| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2009 | |
| Honoree | |
| Tom Clausing | |
| Agency | |
| Classic LifeGuard | |
| Agency City | |
| Page | |
| Agency State | |
| AZ | |
| Last Call | |
| 6/29/08 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| Tom Clausing, 42, was one of seven people who died when two air medical helicopters collided over Flagstaff, Arizona on June 29, 2008. He was working as a flight paramedic for Classic Lifeguard at the time of his death.<br /> <br /> Tom grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to the Pacific Northwest at age 18. He loved playing and working in the outdoors, spending time both as a ski patroller and whitewater river guide. He began a career in EMS, working as a paramedic for Lifeline Ambulance, Cascade Ambulance and later with the National Park Service in Grand Canyon and Classic Lifeguard in Page, Arizona.<br /> <br /> He was passionate about becoming truly competent in his profession, and worked to pass on his knowledge to others. With his wife, Lucca Criminale, he started a small business called Rescue Specialists, at their home in Leavenworth, Washington. The business teaches Wilderness Medicine courses sponsored by Wilderness Medical Associates.<br /> <br /> Tom had big dreams and worked tirelessly to make them happen. His goal was to keep learning and improve his own skills, while working in the outdoor environment that he loved. His singular goal was aptitude and proficiency; to achieve what he called "quiet competence." He did so without a need for recognition or honors.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
