News

Nicholas Florio
Emergency Medical Technician, Field Training Officer
Ambitrans

Nicholas “Nick” Florio is one of Ambitrans’ most valued Emergency Medical Technicians and Field Training Officers. He consistently goes above and beyond in his role, dedicating himself to mentoring new employees and ensuring they enter the field with the knowledge, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed. Nick is widely regarded as a “go-to” Field Training Officer because of his patience, steady leadership, and ability to lead by example.

Nick has played a critical role in supporting Ambitrans’ major operations, including COVID-19 deployments and hurricane response efforts. In these high-pressure environments, he has demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to patient care and crew safety. His calm presence and reliability have made him a trusted resource during times of operational strain.

In addition to disaster response, Nick has been instrumental in the safe and compassionate transport of Ambitrans’ most vulnerable patients through NICU operations. Working closely with hospital partners, he ensures that every pediatric transport is handled with meticulous attention, clinical excellence, and empathy for patients and families alike.

Nick Florio’s dedication to education, disaster response, and pediatric care reflects the very best of emergency medical services. His professionalism and commitment make him an outstanding ambassador for Ambitrans and the EMS profession. Ambitrans is proud to recognize Nicholas Florio as a Star of Life.

Heather Eldridge

Paramedic
E-Care Ambulance

Heather Eldridge is a Paramedic who exemplifies the heart of emergency medical services through compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. She joined E-Care Ambulance near the beginning of its operations, when the organization was still establishing its culture and standards. From the outset, Heather brought experience, confidence, and dignity to every call, helping shape the foundation of the service and setting a powerful example of what exceptional care looks like.

Heather is consistently recognized by patients, families, and facility staff for her thoughtful approach, calming presence, and genuine bedside manner. She is known for her ability to communicate clearly, advocate effectively, and help patients feel safe and respected during moments of vulnerability. In emotionally charged or chaotic situations, Heather brings reassurance and stability, offering not only clinical skill but meaningful human connection.

One of Heather’s most impactful moments involved her care for a patient facing a difficult cancer journey. The patient was fearful and struggling with a profound loss of dignity, uncertain about what lay ahead. Heather took the time to slow down, listen, and remain present at the bedside. She stayed longer than required to ensure the patient felt comfortable, supported, and respected. Drawing from her own personal experiences with illness, Heather was able to build trust and offer understanding, restoring the patient’s confidence and easing a moment of deep fear.

The impact of Heather’s care was so significant that both the sending facility and the patient’s family contacted E-Care Ambulance directly to express their gratitude. While EMS often highlights high-acuity, life-threatening calls, Heather’s work is a reminder that emotional well-being, dignity, and compassion are equally vital to a patient’s experience and recovery.

Heather Eldridge consistently brings her best to every patient, regardless of circumstance, and remains a steadfast advocate for compassionate care. E-Care Ambulance is proud to recognize Heather Eldridge as a Star of Life.

Alyssa Drew

Critical Care Paramedic
American Medical Response – Tampa

Alyssa Drew began her career in emergency medicine in a Level II emergency department, where she served as an Emergency Medical Technician and built a strong clinical foundation in a high-acuity environment. This early experience instilled in her a deep respect for teamwork, clinical precision, and the responsibility of caring for patients during their most critical moments.

Seeking to broaden her impact, Alyssa transitioned into prehospital emergency services in the St. Louis area, working as an EMT within a busy 911 system. There, she refined her ability to deliver decisive, compassionate care in unpredictable field conditions. These experiences solidified her passion for emergency medical services and inspired her to pursue her Paramedic certification and an expanded clinical role.

After relocating to Tampa, Florida, Alyssa joined American Medical Response, where she continues to serve her community as a Paramedic. She provides high-quality care across both emergency 911 response and interfacility transport, treating patients across all levels of acuity. Her work is marked by strong collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and a consistent focus on patient-centered care.

