What State do you live in?

PA

Type of Organization

Volunteer Fire Department

Job Function

Fire Chief/Commisioner, EMT/Paramedic, Firefighter/Driver Operator

Years in Fire/EMS:

20

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

AVFD

Years With Department/Agency

20

My Training:

registered nurse/emt
fire fighter
confined space
trench rescue
structure collapse
hazmat ops
basic vehicle rescue
heavy equip rescue
water awareness
pumps
ics

About Me:

I've been in the fire EMS service for 20 years, move through all the ranks from EMS attended two deputy chief and out recently elected chief. I am BLS instructor, basic fire in house trainer, member of state medical assistance team, attended numerous FEMA classes is both in Anniston Alabama and Las Vegas Nevada. Developed classes on mental health awareness, start triage, numerous other safety courses. I am also active in the regional QA QI committee. Have at it as search and rescue classes and am awaiting membership to the urban search and rescue team for Pennsylvania. Also am a member of the emergency medical reserve Corps of Northwestern PA.

Day Job:

Registered nurse in a ER

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

I actively enjoy helping other people and learning safety and ways to address medical and responding needs.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

I feel most important issues that are facing responders are; recruitment and retention of volunteers and paid staff, pay salary for responders is way below what it should be. Cost and training required for responders are increasing drastically thus limiting the recruitment process. Increased costs for responders and decrease cost of reimbursements.