Gold Stars of Life

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	Southern Tier Regional Emergency Medical Services Council

To nominate someone for a Gold Star of Life, click here

Recipients:

	Rick Churches and Shirley Churches of Odessa Rescue. Schuyler Ambulance EMT-P S. Copp Jr., and EMT D. Mahnke responded with Odessa Rescue to a 3-year-old patient who had been run over by a riding lawn mower with amputation of right leg. Ambulance crew arrived on scene and found patient in care of EMTs. Patient was calm as could be. Rescue had bleeding controlled, patient ready for transport. Rescue crew was calm, working very hard with patient's mother, scene was very calm and patient care not delayed at all. Hats off to the rescue crew keeping calm, which helped in patient receiving care needed.

	Larry States, Mel Horton, Mike Antonio of Monterey Rescue responded to assist ambulance with full arrest. Patient was being transported when pt went into full arrest, requested rescue. When they arrived they assisted without hesitation. Thank you!
	Mike Mullen of Big Flats Fire Department responded to a man down. This new EMT arrived on scene under 2 minutes to find the patient with no pulses and not breathing. Mike was able to successfully establish an airway and provide CPR until other units arrived on scene and assumed care. Because of Mike's initial actions, this man is continuing his recovery.
	Doug Reed and Dan Moore of Rural Metro, for a CPR save. Patient in full cardiac arrest, was bagged and CPR started. Patient regained pulse with assisted ventilation. Patient was talking prior to transport.
	Ryan Barker and James Page of Erway Ambulance. Had a medical patient in complete heart block, kidney failure and hypoglycemic, who went into cardiac arrest. With the paramedics' quick thinking he saved the patient's life.
	Robert Hollister, Joe Hawkins, Donna Tuite of Rural Metro for saving the life of a 5-month-old peds code. The child is alive due to these dedicated people.
	Steuben County Sheriffs Deputy Richard Lock was the first person responding to a 12-year-old pediatric code in Prattsburgh and shocked the patient with the AED he carried in his squad car. Because of Deputy Lock's training and bravery, this patient is alive today.
	Dan Moore, Candy Reynolds, Rich Alred, Mike Ahrens, Dominic Insogna, Casey Schooley, Pete Johnson, Mike Mullen, Carol Christian, Marty VanderGrinten, Big Flats Fire Department. On June 25, 2006, they responded to a cardiac arrest call, and found the patient not breathing, and no pulses. They started life saving measures of breathing and chest compressions. The AED was set up and put into use. With their efforts, and that of the responding ambulance, they were able to get pulses back with slight airway exchange, and transport the patient to the hospital. The patient did not ultimately survive, but the care given by the first responders helped for a short time and proves that early response does work, and training pays off.
	Jim Page, Michelle McCormick and David McCormick, Bath Ambulance, for assisting and delivering premature twins.
	Sam Stetter, Donna Tuite, Ed Tuite, Rural Metro & Bath Ambulance. On June 26, 2005, my mother fell down a flight of stairs. She was found several hours later, semi-conscious at the foot of the stairs. After calling 911 my father called me and I went to the scene. The Bath Ambulance crew, consisting of Bob & Donna Tuite, and the ALS unit staffed by Sam Stetter, performed their duties wiht speed, professionalism and unwavering focus on patient care. My mother is alive today due in part to their actions that morning. D. Dowdle
	Dave Schlicher, Keith Caslin, Judson Smith, Schuyler Ambulance and Watkins Glen Fire Department. We believe the swift and competent action performed on Robert Koenig on 8-17-05, approximately 1:30 PM, in Watkins Glen Gorge Park, possibly saved his life. Elaine Koenig.
	Patti Gressel, STREMS Council. Patti has actively served on the Training Committee of STREMS for the past several years. In this timespan she has played an active role in the development and activation of emergency medical updates identified by the Quality Improvement Committee and STREMAC. She never waits to be asked to assist in projects but many times takes the lead and gets things done.. Thank you, Patti for your interest... than you for your participation... thank you for assisting in advancing education within the EMS ranks.
	Melanie Barnes & David Schlicher, Schuyler Ambulance. EMT Melanie Barnes and Paramedic David Schlicher responded to a reported 78 year old patient unresponsive. On arrival they found CPR in progress. With local rescue squad providing BLS care, Schlicher and Barnes completed ACLS interventions and were successful–presenting a patient to the ER with return of spontaneous circulation.
	Dave Mahnke, Jim Austin, Mike Moore, Sam Hollister, Eric Ribble, Chris Ribble, Addison Ambulance. These six responded as mutual aid for Tuscarora, to a 2-patient MVA with a patient ejection. The patient was a critically injured male with head and neck injuries, later diagnosed with 3 neck fractures. Due to excellent BLS intervention, and more than 30 days in the hospital, this patient is neuro intact and has a prognosis of a full recovery.
