Type of Organization

Other Fire Department, EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid, Private EMS

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic, Firefighter, EMT - Basic, Hazardous Materials Team Member, 911 Operator/Dispatcher, Other Emergency Services Staff

Years in Fire/EMS:

9

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Passaic, NJ / other counties

Years With Department/Agency

3 / 9

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Lodi Police Regional 9-1-1 Dispatcher (PSAP) 1998-2000
Lodi Fire Department 2004
Garfield Ambulance Corps. 1997
Lodi EMS (paid) 2000, 2004-2005
Lodi Volunteer Ambulance 2000-2001, 2003-2006

My Training:

Bergen County Ems Training Academy 1997 Emt Basic Cert.
Bergen County Public Safety Institute Firefighter 1 Certification 2005
All required Ceu's for 8 years of service. (100's) (also was a 1 year overlap)

About Me:

Hard worker with many years of experience. Proud I still learn everyday as opposed to knowing it all. Work now in an urban city setting, paid EMS, soon to be unionized. I have been there for 3 years.

Day Job:

EMS

Relationship Status:

Single

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/detcs42003

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Interest since a young age.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

the adrenaline rush, the feeling at the end of a call, getting a better outlook of life

Top Issues Facing Responders:

EMS has the greatest problem/issues. It is not nearly as respected as it should be. It is an underpaid profession, with similar dangers to that of a police officer at many times. Risks of exposures, behavioral health dangers, and being underslept from being overworked with the multiple jobs necessary to hold a stable lifestyle. All to run and try and help, just like a firefighter (which I also am), and a police officer (whom are MANY of my friends).