Page 50 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2022

Rolling Rescuers: EMTs
story by Cherie Ward photos courtesy of AMR
Real emergencies are not scripted, and there is no second chance for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to do things correctly. Emergency medical technicians work in teams of two and come to accident scenes in reflective vests to work quickly and hard, but with caution.
American Medical Response Chief of Operations Billy Shipp said EMTs respond to emergency medical events such as vehicle wrecks
and others upwards of 15 times in a 12-hour shift. "We have a lot
of interstates here and we get a lot of bad wrecks, roll-overs, and motorcycles hit by cars,” Shipp said. “We get there as soon as possible to try and decrease pain and suffering."
These skilled health professionals are responsible for placing the patient on a stretcher while keeping the head and spine as still as possible. One first responder will maintain the stability of the patient's head. The other will strap on an oxygen mask. Moments later, the injured person is out
of the vehicle and strapped onto a board, ready to be loaded into an ambulance. A person injured or in shock following a vehicle collision is a sight that can make even the strongest person wince.
"It's a daily battle," Shipp said. "It's a true calling for these men and women who genuinely want to help a bad situation become a little better."
American Medical Response is a private ambulance service with about 300 employees and a fleet of vehicles operating throughout the streets of South Mississippi. A hospital with horsepower, these rolling rescuers offer all levels of ambulance services for healthcare facilities throughout the area.
It's a stressful and adrenaline-filled job. No two calls are ever the same and all of the employees of AMR know that complacency should not be a part of their day. They treat every patient differently, providing them with the best possible care.
"Sometimes it's just sitting with someone and talking or holding their hand," Shipp said. "Offering a little bit of comfort. When we respond we really just want to make someone's life and day a little bit better."
American Medical Response is always looking to add to its already strong staff with Earn While You Learn courses. The program offers people the unique opportunity to earn a paycheck while attending classes to become certified as an EMT. Visit www.amr.net for more details.
50 | July 2022
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