Certified Flight RN Joannie Sanchez and EMT Alison Cagle have been awarded the American Ambulance Association’s prestigious Stars of Life honor, recognizing exemplary service and heroism in emergency medical services.
Sanchez and Cagle will travel to Washington D.C. in early November to participate in the Stars of Life celebration, where honorees will be recognized for their achievements in front of their peers, congressional leaders, and members of the EMS community. They will also have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to share their frontline experiences and advocate for the future of EMS.
Sanchez and Cagle both work out of Lafayette, Louisiana. They were presented with their Stars of Life medals on Tuesday, October 21, by Lafayette Consolidated Government Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet. Acadian Companies CEO Eddy Dupuis, President Justin Back, Chief Legal Officer Allyson Pharr, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chuck Burnell, as well as family and colleagues, were present for the presentation.
Sanchez and Cagle were honored as Acadian’s 2025 medics of the year during its annual celebration in May 2025.
Sanchez has been with Acadian Air Med since 2023. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nursing. She has shown exceptional dedication through mentoring new nurses and actively participating in the clinical development team and safety committee. Her colleagues admire her commitment, often going above and beyond to support her team, which led to her recognition as Acadian’s Medic of the Year and a Star of Life.
Cagle joined Acadian Ambulance in 2023. She began her journey in EMS in high school in Sacramento, California. She is currently in paramedic school and plans to finish at the end of this year. She has a passion for EMS and for educating youth on the importance of EMS. Her dedication to EMS, consistent hard work, and commitment to quality patient care led to her recognition as Acadian Ambulance’s 2025 EMT of the Year and Stars of Life honoree.
About the American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.