	Brian Brantner, Schuyler Ambulance. Brian spent hours setting up a very difficult transport for a patient weighing between 800-1000 pounds. This patient needed a facility equipped to accommodate a person of this size but also a specially-equipped ambulance to transport him. Brian spent house after his shift was over, setting all of this upwith numerous phone calls to agencies and hospitals. The transport was set up for hte following day at 1PM. Brian, after working his overnight at his regular employer, returned ot the patient's residence to ensure that everything went smoothly with this transport. He then returned to the station to document all of these activities in a three-page PCR.
	Kathy Lunney: On June 14, 2004 Kathy took time from her busy schedule at Corning Hospital to organize a debriefing for Wellsburg Fire Department. Kathy responded to a call for an urgent need to organize a critical incident stress response from Tri-County CISM Team. With several team members obligated to their employment and several out of town, Kathy managed to assemble a team and respond to this need. Hats off to her and Michelle Meyer, (from Steuben Mental Health and a Tri-County team member also).
	Mary Ann Klee and George Welch: Chaplains at St. Joseph's Hospital and Tri-County CISM Team members, for their many hours of reponse as Critical Incident Stress Debriefers during the week of June 13, 2004. They both responded in many different ways to the needs of the family and responders to the drowning of an 11 year old child. Their actions certainly helped all who they came into contact with.
	Wellsburg FD: Special thanks and congrats to the Wellsburg Fire Dept. for a job well done on the cardiac arrest save on Lower Maple Ave., 7/10/04. Your assistance with treatment as well as your help with the family during the cardiac arrest was vital to the save. Mike, Dickie, Larry, Les, You guys are great!! Thanks for your quick response and professionalism. It's always a pleasure to work with you guys!
	Tina Goodwin: Tina Goodwin has "stepped up to the plate" during a very difficult transitional period in which we lost a close friend and CIC - Mr. Yonkin. Tina stepped into his class and took over the reins during a very difficult period. She conducted herself professionally and with compassion. Tina has consistently proven herself to be a knowledgeable and effective CIC. Thank you Tina for being there when our EMS community needed you.
	Renee Saltsman, Pulteney Ambulance: On 9/17/04 Renee was driving down I86 and came upon an MVA that had just happened. She had only been an EMT for 7 months but her training kicked in. She immediately started CPR on a young female who was critical with extensive trauma. She never stopped CPR until [Bath Ambulance] took over as the responding EMS crew. She then stayed to help load patients and asked if she should ride along for extra help - which we gladly accepted. Renee remained calm and level-headed throughoutthe entire experience and should be very proud of her own actions. Thank you, Renee, for that day and for volunteering your time and life-saving measures on that day and hopefully many more in your very bright future.
	Tom Allen and Joe Morey - for making difficult decisions quickly and efficiently on the scene of a home delivery on Monday, April 19th. Tom had several difficult choices to make rapidly and thanks to his training and years of experience, he weighed all his options and made those choices in a stressful situation. Thanks to his quick decision making and with Joe's help, both mother and baby are doing fine.
	Maryann Sweely and Kathy Lunney - Maryann Sweely and Kathy Lunney assisted us during a very difficult time when our corps experienced the death of a fellow firefighter and friend this past year. Their Critical Stress assistance helped our entire corps discuss, feel, and get through a tremendusly difficult period. Thank you for being there for all of us when we needed you.
	Michael Johnson - Dedication on cardiac arrests on 2/6/04 and 2/8/04. Very helpful in actions, willingot assist and initiate the appropriate care, without hesitation.
	Rick Kimball - For going above and beyond the call of duty. Recently we had an elderly gentleman in St. Joseph's ER with a disabled wife at home. Rick made sure the wife was being cared for by a neighbor and stayed with the patient in the ER while his arm was being sutured. He returned the patient to his home so he could continue caring for his wife. The patient could have had to wait an extended amountof time to return home and care for his wife without the caring and concern shown by Rick.
	Tompkins Corners Fire Department - On January 24, 2004 the Tompkins Corners Fire Department responded to an EMS call in the northern most part of their district and the very northern most area of Chemung County. Weather and road conditons, along with the distance to the scene, delayed the arrival of ALS to the scene. I feel Chief Michael Foster and the members who were there did an OUTSTANDING job doing CPR and BLS protocols for what must have seemed like forever until the ALS crew arrived on scene. Although the outcome was not favorable they need to be commened for their efforts to save this patient's life.
	Dave Forester - On December 5, 2003, Dave Forester responded with ALS 102 to a MVC on Mount Washington, the call came in as a rollover with ejection, possible DOA. Thanks to the fast response and treatment of Dave, not only was it not a DOA, but the patient is expected to make a full recovery. I would like Dave to be recognized for this and the other fine work he does as a paramedic.
