sanchez demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill during a routine call that turned out to be anything but, on a night in mid-December 2022. While en route during a patient transfer, Hiram came upon a traffic collision involving three cars; no other emergency vehicles were on scene. Hiram quickly identified four patients, one who <b>wa</b>s uncon...

Brad Sparks

Brad Sparks@ commitment to safety is being credited for averting a possible unfavorable situation. During what <b>wa</b>s supposed to be a routine flight returning to base, Brad alerted the pilot that he <b>wa</b>s well below the established minimums for the instrument approach, which resulted in the pilot performing a go- around procedure and climbing out of th...

William Levi

William Levi is being honored and remembered for serving as a proud EMS professional, who helped more than 1,000 students receive scholarships through his personal work as a videographer and sports columnist. @Will,@ as he <b>wa</b>s called, had served the Las Vegas community for nearly 20 years in his professional and personal life. He is remembered for ...

Robert Sebree

Robert Sebree has saved many lives in the 25 years he has been with AMR. One of those examples happened last year. That@s when a call <b>wa</b>s made about a child who <b>wa</b>s having trouble breathing. Upon arrival, the police were on-scene trying to help the child who appeared to be choking. That@s when Robert intervened and visualized the child@s air<b>wa</b>y wit...

Nicole Piazza

Nicole Piazza is being honored for displaying great skill and calm in several pediatric cardiac arrest situations and for responding to calls even though she <b>wa</b>s off duty. In one recent event, Nicole <b>wa</b>s on her <b>wa</b>y home when she heard there <b>wa</b>s a multiple shooting in Hartford. Even though she <b>wa</b>s off duty, Nicole didn@t hesitate to go to this call,...

Mario Vialpando

Mario Vialpando is being honored for exhibiting exceptional patient care during several critical, high-profile calls. Described as a @team player@ who goes the extra mile in his job duties, Mario is praised for his skill as well as his willingness to offer extra help when the situation calls for it. In one case, Mario saved a young adult, who had s...

Kyle Brule

Kyle Brule valiantly pulled a woman to safety from a burning vehicle. It happened while he <b>wa</b>s driving home from work on an interstate. That@s when Kyle noticed traffic coming to a stop and drivers pulling off on the shoulder. Kyle then approached the incident and noticed an overturned van that <b>wa</b>s engulfed in flames. As he approached the vehicle, ...

Jacob Dindinger

Jacob Dindinger is being honored and remembered for his faithful service in EMS. His young life <b>wa</b>s cut short following a senseless and deadly shooting spree that shocked the Tucson area last summer. Jacob left us as a fallen hero, who died in the line of duty on July 30, 2021.@ For those who knew him personally, Jacob <b>wa</b>s a dedicated EMS professi...

Jack Rathgeber

Jack Rathgeber is dedicated to service, no matter where it takes him, even if it requires traveling by mule to treat a patient who suffered broken ribs and bones in a mountainous area. The situation happened while Jack <b>wa</b>s on duty as a supervisor and a call came in about a person in the mountains who had suffered trauma and <b>wa</b>s stuck in a ravine. V...

Eric Bradshaw

Eric Bradshaw saved a patient who had suffered multiple wounds. Eric and his engine company responded to a motor vehicle accident in which a patient suffered multiple and serious injuries that threatened her survival. The patient <b>wa</b>s also at risk of having her leg amputated near her hip. By providing fast, life-saving interventions, Eric managed to...

Dylan Schoch

Dylan Schoch performed life-saving techniques that saved a child who <b>wa</b>s suffering physical trauma from a vehicle accident. In 2021, Dylan <b>wa</b>s called to a motor vehicle accident on a busy stretch of a local high<b>wa</b>y. Upon completion of the initial triage, it <b>wa</b>s determined there were five patients: three adults and two children. Dylan <b>wa</b>s assigned o...

Daniel MacDowell

Daniel MacDowell demonstrates a spirit of service for others and an impeccable work ethic. One situation where that @impeccable work ethic@ <b>wa</b>s clear <b>wa</b>s a call that involved a boy who had an allergic reaction from an insect bite. At first, everyone at the scene, including the boy@s family, thought the reaction <b>wa</b>s mild and didn@t require an emerge...

Clifford Fontaine

Clifford Fontaine is being honored and remembered for providing life-saving aid to victims of a multi-vehicle crash that happened while he <b>wa</b>s on his <b>wa</b>y home from vacation. Described as @one of the most genuine and caring individuals around,@ Cliff, as he <b>wa</b>s called, began his career in EMS at MedicWest (formerly Southwest) Ambulance in 2002 as an...

House Committee Evaluates Emergency Healthcare Access

- (4/4/2024)

GMR's Dr. Ed Racht was among the EMS representatives who discussed access challenges at last month's House Hearing at GMR in Denton, Texas.

Spokane, WA Expands Access to Medical Serivces Through AMR's Nurse Navigation Program

- (6/18/2024)

The program helps free up emergency rooms by rerouting non-critical patients to other appropriate care rather than transporting them to a hospital by ambulance.

