When/why did you first become interested in working in the EMS field?
About twelve years ago, my local Fire Department had a hiring event for paid-on call firefighting positions. At the time I saw firefighting as both an adventure and a way to do my part to for the community, so I applied and was accepted. As with most fire departments, mine required all firefighters to have an EMT license, so I took the required EMT course, passed all necessary exams and became an EMT in addition to a firefighter. In a way, I sort of fell into EMT by way of firefighting, but it really has been a blessing as it truly is a job that puts you in position to have a meaningful impact on someone’s life in their time of need and not many jobs put you in that position.
What is the most rewarding part about working in EMS education?
The most rewarding part of being in EMS is how important the role is to those that call 911 for a medical emergency. Countless times both patients and their families have thanked us for the service we provide as EMTs, no matter how big or small of a role our crew may have played. It is gratifying to have that connection with people you have never met and spend so little time with. Some calls are good, some calls are not so good. In either situation I take pride in playing at least a small role in helping people in the community out when they are in need.
What is your favorite part about working for Allied Medical Training?
The best part of working at AMT is without a doubt the students. It is interesting to hear their future plans and how they want to get there. Allied has a very diverse mix of students from all walks of life and that really contributes to the greatness of the program. The instructors and staff are great as well—each of them care a lot about their roles at AMT—who wouldn’t like working at a place like that?
If you could give advice to someone looking to become an EMT, what would you tell them?
Over the years, I find myself telling the younger students that if I was to be given a “do-over” in life, I would have gotten involved in EMS at a young age-even if for just a few years. The EMS field offers such a wide range of situations to make very important medical decisions and take action that could potentially save a life and there just are not too many places where that type of experience is available. I firmly believe that kind of experience will change who a person is and how they see themselves in a very profound and good way.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I think shapeshifting would be great. My whole life I have heard the expression, “I wish I was a fly on the wall”, well with shapeshifting superpower, I could literally be the fly on the wall—pretty cool.