	Ed & Donna Tuite, Dave & Mickey McCormick - I would like to recognize the members of the Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps. who responded to a MVC on Mount Washington on December 5, 2003. Thanks to Ed and Donna Tuite and Dave and Mickey McCormick for their speedy response and dedicated efforts to save a patient that was originally presumed to be DOA. The patient is expected to make a full recovery and his care at Robert Packer Hospital was made possible in part by these individuals.
	Tammy Lynn Faulkner - Tammy is an excellent clinical student. She is always ready to do minor tasks or to become involved in major messes. Tammy assisted me during a challenging patient's care on 12/21/03, the situation became quite tense and threatening. She was supportive to this grateful RN and she was not bashful about supporting me in front of many aggressive and loud family members. She observes well, asks pertinent questions and is not shy about becoming deeply involved in a patient's care (no matter how dirty she might become). Thank you Tammy, you are an excellent example of a patient advocate and supportive co-worker.
	Sean Connelly- Exemplary performance in a difficult resuscitation effort
	Michael Rima- Exemplary performance in a difficult resuscitation effort
	David Ripley- Exemplary performance in a difficult resuscitation effort.
	Jordan Roth- Exemplary performance in a difficult resuscitation effort.
	Todd Taggert- Todd found Great-Grandfather that fell off a ladder. Todd called of the ambulance, and guided the ambulance into the scene. I feel that Todd was a huge asset to his Great-Grandfather.
	Mike Moore, Robert Hollister, Sam Hollister- Cardiac arrest save!
	John Hand- Cardiac arrest save!!
	Tom Jerzak- Tom made an incredibly difficult - and correct - decision during the care of a 23-month-old girl with airway obstruction. He recognized the danger of attempting this extraction in the field and proved "less is more" proving "a bad airway is better than no airway at all." He deserves special recognition!
	Judy Blair- Judy has been a mainstay in the STREMS organization for many years. Her knowledge and expertise in the organizational as well as operational aspects of STREMS is both admirable and essential. She is an excellent resource for me as a Course Sponsor. She consistently responds to my requests on a very timely basis. Thank you Judy for your help, your guidance but most of all your dedication to the operation of Emergency Services county-wide.
	James Allington- Came in on his day off to do a news story on the automated CPR/ACLS system. Above & beyond!
	Valois-Logan-Hector Ambulance- V-L-H Fire/Rescue responded to a full arrest, rushed out onto the dock with equipment in hand, only to have a 20 foot section of the dock collapse under them. Unwilling to give up, they took a swim and managed to get to the patient. They applied an AED and delivered 2 shocks. When the machine gave a "no shock" advisory, the confirmed pulselessness and resumed CPR while a boat was summoned. The patient was brought to shore with CPR continuing. When care was transferred to Schuyler Ambulance, the patient had regained spontaneous circulation and agonal respirations. With all the adversity these people faced that night, they managed to stay focused and refused to give up. They provided us with a viable patient and are an example of how the Chain of Survival is meant to work.
	Tom Adrignola AEMT-CC, Jeff Clawson AEMT-CC, Allen Davis AEMT-I, DonDuVall, EMT-P- Schuyler Ambulance provided advanced life support for V-L-H Fire/Rescue a the scene of a cardiac arrest. Initial assessment found the patient to be regaining adequate circulation with agonal respirations. IV therapy was quickly established and ETT was attempted (unsuccessfully). Ventilations continued and the patient was transported to Schuyler Hospital. The crew presented a patient with strong radial pulses and adequate oximetry to the waiting staff, and as soon as the airway was secured, transported to AOMC with manual ventilation continuing.
	Schuyler Hospital ED Staff- For their dedication and support. They continue to provide us with prompt medical control, they are always willing to answer questions and to help us improve our skills, and they consider ambulance staff as part of "the team".
	Hector Fire Rescue Ambulance- The Hector FD/Rescue Squad/Ambulance service is comprised of many dedicated volunteers. During arecent EMS activity with this group of volunteers I was amazed to see the dedication, the caring, the compassion and the expertise represented throughout this fine organization. Accolades to all of this Department's members for their professional as well as compassionate representation of our EMS team.
	Megan Read- On April 7, 2003, Megan came to AOMC ED with two major trauma patients by mechanism and by injuries; both patients with multiple injuries. Job well done.
	Sarah Burgess- Sarah continually shows an outstanding positive attitude, excellent clinical skills and judgment. Sarah is an awesome example of a committed EMS professional.
