Narrative

The California Ambulance Association (CAA) held it's 3rd Annual Stars of Life event at the Hyatt Hotel in Sacramento, CA., March 4-10, 2007. TheCAA's Star of Life celebration is a state program that honors dedicated ambulance service professionals from around the state. The recipients of the "Star of Life" distinction are EMT's, medics, dispatchers, or other exceptional EMS personnel that have been nominated and are being recognized for service above and beyond the call of duty, years of service, on-duty heroism, or are employee of the year for their company.

The event featured a banquet and award presentation ceremony to honor the "Stars", a tour of Capital building, and opportunities to meet with their local state assembly and state senate representatives.

On June 16, 2006, EMT Rebecca Fritzges and her partner, EMT Tim Needle responded to a traffic collision in Anaheim involving a Los Angeles Police Officer. Numerous Anaheim PD were already on scene due to an fatal TC that had occurred earlier in the day. There was a high level of anxiety on the part of the officers due in part to the severity of the injuries to “one of their own”.  Rebecca and Tim were the first EMS personnel on scene and immediately began assisting ventilations and providing spinal stabilization until arrival of the ALS engine. Their calm professionalism and expertise in managing a chaotic situation kept the scene under control and contributed to the eventual recovery of the injured officer.

Rebecca has been an EMT for 6 years and has worked for Care Ambulance for the majority of that time. In her off time she trains as a figure skater and has proudly represented the United States in numerous events.

Tim has been an EMT for 5 years, and has worked for Care Ambulance for the past 2 years. Tim plans to follow his dad and brother into the fire service. Tim enjoys the outdoors on his days off with trips to the local desert, mountains, or lakes.

On August 26, 2006, EMT Miguel Arellano and his partner, Isai Garcia, responded to a medical aid in the East Los Angeles area of Los Angeles County. The engine and squad on scene were having trouble communicating with the patient and family due to a language barrier. Miguel and Isai were able to step in and provide bi-lingual assistance enabling the paramedics on scene to perform a thorough assessment of the patient and communicate vital information to the family. Their professionalism and skills allowed for a smooth and accurate handling of the call.

Miguel is just starting his EMS career and is in his first year as an EMT, the last 8 months with Care Ambulance. He is actively pursuing enrollment into a paramedic program and on his off time enjoys reading, drawing, and sports.

Isai has been working as an EMT for 5 years and came to Care Ambulance 8 months ago. He is currently attending Cal State Long Beach, and enjoys fishing, mountain biking, and reading on his off time.

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