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

Press Release

MARIANNA, AR. — May 4, 2018 — Pafford EMS, the 9-1-1 ambulance provider based in Marianna, AR., has selected paramedic David Richardson and his partner/wife, EMT Lori Richardson, to be recognized by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) as National Stars of Life during the 2018 Stars of Life Celebration, June 11 – 13 in Washington, D.C. The couple will be two 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, they will meet with Arkansas’ congressional representatives and/or their staff members to offer insights on providing advanced life support EMS services from the perspective of being two of the state’s exemplary hands-on care providers.

David has been a valuable member of Pafford’s EMS team since 2000; Lori became his ambulance partner in 2006, after completing EMT school. Since the couple has lived in Marianna their whole lives, they know almost all the people they care for — so they go the extra mile to provide comfort during and after calls. It’s quite rare to find an EMS team, let alone a married couple, that shows a commitment to EMS that spills over from the work schedule into their everyday lives. Pafford is very grateful for this wonderful couple, whose knowledge, skill, and dedication means their friends, neighbors, and the company are so well served.

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.