	Montour Falls Rescue- For the number of EMS calls this agency responds to each year, I would like to recognize the very significant efforts put forth by these very special and dedicated, trained, pre-hospital emergency caregivers. This agency is, day in and day out, very motivated and respond quickly to people who are sick and injured in their community and to other agencies, when needed for assistance. They have also decreased the on-scene time for ambulances because of the completed assessments and having the patients packaged when necessary upon ambulance arrival. These individuals should have the recognition for their service, and the leadership put forth for their department and community, and always being there and ready when the time of response is requested. This EMS agency has an excellent group of dedicated EMS individuals.
	Montour Falls Fire Dept- Answering 361 calls for 2002 and with this call volume they never missed a beat, even if you don't read our PCRs.
	Ryan Barker- Assisting Montour Falls Fire/Rescue at an EMS call while in the area.
	JR Miller- JR is a Medic with ALS 102, he just recently was named Supervisor at Rural Metro and this is very well earned. JR also teaches EMT courses, PALS, ACLS and neo-natal courses in his "spare" time. JR is also very kind to every patient and calms them easily. He is great to work with and an asset to EMS.
	Sean Mitchell- Sean is an excellent EMT-P, very caring, very educated and calm in all types of situations. Today he went with Bath Ambulance for a call, when no one else was available, after working 24 hours, and stated "I can't let someone suffer when I can help."
	Judy Briem- For her continued "above and beyond work" with EMS quality improvement at the Arnot Ogden medical Center. Judy prepares all of the QI PCRs every month, saving a lot of time in our office. She took this responsibility on herself and is gratefully appreciated!
	Guy Rogers & Crew- Patient coded shortly after arrival to St. Joseph's ED on 3/8/03. EMS personnel stayed to assist with CPR and intubation. It was appreciated by the entire 3-11 shift.
	George Reese- A truly dedicated Volunteer, Mr. George Reese of the Webbs Mills Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Reese has served since 1933 (70 years) of ACTIVE service in Emergency Medical Services. He has served as Assistant Chief for 27 years and is now an active member of the department's Fire Police. Let us all take this opportunity to commend Mr. George Reese for his dedication, his commitment, his passion and his presence as an Emergency Service Volunteer over these past 70 years. Thank you Mr. Reese for all you have given to your department, for all you have given to your community you have served.
	Donna Campbell- Donna is a very caring EMT and Paramedic. She works at Rural Metro but gives up her time off to volunteer at a BLS corps. She always smiles and her patients love her. The ER nurses enjoy seeing her come to work.
	Tom Jerzak- So helpful when he comes to the ER at Arnot. Smiles, and ready to help when staff needs assistants.
	Daryl Tombs- Daryl "just can't get enough," he works as an EMT-P and volunteers at Bath Ambulance as a BLS-EMT. He is always fixing what's broken and never complains when asked to do so. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to patient care. He has had 1 CPR save in 2002 and is very compassionate to family, patients, and hospital staff.
	Kathy Lunney and Dr. Seaman- The STREMS region owes a huge THANK YOU to Kathy Lunney and Dr. Seaman for their efforts in making our region so well prepared to respond to terrorism. Their timely course in WMD and their dedication to presenting all the classes has prepared our region for the unthinkable, probably well ahead of other areas.
	Jim Kintz- The Gold Stars of Life Award did not exist per se at a time when Jim Kintz was an "angel" helping to arrange the transport of my wheelchair bound mother. So "better late than never" I would like to acknowledge him for his help. Jim is never too busy to get involved to help with any situation, thanks, Jim.
	Maryann Sweely- Maryann has been the organizer extraordinaire, for the TRI-County CISM Team. Maryann spends countless hours entering our info into the computer, keeping excellent statistics, and demographic info about our team. She frequently is "out in the trenches" doing critical incident management, always enthusiastic, but most of all with the true interest of the provider at hand. Thanks Maryann for a job well done.
	Larry Yonkin- Larry has been actively involved in EMS for over 20 years. As an active member of the Gang Mills Fire Department, Larry has provided excellent leadership for his colleagues, and skilled and knowledgeable care for his patients. As a CIC his demonstrated prowess in the educational arena is evidenced by his "over capacity" classes and student grades. We are indeed fortunate to have Larry Yonkin as an active and dedicated member of our EMS family.
	Gene Buchanan- Gene is very good to the senior population that I work with. He is patient, understanding and truly cares for his patients. It is a pleasure working alongside of someone like Gene. Thanks!
	Mr. Ronald H. Kintz- For his enduring support, participation, loyalty and first and foremost his knowledgeable leadership of STREMS for more than a decade.

To nominate someone for a Gold Star of Life, please contact the STREMS office (607-732-2354 ex 8) for a Gold Star postcard to fill out, or print out this one, or send us an e-mail, listing the recipient's name, agency, their action or behavior accomplished, and your name.

Southern Tier Regional Emergency Medical Services Council