Thursday is International Medical Transporters Day, which helps spotlight the work our emergency medical services do.
They are the ones administering first aid on the scene and making sure those folks make it to the hospital. But their day-to-day can change quite a bit.
“Every day I get here, check my ambulance, make sure I have all the equipment, everything necessary to run calls,” said Paul Kramer, a Paramedic with REMSA Health. “And then it's kind of a combination of different calls we’ll run. Every day is different, which is why a lot of us love it, love this job.”
Though these transporters say they love the job, they also say the toughest part of it is the emotional toll it takes on them. Oftentimes, EMS personnel see people at their worst and sometimes on their last day.
“One moment we may be delivering a baby, and the next, you know, we may be in the middle of a resuscitation, transporting somebody that may be the last day of their life,” said Adam Heinz, Chief Operating Officer at REMSA Health.
At the same time, they say the people they meet on the job are also the best part.
“The most rewarding part is just helping people,” said Avery Bladwin, EMS Coordinator for the Reno Fire Department. “You know, people generally are going to call 911 on their worst day. So, you know, whether that's to help them off the ground if they fall or, you know, if it's a major car accident or something like that, just being able to help, I think, is the most rewarding part of that job.”
Medical Transporters undergo pretty intense training to do their job and are constantly learning and adjusting to new techniques to better treat patients.
They also say it's an honor to be able to show up and serve our community.
