When/why did you first become interested in working in the EMS field?
My father was a volunteer firefighter throughout my childhood. I grew up around the fire station and saw what a great experience he and the other firefighters had helping people. They seemed larger than life, and I wanted to be just like them.
Tell us about your experience in the EMS field. What jobs have you had?
I received my NREMT in 1995 and a year later became a paid-on-call firefighter. Shortly after that I was hired as a full-time firefighter/EMT and that would be my career for the next few decades. Approximately 80% of the calls I responded to in my career were medical calls. I have spent the last few years working in EMS education.
What is the most rewarding part about working in EMS?
EMS is a field where the difference you make is often obvious and immediate. That may be literally saving a life, or simply providing comfort and helping someone get through a traumatic experience. Every time a call comes in you are handed an opportunity to help someone. I find that very rewarding.
What is your favorite part about working for Allied Medical Training?
I enjoy meeting and working with people at the beginning of their EMS journey. It’s great watching as the pieces come together for them throughout their [Skill Week].They come to us from a variety of career paths and I appreciate the opportunity to help prepare them for whatever comes next.
If you could give advice to someone looking to become an EMT, what would you tell them?
Always remember why you started this journey to begin with. Focus on the good you do. It will not be without its challenges but it will be worth it.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
In keeping with the EMS theme I will go with The Human Defibrillator. Not only could I deliver a shock with my bare hands, I could also help people jump start their cars during the brutal Minnesota winters. Stay clear. Charging.
Otherwise I would go with being able to read minds. I think it would be helpful to know what people are really thinking. There would be many times this would come in handy as long as I can turn it off when I want to. There are some things I just don’t need to know.
Otherwise I would go with being able to read minds. I think it would be helpful to know what people are really thinking. There would be many times this would come in handy as long as I can turn it off when I want to. There are some things I just don’t need to know.
