The EMS profession is seeing less and less career professionals, and the demand is always growing. I want to see this profession became a career goal for many young students, like it did with me.

I started my career as a convalescent EMT while attending paramedic school. I started working as an EMT 14 years ago and have been a paramedic in a busy EMS agency. I left that job as a shift supervisor to move closer to home and be closer to my parents where I currently work in a suburban/rural system in Western North Carolina.

I have taught in various forms, from precepting one on one with trainees, medic students, new employees, etc to teaching continuing education courses through my agencies, and through colleges. I have also taught and supervised field training officers, reviewed patient care reports for quality assurance, and served as incident commander for several pre-planned and unplanned MCIs. I have also taught EMT through paramedic students at community colleges in person, and online.

I have two bachelor's degrees from Western Carolina University. One is Emergency Medical Care and the other is Disaster and Emergency Management. I would strongly encourage everyone to pursue a collegiate education prior to, or after working with an EMS agency.