Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid

Job Function

Firefighter / Paramedic (or Other ALS), EMT - Paramedic (or Other ALS)

Years in Fire/EMS:

28 yrs

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Iredell Co EMS, Statesville, NC

Years With Department/Agency

23

Dept. Web Site:

http://Iredellems.com

Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations

Kannapolis Sanitary District Volunteer Fire Dept
Rowan Co EMS
Iredell Co EMS

My Training:

Firefighter I
EMT
EMT-Paramedic

About Me:

Volunteer firefighter for 5 yrs, EMT for 4 1/2 yrs, EMT-P for 21 yrs, ACLS instructor, BTLS instructor, Pals.

Relationship Status:

Married

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

My career started in the volunteer fire service for 5, while there I became an EMT to have a first aid knowledge when dispatched to MVC's. I then had an opportunity to start working for EMS and obtained my paramedic where I worked for 23 yrs until I had to retire due to an injury.

Why I Love Fire/EMS

Knowing that what I did for someone helped in some way and eased their pain.

Top Issues Facing Responders:

The top issues with EMS today is salary. Until the professional world recognizes the training needed to be a paramedic providing a standard of care and to continually learn new skills to upgrade the knowledge needed to meet the needs of emergency medical care that the public requires, salaries will never be competitive with other medical professionals. We as paramedics are required to have more continuing education covering more topics than other caregivers. We should not have to endure all the requirements and not be compensated for the time from our lives and familes.