Richmond Ambulance Authority Paramedic Receives ‘Star of Life’ Award from the American Ambulance Association

Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) paramedic Julie Anderson has received an American Ambulance Association (AAA) Star of Life award for 2017. The award, presented at AAA’s Stars of Life Celebration on Monday, June 12 in Washington, DC, honored remarkable ambulance service professionals from around the nation who truly stand out and represent excellence in their field. Those who receive this award are nominated by their peers.

Anderson, a Hanover, Virginia resident and RAA employee since 2007, was honored at Monday’s ceremony. “Julie is the complete role model both in her clinical practice and the example she sets,” said Rob Lawrence, chief operating officer for the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “She is a consummate professional who is respected by all that come into contact with her and is well deserving of this honor.”

Julie is a true lifesaver.  One of the very first people she saved after qualifying as a paramedic was Community Idea Stations President and Chief Executive Officer, Curtis Monk. Mr. Monk was being transported to the hospital and went into cardiac arrest on Julie’s ambulance. Her quick thinking and intervention gave Mr. Monk a new lease on life. He later underwent a heart transplant. Mr. Monk said, “I am thrilled to see Julie receive this national recognition, for without her and her partner that day, I simply would not be here right now and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

In an added surprise to Anderson’s Star of Life award, Curtis Monk also attended the ceremony. Upon hearing of her award, Monk asked to be a part of the celebration and express his personal thanks. With the assistance of the American Ambulance Association, Monk surprised Julie by appearing on stage to present her Star of Life medal.

Last year, Anderson received the 2016 RAA Medic of the Year Award. This prestigious award is presented annually by RAA’s internationally-renowned Operational Medical Director, Dr. Joseph P. Ornato. It is given to a paramedic who has demonstrated superior clinical abilities and has also dedicated personal time and effort to assuring RAA remains clinically on the cutting edge of mobile healthcare, not only in Richmond, but on the national and international fronts as well.

“She is an outstanding provider,” said Chip Decker, CEO of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. “She deserves to be recognized as a Star of Life, and we are proud of her many accomplishments, her clinical excellence and exemplary work ethic.”

Anderson commented, " My favorite thing about EMS is helping people in their time of need – even if it’s not medically related – just a kind word or a smile helps and I am very honored to be selected by the Richmond Ambulance Authority to represent them at the Stars of Life this year.”