I’ve always loved science and medicine. And after losing one of my brothers in a car accident I knew there were no words to express my appreciation for the Paramedics and hospital staff that worked on him. I wanted to pay it forward and be there for people the way the Paramedics were there for my brother.

I know I have no control over the outcomes of the people I care for, but I can show up for my community and try to help in people’s worst moments like so many did for my brother and family.

There is never a day in EMS that is the same as another. There is always more to learn and more to do. It is a very raw, intimate, and humbling experience to be able to meet so many different people in different situations and come together as a team to try and help. This job makes me grateful for my blessings every day.

Make sure you take time for your hobbies and self-care. A work-life balance is crucial. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you have someone you can talk to on the hard days. I have yet to find any other role that compares to this one. This career can be heart-wrenching but it can also be absolutely exhilarating and incredible and not once have I ever felt like it wasn’t worth it.

Regardless of the outcome, what you do matters.