Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer

Job Function

EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

1.5

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Groom Ambulance Service Groom, TX

Years With Department/Agency

1.5

My Training:

EMT-Basic Training July 2006-December 2006; NIMS Certified 100,200,300,400,700,800;

Day Job:

Director of Software Development - CSSTARS Amarillo, TX

Relationship Status:

Married

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/cwelch88

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Groom Ambulance Service is a voluntary service in the Texas Panhandle. I joined because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. It is so opposite to what I do for a living (my paying job!) which is why I love it so much. I an just an EMT-Basic for now but I would like to move to Intermediate and on to Medic some day!

Why I Love Fire/EMS

That one person we save or help that thanks us!

Top Issues Facing Responders:

For our volunteer service and many others like us it is funding. We struggle because we are mandated to keep certain equipment . For us that is expensive and so many of our runs are Trauma on the I-40 and we never see a dime of that money from the people we help. So we have no where to go and collect this money but yet we used the time and equipment to transport. It is very frustrating. Resources are an issue also.