Shannon Barfield

34, Female

Williamsburg, VA

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer

Job Function

EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

Just getting started and will be certified as an EMT-B in January of 2008. Am however currently running calls with the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad which is about 20 minutes from my house.

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

The Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad, Waverly, Virginia

Years With Department/Agency

I have run with them about a month so far, but I have no plans to leave anytime soon.

My Training:

I will be an EMT-B in January of 2008 and upon graduating High School in May of 2008 I plan to go to Tidewater Community College and get my Paramedic

Day Job:

Cashier and Stocker at the local grocery store

Relationship Status:

Single

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

About a year ago my grandmother had an episode where she passed out and was unresponsive. I had to call a local rescue squad and was very unhappy with their response time. However the squad I currently run calls with , intercepted the call and showed up shortly thereafter. I was then able to see the components of running with a squad and the activities involved in prehospital emergency care. My grandmother is the driving force behind me wanting to do this. She is such a significant part of my life and I don't know where I'd be without her. I saw what the Waverly Rescue Squad was able to do for me by saving my grandma and I just want to be able to give people the same feeling I got when my grandma was cared for. I love helping people and my mother is a police officer so I grew up around it. I love making a difference in people's lives.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Being able to help people.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The biggest issue where I run is the lack of funding to be able to purchase new Medics and the lack of funding to purchase some equipment. Also more people need to volunteer because where I run Medical Transport contarcts out a 24/7 paid crew to man the squad station because not enough people are willing to give up their free time to help others.

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