Page 110 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2018

FIRST RESPONDERS stay prepared
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FIRST RESPONDER:
Emergency Medical Technicians
Paramedic Katie Pearson is prepared for whatever her job brings.
“I originally wanted to be a fireman but when I decided to train as an EMT, I fell in love with the field,” the California native says.
“I like patient care and I learn from every single call.”
Working a 12-hour shift that starts at 5 a.m., Pearson’s day begins early with a visit to her gym. At work, the first duty is to have a conversation with the night crew to learn what happened during their shift. Then the ambulance is re-stocked because they have to be ready for a variety of calls that come through the county’s 911 dispatchers. Typical calls include elderly people who
fall or may be too sick to get to the hospital without assistance, broken legs, cardiac arrest and vehicle accidents.
Being prepared for whatever comes their way is of the utmost importance. “We’re always ready and prepared for anything, but sometimes we get a call that says ‘unknown man down’ so we show up and find out what’s going
on,” Pearson said. “We also see information on our computers that
helps us be prepared, although sometimes it’s not actually what we find when we get to the location.”
Speaking of location, Pearson stresses the importance that callers to 911 give as exact an address
as possible. The dispatcher will continue to ask questions of the caller but be assured the first responders are on their way during that time. Any additional information is relayed to the responders.
There can be an emotional toll in being a first responder. “The worst are accidents on Interstate 10 and when a person is dead on arrival,” Pearson said, “but we see way more good than bad. Our training prepares us to deal with whatever comes our way.”
Clearly a dedicated professional, Pearson relaxes with her husband, Phillip, an investigator with
the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and their children, Harper, 2, and Hunter, 4. “I have strong support because we’re a team,” she says of Phillip. “Our day is non stop but we have our routine down.”
story by Lynn Lofton
photos by Katherine Sowers
As we commend first responders, it’s undeniable that paramedics and emergency medical technicians play a crucial role in the welfare of communities. Katie Pearson,
30, is a medic field supervisor and critical care specialist with Acadian Ambulance Service, which serves Jackson County.
Pearson and Acadian Ambulance Service Manager Frank Duke go over plans.
110 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2018
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net