This is the first of our new series of interviews with current staff. On Monday’s we’ll be sharing an interview from a paramedic and on Tuesday’s we’ll share an interview with an EMT or AEMT.
Welcome to #MedicMonday
For our first day of this we would like to introduce Paramedic and First Platoon Supervisor J. Ramey! Take it away Paramedic Ramey:
1)Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Johnson County, KY. (Not a very big place, but best known as the birthplace of Loretta Lynn). I started my EMS career in 1992 (yes, I am an EMS dinosaur) but it is a title that I am very proud of. I also became a KY certified Firefighter but learned that ultimately my true love would be EMS. (All my Fire peeps, please don’t hate) I moved to Winchester, KY over 20 years ago.
2) What are your hobbies, interests, etc?
My second full time job is taking care of my fur baby, Colby. He is one spoiled pooch. When I’m not at work I enjoy going horse backing riding. I have 4 horses (or as I affectionately refer to them, hay burners). You can usually find me at Planet Fitness (The LUNK ALARM always goes off when I’m there) All you PF’ers will get it, or during the summer hanging out with friends at the lake.
3) What got you interested/started in EMS?
I always tell people that EMS chose me. Eastern Kentucky is mainly known for the coal industry. About the only other choices for a decent paying job with benefits were the school system or healthcare. So I started out in Nursing at Prestonsburg Community College. I learned about the EMT class that the college offered. It was only a 3-month course at the time and I thought maybe if I worked as an EMT part time that would help to get some medical experience and apply that towards my nursing degree. Well, long story short here I am 29 years later working EMS with no nursing degree.
4) What brought you to Georgetown?
I had applied at Georgetown EMS years ago but the competition was very steep. When I interviewed there must have been 50 Medics trying to grab one of only a few spots. One of my former jobs required me to attend KAPPA meetings, there I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Brandon Remley who was the Director of GSCEMS at the time and was always trying to recruit people. I applied and was fortunate to be offered a full time Paramedic position. (Brandon, thank you. I hope you don’t regret that decision? LOL)
5) What is your position at EMS?
Paramedic 1st Shift Supervisor
6) What is your favorite thing about EMS/your job?
The friendships that I have made over the years and knowing that I hopefully get to Make a Difference for my patients.
7) What is one thing currently that you would change about EMS as a whole?
Our recognition. EMS is still in its infancy compared to the Fire Service. When people refer to First Responder’s they usually only think of the Fire Department and Law Enforcement. They see us as “Ambulance Drivers.” I would like the public to realize that there is more to it than just driving a buggy.
