By Jesse Leavenworth
Journal Inquirer
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Two Connecticut paramedics are among 32 emergency medical responders nationwide who are to receive an award from the American Ambulance Association meant to recognize life-saving heroism.
Alexander Megquier and Aaron Durette, who both work for West Hartford-based American Medical Response Greater Hartford/ Northeast Connecticut, will receive the Stars of Life Award at a celebration in Washington, D.C., set for Nov. 2-5, according to a news release from AMR parent company Global Medical Response.
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“These individuals represent the highest standards of EMS, consistently exceeding expectations under pressure and making a profound difference where it matters most,” said Nick Loporcaro, president and CEO of GMR. “It’s an incredible honor to recognize these 32 caregivers for their heroic service.”
Megquier, 23, earned the honor for saving the life of dialysis patient Clifton Brandon of Hartford, who suffered a life-threatening emergency in May 2024 that left his apartment “covered in blood,” the news release said.
“I thought I was at another shooting,” Megquier said in an interview Thursday.
Brandon’s fistula, a connection on his arm between an artery and a vein, had ruptured. He had lost about 20 percent of his blood, was semi-conscious and on the verge of a heart attack, the release said.
“I thought it was the end,” Brandon was quoted in the release as saying. “But the paramedic didn’t hesitate.”
At the time, Megquier had been a paramedic for about six months and an EMT before that. The East Hartford native said he had planned to pursue a business career out of high school, but during the coronavirus pandemic, “I realized I didn’t want to sit inside all day.”
AMR ambulances carry O-positive blood, the universal donor type, and Megquier started Brandon, age 70 at the time, on a transfusion. The beneficial effects were almost immediate, a response he has seen in other patients, Megquier said.
“Giving whole blood is probably the coolest part of my job, " he said, “because it works.”
“Alex brings intensity, humility and a drive to be better every day,” AMR Regional Director Christopher Chaplin said. “He’s the kind of medic you want by your side on a tough call — and exactly the kind of person who deserves this national honor.”
Durette, who could not be reached Thursday, was recognized for his quick action at the scene of a devastating crash in which a pedestrian was pinned beneath a vehicle, unresponsive and in cardiac arrest, the release said. As soon as crews freed the person, Durette relieved pressure around the patient’s lungs, allowing the heart to start beating again. He then secured the patient’s airway, allowing the person to breathe, a life-saving action, according to the news release. The release did not say where or when the incident happened and a GMR spokesperson said she did not have the information.
“You never know when you’ll be called to make the difference between life and death,” Durette said in the release. “That day reminded me why I chose this profession — to be ready when someone’s worst moment becomes our moment to act.”
“Aaron’s actions were extraordinary — but not surprising,” Chaplin said. “He represents the best of EMS: quick thinking, clinical excellence and unwavering compassion. We’re proud to see him honored on a national stage.”
“Each honoree is recognized for lifesaving interventions, innovative public health leadership, and heartfelt engagement with their communities,” the release said.
As part of the celebration, Stars of Life honorees also are to meet with members of Congress “to share the challenges and triumphs shaping today’s EMS landscape, advocating for continued support and investment in the field,” the release said.
“We don’t do this for recognition,” Megquier said. “We do it because every call is someone’s worst day, and we want to be there to help.”
The 32 people to be honored are among GMR’s 34,000-member staff, the release said. The Ambulance Association started the Stars of Life program in 1996 to spotlight a national spotlight EMS professionals “who demonstrate unwavering commitment and extraordinary impact,” the release said.
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