Veteran Santa Barbara Paramedic Receives National Award After Rescuing Patient from Fiery Crash

Blanca Morfin Watkins, a paramedic with American Medical Response in Santa Barbara County, has been named a 2026 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association, one of the EMS industry's most selective national honors. The recognition places Morfin Watkins among a small group of paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers and ambulance service professionals chosen from across the country for work that has made an extraordinary difference for patients, colleagues and the profession.

Morfin Watkins has spent nearly 18 years as a paramedic and is one of Santa Barbara County's most trusted, known for her clinical expertise, steady leadership and willingness to mentor newer colleagues—but the rescue that earned her national recognition unfolded in a matter of minutes. Earlier this year, on a rain-soaked stretch of Highway 101 north of Highway 154, a vehicle left the road, hit a tree and caught fire. "Over the radio we heard, 'car into a tree, engulfed in flames,' and I knew it was going to be bad," she recalled. "Those calls happen fast, and a lot of times people are trapped."

Morfin Watkins and her EMT partner climbed a muddy embankment to reach the wreckage, where bystanders were already pulling the critically injured patient from the car. She was not breathing, had massive traumatic injuries, and showed few signs of life. What followed was a race against time.

The severity of the patient's injuries made it impossible to move her far from the burning vehicle, so the two responders began treatment just feet from the flames. As the fire intensified, the heat caused the electric vehicle battery to experience what is known as a vapor cloud explosion, and metal fragments struck both responders. Morfin Watkins sustained burns and scars from the fragments, and her EMT partner was later hospitalized for carbon monoxide and heavy metal exposure.

Even then, neither responder left the patient's side. For Morfin Watkins, staying was the only choice.

"Once I made contact and knew there was hope I couldn't leave," she said.

Her efforts proved lifesaving. Initially unresponsive and barely breathing, Morfin Watkins controlled the patient's bleeding with a tourniquet, administering medication to help reduce bleeding and support the patient's blood pressure. By the time they arrived at the trauma center, signs of life had significantly improved. Doctors later reported that the patient made an extraordinary recovery, avoiding both permanent neurological injury and the loss of severely damaged limb.

"When I heard she made a full recovery, it was totally worth it," Morfin Watkins said. "The family is still intact. That's what you come into this job for."

Those who know Morfin-Watkins say the rescue reflected the qualities she demonstrates every day.

Over nearly two decades with AMR, she has become a dependable leader, mentor and clinical resource for colleagues across the Santa Barbara County system. Her experience, calm demeanor, and commitment to patient care have the trust of both coworkers and the community she serves. Her nomination described her as a paramedic who consistently sets the standard for professionalism and serves as a role model for new and seasoned providers alike.

Morfin Watkins is one of 33 EMS professionals within AMR's parent company, Global Medical Response, named a 2026 Star of Life. As part of the national celebration, held next week (Nov. 16-18) in Washington, D.C., Morfin Watkins and her fellow honorees will have the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, where they will help put a human face on EMS by sharing their experiences with lawmakers and congressional staff and highlighting the needs of the patients, families and communities they serve.