Darlene Hawkins

For Darlene Hawkins, her 33-year-long emergency medical services (EMS) career has been defined by growth, service and purpose, reflecting what is possible at Global Medical Response (GMR).

What first inspired Darlene to enter the EMS field was a personal experience that still fuels her passion today. Her mother was battling cancer and required long-distance ambulance transport. The compassion shown by the interfacility transport (IFT) crew left a lasting impression, sparking Darlene’s desire to provide the same level of care and reassurance to others.

She dedicated more than two decades to serving as a paramedic and inevitably caught the attention of the local American Medical Response (AMR)—a GMR solution—operating in Southwest Mississippi. Darlene's compassionate yet meticulous approach to patient care closely reflected AMR’s mission to care for patients, families and communities when it matters most, at a moment’s notice.

Darlene has been with AMR for 8 years now and holds the dual roles of paramedic and field training officer, because her wealth of knowledge and field experience shines brightest at the front of the classroom.

“Each role offers an opportunity to grow professionally while making a broader impact, and yet the skills that matter most remain consistent,” Darlene explains. “Whether by delivering patient care, mentoring new clinicians or helping shape the future workforce of EMS, my commitment—and GMR’s commitment—is to internal development, which is made possible by exploring new paths while staying rooted in the mission.”

It is her belief that communication, professionalism and compassion are essential at every level of EMS, and we couldn’t agree more. At GMR, these are the values we aim to reinforce across all roles, providing employees with tools to succeed in leadership, continued education or fieldwork. Thank you, Darlene, for personifying each trait and demonstrating what it means to be a lifelong EMS professional.