latest news
A coach, through and through
When asked to describe his roles with Sunstar and the Bay Area Youth Track and Field (BAYTAF), Leroy Funderburk paraphrases former pro football coach Tony Dungy: “My only job,” he says, “is to make the team better.” As Operations Supervisor at Sunstar, Funderburk...
Sunstar Field Training Officer Ian Black
At Sunstar, the training never stops. “We have a very robust education system,” explains paramedic Ian Black. Members of the Sunstar team undergo hours of continuing education every month, rigorous certification programs such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support and...
EMT and Paramedic Bond with Young Man They Saved
It was November 2013, and EMT Jay Messier and Paramedic Brent Jackson were seated at the Thanksgiving table with Ian Ondina and his family. Before the meal began, Ian offered a Thanksgiving prayer. “He said, ‘I just want to start off by thanking you guys for saving my...
Sunstar’s Child Safety Seat Program
Dave Selbach was sitting at a stoplight when a car ahead of him began to make a left turn. As the car turned, its back door opened, and Selbach could see a child safety seat nearly coming out of the car. A parent himself, Selbach says that the sight of that seat...
Honor Guard Members Serve Tampa Bay with Dignity and Respect
You may have seen the Sunstar Honor Guard at parades or sporting events around Tampa Bay, marching in unison with their rifles and flags, the silver buttons on their uniforms shining in the Florida sun. Or you may have seen them on a serious occasion, as they present...
SWAT Medics Work Hard to Keep the Community Safe
Life as a special weapons and tactic (SWAT) medic is a study in extremes. On some calls, medics may be staged in an ambulance, armored vehicle or in strategic locations surrounding the perimeter of a building often for hours at a time. But when it’s time to act,...
Rescued Girl Becomes Hero’s Legacy
The news of the tragic riding lawnmower accident that severed 2-year-old Ireland Nugent’s ankles shook the entire Pinellas community. Sunstar Paramedics Christopher Jennings and Jay Horne were among the first emergency responders on the scene that day. As a father of...
Sunstar Volunteers Help to Improve Lives
Every day, around the clock, Sunstar saves lives. But did you know that in addition to providing lifesaving EMT and Paramedic services, Sunstar improves the lives of Pinellas County residents through extensive volunteer work? Charlene Cobb, NR-EMTP, Sunstar’s...
Sunstar Paramedic’s Surprise Reunion with Woman He Saved
Sunstar Paramedic Jason Bihlajama recognized her the second she walked into the room: Melissa Dohme, the young woman whose life he had helped save after she was brutally attacked by an ex-boyfriend in 2012. She looked healthy; happy to be alive; grateful. Her wounds...
Andrew Pawlowski American Ambulance Association Stars of Life Award
Andrew Pawlowski, who most people call “Pow Pow,” is mostly known for his ability to make friends quickly. He has a fun, caring, driven, and outgoing personality. Andrew began his career at Sunstar Paramedics twelve years ago as an EMT. He quickly became a strong team...
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Sunstar Paramedics is one of only two EMS programs in U.S. to earn three accreditations
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7 things to think about when you make a 911 call
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Child Passenger Safety
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Don’t be a distracted driver
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Two Sunstar paramedics win prestigious national award
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Association honors two Sunstar paramedics
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After the rescue, a reunion
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Road rage: Cool down and take back roads
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Sunstar Paramedics renews accreditation for operations, and parent Paramedics Plus earns accreditations for all five locations
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Sunstar earns a few stars
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Sunstar Paramedics SWAT team members take three of top four places at intubation competition
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Paramedics show off winning skills
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Sunstar Paramedics running baby food drive for RCS Food Bank and Family Homeless Shelter
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Avoid Walking into Danger
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Don’t Go to the Beach without Reading this First
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As kids go back to school, bike safety is a priority
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Starting Oct. 1, texting while driving will be illegal in Florida
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Sunstar donates items to RCS Food Bank and Family Homeless Shelter
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Sunstar joins Safe Night Out
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Halloween safety guide for parents and kids