PULSE Magazine | August 2019 Issue PE

Meet-A-Medic: Tony Smith, Field-Captain

I’m Tony Smith, currently a field captain at ATCEMS. My experience and EMS educational background totals to 24 years as a paramedic, including six as a flight medic. I hold both the Flight Paramedic (FP-C) and Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) certifications, earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management from St. Edward’s University, and am currently working on my Master’s in Public Safety Leadership and Administration at Arizona State University. When not at work, you can find me at Avery Ranch golf course or at home studying.

Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin? I am originally from southern California. I was hired by ATCEMS in 2011.

What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice? I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others. There is a lot of autonomy as a paramedic, and everyday is something different.

How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here? I’ve been with ATCEMS almost eight years. The level of patient care, the opportunities that are available in the department, and the highly regarded reputation of ATCEMS were the motivating factors in my decision.

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