When/Why did you first become interested in becoming an EMT/working in EMS?
I first became interested in becoming an EMT during high school while volunteering at North Memorial, a Level I trauma center in North Minneapolis. Seeing patients arrive in critical condition and watching how quickly and skillfully the medical team responded left a lasting impression on me. I was in awe of how effortlessly they seemed to save lives, and I knew I wanted to be part of that process, working behind the doors of the stabilization rooms and contributing to something greater than myself. That experience inspired me to work as a medical scribe for two years while pursuing my EMT certification. In 2022, I began working as an Emergency Department Technician, and I’m proud to still be at the same hospital today, carrying the same awe and appreciation for the work we do.
Tell us about your experience in the EMS field. What jobs have you had?
With my EMT certification, I have spent the last three years working at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale as an Emergency Department Technician. I enjoy being part of a team dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes. My favorite part of the job is working in the stabilization rooms with critically ill or injured patients, as well as responding to all in-hospital codes. Working closely with patients in critical condition has solidified my passion for critical care and has inspired me to pursue a career as an ICU nurse after I complete nursing school in a year. Because I am so passionate about my own EMT journey, I knew I wanted to share that passion with others by joining the education side of EMS. When my colleague and fellow Allied instructor Bart told me Allied was hiring, I jumped at the opportunity. For the past nine months, I’ve been teaching at Allied, and I truly enjoy watching students grow and improve throughout the skills weeks.
What is the most rewarding part about working in EMS?
While the adrenaline rushes are exciting, the most rewarding part of working in emergency medicine is being part of something greater than myself. Each shift brings unique challenges, but knowing that I can make even one person’s day a little better in the midst of chaos is what makes this work such a privilege.
What is your favorite part about working for Allied Medical Training?
My favorite part of working for Allied Medical Training is watching students grow in both confidence and skill each week, and being able to play a part in their EMT journey. It’s also an honor to work alongside some of the most skilled instructors and skill trainers and to see how each instructor brings their own unique perspective and style of teaching based on their experiences in the field.
If you could give advice to someone looking to become an EMT, what would you tell them?
If I could give advice to someone looking to become an EMT, I would tell them to absolutely do it! From my own experience, I can’t even begin to describe the personal and professional growth that comes from caring for others in distress. I would also encourage EMTs to never stop asking questions, as emergency medicine moves quickly, but taking the time to seek feedback and clarification deepens both understanding and professional growth. Finally, surround yourself with people who inspire you to keep going. For me, that has been my ‘work family’- coworkers I can lean on after tough shifts and who I know always have my back. Having a supportive team makes all the difference in this challenging field, and even makes coming to work fun!!
If you could live in any fictional world, where would it be?
If I could live in any fictional world, I would choose Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I’ve loved the Harry Potter books for years and have reread them multiple times, always discovering something new depending on where I am in life. I even visited Harry Potter World in 2021, and not even the COVID restrictions could take away from the magic of that place! And for any other HP fans, I am in Gryffindor, of course!