Throughout her career, Alyssa has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clinical excellence, and an unwavering belief that every patient deserves skilled, respectful, and compassionate care. Her journey in emergency medical services has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, and she remains honored to serve her community through this vital profession.

Hermelinda Correa
Critical Care Paramedic
American Medical Response Miami-Dade County

Hermelinda Correa has served American Medical Response for the past five years and is widely respected for her clinical excellence, leadership, and dedication to patient care. She began her EMS career as an Emergency Medical Technician and quickly advanced through the ranks, earning her Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic certifications and serving as a Field Training Officer. Her rapid progression reflects both her strong work ethic and her commitment to the highest standards of emergency medical services.

Hermelinda’s professionalism and selflessness were exemplified when she came upon a severe motorcycle-versus-vehicle collision while off duty and en route to work. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she immediately stopped to render aid, taking control of a chaotic scene and providing critical assistance to the injured motorcyclist. Upon the arrival of fire department personnel, Hermelinda continued to support patient care and scene management until an ambulance arrived to transport the patient for definitive treatment.

Hermelinda’s willingness to act without hesitation—despite being off duty—demonstrates her unwavering commitment to helping others. Her calm composure, courage, and selflessness reflect the very best qualities of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Hermelinda Correa as a Star of Life.

Philip Cook
Critical Care Paramedic
Esambia County EMS

Phillip Cook began his EMS career with Escambia County EMS in 2008 as an Emergency Medical Technician. He became a Paramedic in 2012 and advanced to Critical Care Paramedic in 2015. Early in his career, Phillip was awarded a letter of congressional recognition for excellence in emergency medical services.

In 2017, Phillip served as a Pediatric Critical Care Transport Paramedic with Lifeguard Ambulance Service, where he gained extensive experience caring for critically ill and injured pediatric and neonatal patients. His leadership abilities led to his promotion to Assistant Operations Manager in 2020. He later worked as a Paramedic and Pediatric Trauma Team member at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital and Studer Family Children’s Hospital, participating on the rapid response team before returning full time to Escambia County EMS in 2024.

Phillip’s advanced training and clinical expertise were exemplified during a high-risk interfacility transport of a critically injured 15-year-old trauma patient requiring emergent surgical care. With air transport unavailable due to severe weather and no other agencies able to complete the transfer, Phillip and his partner accepted the mission without hesitation. During the extended ground transport, the patient rapidly deteriorated, requiring blood administration, a needle decompression, medication infusions, and continuous reassessment. Phillip made the critical decision to divert for stabilization before resuming transport to definitive care, where a trauma team was prepared to continue life-saving treatment. The patient ultimately survived and was discharged for continued care.

Throughout the incident, Phillip also served as a calm and steady mentor to his partner, who was new to EMS, providing leadership and reassurance during an extremely high-acuity situation. His clinical skill, decisive judgment, and commitment to both patient care and team support directly contributed to a successful outcome.

Phillip Cook exemplifies the highest standards of emergency medical services through his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those he serves. Escambia County EMS is proud to recognize Phillip Cook as a Star of Life.

Logan Ayala
Emergency Medical Technician
Ambitrans

Logan Ayala has been a valued member of the Ambitrans team since January 2024. He began his career with the organization as an ambulance driver and quickly distinguished himself through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to patient care. While working full time, Logan successfully completed EMT school, demonstrating both perseverance and a strong desire to grow within the EMS profession.

Throughout his journey, Logan has consistently displayed a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and genuine compassion for the patients he serves. He is widely respected and well-liked by coworkers and supervisors alike, many of whom actively seek to work alongside him because of his reliability, teamwork, and calm presence. Ambitrans has received multiple compliments from facility staff and patients praising Logan’s friendly demeanor and the compassionate care he provides.

Logan has a natural ability to put patients and families at ease, even during stressful and emotionally challenging situations. His professionalism and empathy reflect the very best qualities of emergency medical services and leave a lasting impression on those he serves.

Through his commitment to growth, patient-centered care, and pride in serving his community, Logan Ayala exemplifies the promise and future of EMS. Ambitrans is proud to recognize Logan Ayala as a Star of Life.

The Senate has made progress towards ending the government shutdown. The Senate, by a vote of 60 to 40, invoked cloture on consideration of the House-passed Continuing Resolution after an agreement was reached yesterday with eight Senate Democrats on replacement language, which the Senate will vote on next.

On our specific issues, the language would do the following:
1. Extend the temporary Medicare ambulance add-ons payments through January 30, 2026
2. Prevent PAYGO cuts to Medicare providers and suppliers from H.R. 1
3. Extend Medicare sequestration provider cuts for another month

We will keep you posted on new developments.

On August 5, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added a link on its website to its revised Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) Form and the associated instructions.  There are no substantive changes being proposed to the ABN Form.  Rather, the changes were limited to what CMS called “plain language and information design” changes.  These changes were recommended by the CMS Office of Communications, and reflect current best practices to ensure that forms and instructions are clear and easily understood by both health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries.

The ABN Form is used to inform Medicare beneficiaries of their potential financial liability under specific conditions.  The ABN Form is required whenever a health care provider or supplier has reason to believe that a particular item or service will not be covered under Medicare Program rules for that beneficiary on that particular date.  The ABN is intended to permit the beneficiary to make an informed decision on whether to receive the item or services under the circumstances.

The ABN is not required for denials of coverage that are based on a lack of medical necessity or other statutory coverage exclusion.  The ABN is only required when a denial is based on the item or service not being “reasonable and necessary to the treatment of the patient.”  As a result, the ABN form is rarely required for ground ambulance services.  

The revised form is currently pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget.  Once approved, CMS will formally announce both the effective date (expected to be February 1, 2026) and future expiration date for the revised ABN Form.  Until further notice, AAA members should continue to use the current ABN Form.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Jose Vasquez, Paramedic Supervisor
ATI Ambulance 

Jose Vasquez embarked on his EMS career in 2002, beginning with Toa Baja EMS in Puerto Rico, where he served for eight years. During his time there, he gained invaluable experience in both 911 emergency services and interfacility transportation, ultimately rising to the rank of acting supervisor.

In 2010, Jose transitioned to Bayamon EMS, continuing his dedication to providing critical 911 and interfacility services to his community. In 2013, Jose and his family relocated to Florida, and in 2017, he began working for Positive Medical Transport on a critical care transport unit, further expanding his expertise. In 2022, Jose joined ATI Ambulance, where he quickly distinguished himself by providing both ALS and critical care transports. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him a promotion to field training officer (FTO), and soon after, he was promoted to assistant operations supervisor.

Today, Mr. Vasquez continues to deliver outstanding care to patients and provides invaluable leadership and mentorship to the ATI team, embodying the qualities of commitment, expertise, and service that define a true EMS professional.

2025 Florida Ambulance Association Star of Life
Titi Toporas, Critical Care Paramedic
American Medical Response – Broward 

Titi Toporas is a highly skilled and dedicated critical care transport (CCT) Paramedic with American Medical Response (AMR), where he has been delivering exceptional care since January 2007. His extensive certifications, including BLS, ACLS, CPR, AED, PALS, and CCT, underscore his comprehensive training and ability to manage a wide range of medical emergencies.

Throughout his career, Titi has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care. His previous role as a field training officer allowed him to mentor new paramedics, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help them develop into confident and capable medics.

Titi's contributions to the emergency medical field have been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting his dedication and outstanding performance. These honors include:

• Employee of the Month Award (2007)
• Commitment to Excellence Award (2007)
• Broward Health Salutes Our Heroes Award (2008)
• Recognition for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence Award (2009)
• Star Performer Award (2012)
• Employee of the Month Award (2018)