Type of Organization

Combination Fire Rescue Department

Job Function

Firefighter / EMT-Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

18

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

West Hills Fire and EMS Station 28 & 21

Years With Department/Agency

1

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Hollsopple Volunteer fire Company Station 621
7th Ward Ambulance Station 37
Med Van Transport

My Training:

Firefigher I , EMT-B , Haz-Mat Ops

About Me:

I've been involved with the fire department since I was 16. I am playing catch up with some training right now, since I did 10 years on active duty. I am currently employed by West Hills EMS as an EMT/FF. I also do standby for East Conemaugh as an EMT/FF.

Day Job:

EMT / FF West Hills Fire Department

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

Family involved...kind of expected to. Am 1 of 2 who have stayed with it since the beginning. All the others have moved on.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

The chance to make a difference in someone's life. The thrill of attacking a fire. Because I can and others can't.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

* civilian drivers reaction to hearing sirens

* people who use the ambulance as a taxi

* people who do things to themselves then call the ambulance to fix it for them

* dispatch not telling EMS important information. Like the pt may have a knife. (we didn't ask)

* people calling the ambulance for every scrape, cramp, bruise, tummy ache, and sniffle they get. This nation is truely a people of hyypocondriac's. (ask any EMS worker)