Stacy Banderinko

36, Female

Pittsburgh, PA

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

Fire/Rescue Department - Volunteer

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

3

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Etna Volunteer Fire Department Etna, PA

Years With Department/Agency

a little over 2 years

Dept. Web Site:

http://www.etnavfd.org

Web Site:

http://www.rwvems.org

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Foxwall EMS - completely volunteer EMS company, involved for almost 2 years as an EMT-Basic

My Training:

FF1, Essentials of Firefighting, Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician, HazMat Operations, NIMS 100 and 700, NREMT-B, PA DOH EMT-B, AHA CPR for the Healthcare Provider, CPR Instructor

About Me:

I have been a Firefighter since February of 2007, and had absolutely no Fire certifications before becoming a member of my fire department. I worked over the summer of 2007 to get through Essentials and become certified as an Interior Firefighter. I got my BVR-T just before going back to school in August, and then my Firefighter 1 certification in November. I have been involved in EMS since 2005, becoming an EMT-B in April of 2007. I joined Ross/West View EMSA in May and ran there over the summer while going through Essentials. I joined Foxwall EMS in June of 2007 and also ran there over the summer. I still run calls when I can at both EMS agencies, and I am very active in my fire department. I am currently attending the University of Pittsburgh, where I am majoring in Emergency Medicine. I will graduate in 2010 with a Paramedic certification and a Bachelor's Degree of Science. I am currently working toward becoming a Flight Medic. Overall, I absolutely LOVE what I do, and I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I believe that there is a sense of pride and camaraderie that you just can't get anywhere else, and I trust each and every one of my Fire/EMS brothers and sisters with my life.

Day Job:

Allegheny County 9-1-1 Telecommunicator (Dispatcher)

Relationship Status:

Single

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://pitt.facebook.com/profile.php?id=14233053

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I became involved in EMS because I wanted to help people in a medical sense, but I didn't want to be confined to a hospital. I don't really know why I became a Firefigher, but once I got involved, I was hooked. I love what I do, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I love going somewhere new every day and the thrill of responding to calls. There is also a sense of commaradery that you just can't get anywhere else. I would trust every person in my Fire and EMS stations with my life.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

the thrill of responding to a call, and not knowing exactly what you'll see when you get on scene. And of course, helping people when they need it the most.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

Safety of Personnel, Communication, New Technology/Equipment, Physical/Vehicle Rescue Techniques, Freelancing, Lack of Funding, Lack of Training, etc.

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