Type of Organization

EMS/Rescue Squad - Volunteer

Job Function

EMT - Basic

Years in Fire/EMS:

15

Primary Fire/EMS Department:

Search and Rescue

Years With Department/Agency

15

Day Job:

EMT

Relationship Status:

Single

Facebook or Other Online Profile:

http://virginiatraumajunkiegarcia

Why I Joined Fire/EMS

In 1996 I was hiking with my kids up on the Northern California coast when the cliff we were standing on gave way and I fell 200 feet. I remember laying there on the side of the cliff with nothing but a loose boulder holding me up and it felt like it was giving out from under me. I could see my kids on the other side of the cliff running for help and all I could do was look up to the sky and pray that GOD help them. I was so worried about them being safe. I didn’t care that I was about 30 feet from falling into the ocean if that boulder gave out. And then I heard voices and a helicopter. It was the Coast Guard and The Search and Rescue Team all coming to save me. They put me in the scoop basket and flew me to the nearest hospital where I was treated for my broken back and severe abrasions. 1997 I decided I wanted to do the same for others. I took and passed my EMT course and have been helping others ever since then. For the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to work in Trauma Centers, Critical Care Flight Teams and Advanced Life Support Ambulance Services. And today I am a proud volunteer of The Fire Department and Search and Rescue Team.