Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service Paramedic Leigh Dooley was recently presented the “Star of Life Award” by the American Ambulance Association at a banquet held in her honor in Washington D.C.
Each year the American Ambulance Association recognizes medics who epitomize the spirit and commitment of our nation’s top ambulance service professionals.
Ms. Dooley was nominated by her peers and was recognized for her significant professional and volunteer work throughout the greater-Atlanta community where she provides CPR & AED training along with other professional certification classes to healthcare professionals, Scouts, neighborhood associations and other groups. While off-duty she coaches Girls Fast Pitch Softball and serves as a mentor to young girls in need of a positive role model. She teaches them the importance of servant leadership and has the team participate each year in raising funds at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life where they understand the money raised will help find the cure for Cancer. At Christmas each year Ms. Dooley organizes, raises funds and coordinates volunteers to ensure kids at the local Boys and Girls Club have gifts at Christmas. She also coordinates an effort to ensure gifts and treats are provided to 46 caregivers and staff members at a local community hospice.
While in Washington D.C., Ms. Dooley had an opportunity to sit down with local Congressional leaders including Representatives Phil Gingrey, David Scott and Senator Saxby Chambliss to discuss issues important to the ambulance industry and the future delivery of pre-hospital care. MAAS Vice President Devan Seabaugh stated, “We are very proud of Leigh and she is very deserving of this honor. The American Ambulance Association does a great job each year to bring these individuals together from across the nation and recognize their achievements. It also gives us time to meet with our congressional delegation to discuss important issues. Leigh was a great representative of our company and of the state of Georgia.”
Ms. Dooley began her 24 year career in EMS in Cobb County, Georgia as an EMT-Basic. She became a Paramedic in 1992 and currently serves as a Sr. Paramedic/Field Training Officer where she routinely first responds on calls and mentors new and seasoned employees as part of the company’s clinical education and training program. Leigh Dooley lives in the city of Kennesaw with her son Taylor who attends North Cobb High School and daughter, Morgan who is currently attending Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky.