Global Medical Response, a company that provides a variety of services in the medical services industry, has announced the recipients of this year’s Stars of Life Award, recognizing exceptional contributions of first responders to the Emergency Medical Services industry.
Global Medical Response has selected 33 honorees nationwide, who have “demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to their work and made significant impacts at their respective operations and in their communities.”
Brookings own Aubree Arneson, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, with Cal-Ore Life Flight/REACH Air Medical Services, has been selected as one on the 33 honorees, and will be honored at the American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Washington in Washington D.C November 10th thru 13th.
A life saving situation at a local gym while off duty initiated Aubree’s being nominated by her supervisor, Cary Hill.
Talking with Aubree, she told the Compass “It’s very humbling to have received such recognition after being nominated, and this has been a very special experience.”
“I had just gotten off work that morning and went to the gym. During the last ten minutes of my workout, I heard a crash and looked up and saw that a man had collapsed off of a nearby machine.” she told the Compass.
“I checked for a pulse and asked a bystander to call 911 and retrieved a nearby Automated External Defibrillator,” a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal.
“Soon after I began chest compressions a gym employee, Bryan Holmes, came to aid this gentleman as well.” she said. “While still communication with 911 we attached the Automated External Defibrillator and as instructed, delivered a shock, restoring the man’s heartbeat.”
We asked Aubree what she was feeling after the incident, “I felt a sense of disbelief that I happened to be there at that time,” she said, “I do my best to adhere to a more strict schedule, ensuring that I get to the gym right after work, but I had many things come up that day that delayed me getting there at my usual time. I also felt a sense of teamwork from those people I had never spoken to, that jumped in to help if we needed anything.”
“These outstanding first responders personify some of the greatest values of the EMS industry, such as commitment to patient care, integrity and compassion,” said Nick Loporcaro, president and CEO of Global Medical Response. “It is an honor to recognize them for their sacrifice, skill and continual pursuit of excellence.”
