And now for something positive…

As of late, I’ve been complaining a lot about things in EMS.  Why?  Because I’m a lawyer and griping is our business.  But every now and then, you’ve gotta change things up.  Today is one of those days.  (Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all crazy on you and tell you that the best BBQ is found in one of the 49 lesser states than Texas!)

So, today, I wanted to call out a couple of unsung heroes in EMS and give them some props.  You may or may not know these guys, but here’s hoping that you will, because they’ve done some things that have left an impression on me.  Apologies for not including everyone who has.  I’ll get around to more of you later.  Promise.  (And you can trust a lawyer’s word!)

From Austin/Travis County EMS, I nominate Craig Smith, Bryan Green, and Scott Anderson.  When I was a rookie EMT (and probably even more annoying than I am now), these guys let me work with them, run calls side-by-side with them, and really laid the foundation for how I work on an ambulance.  Ed Racht too.  Ed and I have had our disagreements, but as time goes on, I recognize Ed for being two things above all else.  He’s nice and he’s a true gentleman.  You can do a lot worse than to be called those two things.

From Harris County, I have to hand it to Troy Parks.  Troy recruited me to Harris County, where I learned what being a paramedic in a high volume, inner city EMS system was all about.

Also, from Harris County, Dr. George Kiss.  Dr. Kiss is, to me, everything that a medical director should be.  Dr. Kiss is on the cutting edge of prehospital medicine and continually advocates for his medics (of all levels) to strive for excellence.  Most importantly, he’s always backed his medics.  While I’ve worked under some phenomenal physicians, Dr. Kiss will always be the one I compare everyone else to.

Online, I’ve made so many friends and contacts, many of whom I’ve had the privilege to work with, meet, or teach with in person.  Special props to Gene Gandy, Kelly Grayson, Gary Saffer, Sarah Leach, Mike Reed, and Bryan Bledsoe.  All of y’all have had an impact on me.  Jeff Brosius gave me the best advice I could get as a new paramedic: “When you don’t know what else to do, it’s a good idea to go to the hospital.”

On a final note, I wanted to thank two administrators.  One is Chief Buddy Crain of CE-Bar Fire Department.  Chief Crain took a chance on a new EMT and gave me my first start.  He also taught me that it shouldn’t cost money to volunteer and that you can find a place for almost anyone who wants to volunteer.  When I coordinated a volunteer program, I channeled that advice.  Also, a special thanks to Ben Oakley, the EMS director who continues to put up with me daily.  And I know I still owe you that carton of Blue Bell, Ben.

Thanks for indulging me.  I’ll rant more later. Happy Friday, y’all.