EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” CCMH celebrates these heroes and would like to thank them for their service to our community. This year, CCMH EMS members were asked to reflect on what it means to them to be an EMS practitioner:
“I chose EMS because I wanted to help people. I wanted to be a part of the team that gives people the best chance at surviving the situation they are in. I believe I chose one of the best teams to be a part of.”
Amanda Sheffield, EMT-Basic
“I chose EMS initially as just a job, but it quickly evolved into a passion and a calling to serve others. It has molded and shaped me into the person that I am today.”
Nolan Abner, EMT-Basic
“I wanted to be in EMS to help people and to take care of them. I love helping and taking care of people and this job means everything to me. Holding the hand of someone in the worst moment of their lives, and just being there so they aren’t alone, is the greatest feeling in the world. We make a difference one call at a time. It is bigger than each of us, but together we can accomplish and overcome anything and everything.”
Proud EMT and a Proud Mom of a Medic!
Kimberly Selby-Adrahtas, EMT
“After coming across my grandfather in full arrest and playing a vital part in saving his life, I knew EMS is what I was meant to do. It’s not about recognition or cool lights and sirens, it’s about being there in whatever way possible to help someone.” Meagan Lynch, EMT
“I got into EMS because it’s what I’ve wanted to be since I was a little bitty girl. I love every single thing about this job. I live and breathe EMS and it’s my passion. At the end of the day I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Savannah Marsh, EMT-Basic
“You asked why. I wanted to pay it forward for those who have helped my family. As a dispatcher, I knew I could get help sent to those in need. This service can be redundant and lacks the thrill of a 911 call, but it is one of the greatest services that we do. It is a comfort to family members to know their loved one will be transported safely to their destination.”
Debbie Levick, Ambulance Dispatch
“I didn’t choose EMS it chose me…as a junior in high school, I witnessed a T-Collision. An elderly lady was hurt in the accident; I grabbed her hand and she begged me not to let it go. She looked at me with so much fear in her eyes. I called her husband and family and I stayed till 911 arrived. When I joined the Army I knew my passion was to help people rather than hurt, so I picked a medical MOS. I picked combat medic not knowing I would be good at patient care, compassion and more. EMS fits and flows naturally with me.” Javar Manley, EMT-Paramedic
“I chose to become a paramedic at 12 when a devastated mother rang our doorbell and handed me a lifeless baby and begged me to help him. I did everything I could until help arrived. Being in EMS means you have the chance to be part of someone’s best day when you hand them their newborn baby, or their worst day when they sat alone on a mountain and took their own life and all you can do is touch their face and whisper ‘You are loved and I am so sorry I wasn’t here for you.’“
Marcy Pennington, EMT-Paramedic
“I got into EMS because I want to help as many people as I can. Being in EMS has been the best career path I believe I could have chosen and I can’t wait to further my education even more.”
Ryan Upchurch, EMT-Paramedic
“In an emergency medical situation the patient doesn’t care who you are. Although they may never remember your name, they’ll always remember how you treated them. It’s an honor to give someone a positive experience during a traumatic time one call at a time.”
Leif Johnson, EMT-Basic
“I got into the EMS field after being a part of a volunteer fire department and seeing the good we could do in the community. I love helping people! Kindness and caring is what I try and provide, along with awesome medical care.”
Elizabeth Woods
