I will never forget when I found out I would be highlighted in the Spring 2018 edition of the NAEMT Newsletter. This was a significant moment in my career, and I was fulfilling multiple roles as a provider of care in prehospital medicine, trauma care, and public safety. I have been a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, trauma surgeon, and police lieutenant throughout my career. All of these roles have impacted how I provide patient care and the responsibilities that come with providing care in emergency medicine. I appreciated the chance to reflect on my journey and the experiences that shaped me into the provider I am today.
Reflecting on the experience of preparing for the feature allowed me to think back to my early days in the field. I recall my first ambulance ride and the valuable lessons I gained from each call. These early experiences taught me the value of staying calm, thinking clearly, and the importance of teamwork. These lessons also taught me that the best care begins before a patient arrives at the hospital. These principles have continued to follow me through medical school, surgical residency, and every other role that has followed. I was able to share this perspective with a larger audience by participating in this project.
As a result of the interview, there was a specific focus on the need for high-quality education in prehospital trauma care. Education programs available to first responders help build a solid foundation of knowledge before they arrive at the bedside. My involvement in national trauma education stemmed from my desire to enhance educational opportunities and create materials that reflect the true nature of field medicine. By contributing to this effort, I felt as though I could give back to the profession that has shaped my life in a meaningful way.
My experience working with the NAEMT Newsletter Team was very positive and thoughtful. The team’s questions helped guide the story’s direction towards content most beneficial to the readership. The intent of the interview was not to focus on individual accomplishments but to illustrate the mindset that drives providers to engage in such important work. Many individuals involved in EMS begin their careers to make a difference in others’ lives during critical times. The opportunity to articulate this motivation and express the purpose that drives so many of us was provided through this interview.
Viewing the completed article brought back memories of the people who have contributed to my journey. I thought of paramedics and EMTs that I worked with during long hours and the lessons they taught me. I thought of nurses and surgeons who supported my ideas and encouraged me to develop innovative ways of caring for patients. I thought of the patients and their families who trusted us with their health and well-being during difficult times. Everyone who has touched my journey has contributed to the development of the clinician and leader that I am today.
In addition to highlighting my journey, the newsletter provided an overview of the successes and challenges across the EMS community. It addressed issues including education, wellness, leadership, and innovation occurring throughout the nation. After reading the entire newsletter, I realized how large and diverse this community is. Additionally, I was reminded that small enhancements in training or communication can lead to changes far beyond our local area.
From a personal standpoint, the project prompted me to reflect on the journey. As clinicians and leaders, we often get caught up in moving from one responsibility to another without taking the time to reflect. Taking the time to reflect on my journey allowed me to identify the experiences that have driven my values and the mentors that have helped me grow. Additionally, it reinforced my commitment to helping the next generation of EMS professionals.
By sharing my story, I was able to inspire others to reflect on their own journey and the impact they make in their communities every day.
