Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Heather James, an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) with American Medical Response (AMR) in Lagrange, was named one of 33 Global Medical Response (GMR) Stars of Life. The Stars of Life program honors EMS first responders who have completed extraordinary acts of service for their patients, colleagues, communities or the EMS profession. Honorees from across the country will be recognized at the American Ambulance Association (AAA) Stars of Life Awards Ceremony, in Washington, D.C. November 10-13.

“This award is among the highest honors an EMS professional can receive,” said Jason Lawson, operations manager for AMR. “Heather is a dedicated AEMT who goes out of her way to make sure all of her patients get the critical care they need; she truly deserves this recognition.” Blanton was nominated for safely delivering a baby in an ambulance while the mother was being transported to the hospital, and for resuscitating the baby, who was born pulseless.

James said she is excited to be honored as one of the 2024 Stars of Life.

“I feel grateful for receiving this recognition for doing something I love, which is providing emergency medical care for the members of my community,” she said. “And in the case of that mother and her newborn, I’m so glad I was able to care for both of them and experience the outcome that we did.”

Each GMR Star of Life represents an incredible story of service and dedication in every area of the EMS industry and is selected by their peers in an extensive nomination process.

Nick Loporcaro, President and CEO of GMR said, “Our Stars are all exceptional EMS professionals who are very deserving of this important recognition. They represent the thousands of GMR first responders who have committed to a profession of service to others. On behalf of all GMR team members, we send our sincerest congratulations and appreciation to all our 2024 Stars.”