PULSE Magazine | August 2019 Issue PE

How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here? I’ve been with ATCEMS for almost 4 years now. The motivation to work here was the noticeable differ- ence between ATCEMS and other EMS systems. I use to work for a private EMS service before coming to ATCEMS. It was my experience there that made me appreciate first-hand just how different ATCEMS is from the rest- from not having to physically lift a K-tank off the ground anymore (while simultaneously hoping it doesn’t catch the bottom lip of the tank causing you to drop it) to the amazing medical direction that we have and everything in between. I also wanted to be able to utilize what I had learned in school, as opposed to doing transports. Anywhere you work will have its ups and downs, but when I hear stories of other EMS systems, it always adds to my appreciation of everything that we have here at ATCEMS. What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS? It’s really hard to say what my favorite part about working here is, but if I had to pick one, I would have to say the medical direction. The ability to think outside of the metaphorical box, and really apply your knowledge to its full potential, is pretty unique to our system. A lot of EMS systems use a protocol method (I.E. If this, then do this or if that, then do that). Here at ATCEMS, we have guidelines rather than protocols, this allows us to provide the best prehospital medicine and care possible to our patients. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them? This is really a tough question. It depends on the season, and the time of year. I’d have to say the Loop 360 Overlook near the Pennybacker Bridge. From there you can see some of the downtown skyline, you have the lake right there, the hiking trails right there, and the fresh air of the outdoors, it just really sums up everything that makes Austin, Austin.

What is your favorite taco joint in town? Las Trancas Taco Stand on East Cesar Chavez Street.

What do you do on your days to relax and unwind? I enjoy playing with my daughter and spending time with my wife. Whether it’s a vacation, a hike, watching a movie, or just grocery shoppig, just being with my family makes me forget about everything else.

Who inspires you? My wife, my daughter, and my dad inspire me. My wife and daughter have always given me the drive that I need to push through any challenge. I am working on putting my wife through nursing school so she can follow her dream, and just as my dad did for me when I was a kid, I want to be able to provide my kid with what she wants and needs. As I have grown up and basically followed my dad’s foot steps to a T. I have now seen and can truly appreciate all of the sacrifices he has made to provide for his family. I want to be just like that. What is the next place you would like to visit? Why? California during the winter. I always take my family on vacation during the summer, but I have yet to take them during the winter. They have not seen snow deeper than what we get here in central Texas. Word of advice for an aspiring medic? It might sound trite but, your knowledge maybe the only thing standing between the patient and the grave. Never study to “just pass the test”. Study like your kid’s life, your spouse’s life, your parent’s life, or your grandparent’s life depends on it, because at the end of the day that patient is someone else’s child/spouse/ parent/grandparent. Patients are not just patients.

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