Kaua‘i paramedic to be honored at awards ceremony in Washington D.C.

Michael Taboniar, a paramedic with American Medical Response in Līhu‘e, was named one of 32 Global Medical Response 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 Stars of Life Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. from November 5 through 8.

“This award is among the highest honors an EMS professional can receive,” said Tito Villanueva, operations manager for American Medical Response.

Taboniar was nominated for his commitment in providing quality EMS care on his island home for the past 28 years.

“Michael is passionate about giving back to his community, and he does that by ensuring that his neighbors have access to the best emergency care resources and personnel that they can get,” Villanueva said.

Taboniar said he is grateful to be honored as one of the 2023 Stars of Life.

“I’m pleasantly shocked by this recognition,” said Taboniar. “I love my community, so wanting quality emergent medical care for them just comes natural for me. I don’t see it as work. So, it’s a real privilege to be given this distinction for something that is a part of my everyday life.”

Each Global Medical Response 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.