How China Teen Was Saved When Heart Failed

- (7/18/2024)

When AMR paramedic Rose Pangburn and intern Mohammed Kadid responded to a 911 call, they found college student Catherine Cai responsive but feeling dizzy and a little sick. Then they put a heart monitor on her. Her heart was failing.

Traci DeVillier

A former U.S. Coast Guard administrator is using the skills she learned in the military to manage complex projects as the top assistant with a GMR-affiliated ambulance service.

GMR Regional President Nicole A. Henricksen Receives Excellence Award at Pinnacle 2024

- (10/8/2024)

Henricksen was recognized for inspiring others in EMS and for creating an environment where others can thrive and succeed.

AMR, Other CA First Responders Successfully Deliver Baby in Back of Ambulance

- (1/30/2025)

The newborn girl was born with no complications while en route to a Southwest Riverside County hospital.

Remaining Composed Amid the Chaos

- (2/3/2025)

2024 Star of Life and California AMR Paramedic Andrew Davalos recalls that day when his EMS training was put to the test in the wake of a multi-vehicle collision.

GMR's CISO Among Winners of 2025 Dallas ORBIE Awards

- (2/21/2025)

Mark Campbell was honored with the award for his exceptional leadership in strengthening business resiliency and defending against cyber threats in North Texas.

Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook serves as the general counsel for Global Medical Response. Prior to serving in his current role, Cook <b>wa</b>s general counsel for Air Medical Group Holdings (AMGH) since July 2006. Before joining AMGH, Cook served as vice president @ general counsel for a mid-sized, publicly-traded specialty construction company based in St. Louis, Missouri...

Johan Alvarado

Johan Alvarado@s skill, EMS knowledge and fast thinking are being credited for saving the life of a patient, who <b>wa</b>s in another company@s ground ambulance when that ambulance and an 18-wheeler collided. @ @ Johan, along with Flight Nurse Juvencio Estrada, were dispatched to the scene of the accident, when they realized that one of the patients in...

Juvencio Estrada

Juvencio Estrada is being recognized for his role in saving the life of a patient, who <b>wa</b>s in another company@s ground ambulance when that ambulance and an 18-wheeler collided. @ @ Juvencio, along with Flight Paramedic Johan Alvarado, were dispatched to the scene of the accident, when they realized that one of the patients in the ambulance <b>wa</b>s ex...

Heather James

Heather James is being applauded for delivering and saving a baby, who <b>wa</b>s born pulseless while the expectant mother <b>wa</b>s being taken to the hospital.@ It happened last June when the patient began experiencing labor in the ambulance that <b>wa</b>s being driven by Heather@s partner, AEMT Amanda Owens. Heather, who successfully delivered the infant, then n...

Miki Leslie

Miki Leslie is being recognized for her actions on August 15, 2023, when a single-vehicle rollover involving two children and two adults required her skill and dedication. Miki <b>wa</b>s not even on duty but arrived on the scene before any responders because the accident occurred near her home. She immediately triaged all the patients and called first re...

Alyssa Meier

Alyssa Meier demonstrated immense courage and dedication when she put her welfare aside to care for a patient who <b>wa</b>s trapped in a burning vehicle as a result of a fiery car crash. The accident, which happened in May 2024, involved Alyssa and her partner, Eli Melamed. Once on scene, they both helped extricate the patient, who <b>wa</b>s on fire, from the ...

Eli Melamed

Eli Melamed went above and beyond when he put his own safety at risk to care for a patient who <b>wa</b>s trapped in a burning vehicle as a result of a fiery car crash. The accident, which happened in May 2024, involved Eli and his partner, Alyssa Meier. Once on scene, they both helped extricate the patient, who <b>wa</b>s on fire, from the driver@s side of the ...

Lance Smeal

Lance Smeal is being recognized for his patient care and people skills, treating a toddler while comforting the patient@s brother. The more-than-30-year veteran responded to a 911 call where the child <b>wa</b>s having difficulty breathing. Lance treated the patient with his usual speed and skill but also took the time to calm and reassure the older sibli...

Raquel Soto

Raquel Soto is being recognized for her life-saving interaction with a suicidal patient. She and her partner, Ho<b>wa</b>rd Freeman, were the first to arrive on-scene for the call. An adult male <b>wa</b>s standing atop an eight-story parking structure indicating an intention to jump. Raquel made her <b>wa</b>y to the roof to establish contact with the patient and quic...

Shane Terry

An AEL veteran for nearly 20 years, Shane Terry is an expert in his field, commended for his ability to quickly discern a patient@s condition and provide the appropriate care and intervention. That expertise <b>wa</b>s particularly noted on two occasions: one involving a former AEL team member and the other, a child.@ The first incident happened while Sh...

Andrew Varela

Andrew Varela is being recognized for his overall dedication to the EMS industry as exemplified in two specific emergency responses in 2023. First, Andrew@s unit responded to a young boy who <b>wa</b>s riding his scooter and had a sudden cardiac event causing him to go into arrest. He and his partner quickly took over CPR from the responding fire departme...