Samantha Sukel has served with the Emergent Health Partners Communications Center since 2022. Joining our team as a Call Taker and a licensed EMT, she quickly progressed through her training and was promoted to System Controller, using her experience to dispatch fire, EMS, and 911 throughout our southern Michigan service area. Since becoming a System Controller, Sam has been involved with dispatching at large, complicated special events like University of Michigan football games and Michigan International Speedway NASCAR races. Most recently, Sam has been promoted to a part-time supervisor in the Communications Center, allowing her to continue her professional growth while also using her clinical and interpersonal skills to support her coworkers.

Sam is known for her lighthearted mood at work and her infectious laugh. Her coworkers describe her as a ray of sunshine in a stressful work environment and note that she embodies the best attributes of a first responder, reminding her coworkers of the importance of their work. Sam has an unwavering commitment to patient care and the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure – allowing her to successfully guide 911 callers through life-saving actions before the arrival of on-scene first responders. This summer, she answered the call for a pediatric drowning emergency, and her exemplary actions directly contributed to the preservation of a young child’s life, showcasing the high standards of professionalism and competence Sam brings to the job. Sam’s ability to remain composed and provide clear, concise instructions enabled the family to perform CPR effectively until first responders arrived. Shortly after ALS care began, the child was breathing on their own and regained consciousness on the way to the hospital. In a field where every second counts, Sam’s actions bridged the critical gap between the 9-1-1 call and the arrival of emergency responders, ensuring that the child received timely and life-saving care.

When not on the job, Sam loves the outdoors and gardening. She is always looking forward to her next camping trip with her husband and their two dogs, Maverick and Marlo. 

Sam, we are incredibly thankful to have you on the Emergent Health Partners team. It is with the utmost respect and admiration that we recognize you as a Star of Life. Congratulations, Sam! This recognition is well-deserved.