American Ambulance Association to Honor Stellar Examples of EMS Professionalism and Heroism in Washington, D.C., June 11 – 13

Press Release

CLARKSDALE, MS — May 4, 2018 — Pafford EMS, the 9-1-1 ambulance provider based in Clarksdale, MS, has selected paramedic Patrick (Pat) Bankston to be recognized by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) as a National Star of Life during the 2018 Stars of Life Celebration, June 11 – 13 in Washington, D.C. Bankston will be one of 93 EMS professionals honored from the AAA’s member companies, located across the U.S. In addition to attending the awards ceremony and other events, he will meet with Mississippi’s congressional representatives and/or their staff members to offer his insights on providing advanced life support EMS services from the perspective of being one of the state’s exemplary hands-on care providers since 2006.

Bankston joined Pafford on a full-time basis after retiring from the Clarksdale Fire Department. He has a total of 35 years of public service experience — 28 years with the fire department, where he attained the rank of assistant chief. Bankston demonstrates a true commitment to his patients and keeps his lines of communication open to family members, often making sure patients are doing well after the call. His focus is providing optimum service to patients, leading by example and supporting his coworkers in their quest to offer the finest care. He is considered a “can-do” medic who’s always willing to help out around the station no matter the task — and there is no place in the city he’s not familiar with.

The AAA’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. The Stars of Life event honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.