Name, Title and EMS Agency

Kim Jack, Critical Care EMT Paramedic, RN; Public Education/Information Ofc.; Field Training Ofc.; Middleton Emergency Medical Services

Years in your current role and in the EMS field all together

City of Middleton EMS 19 years; Full Time Paramedic Provider – 35 years

I chose to work in EMS because….

I chose to pursue a career in EMS, initially, to serve my community and to provide care and treatment to people who are potentially having the worst day of their lives, while ideally bringing calm to their chaos. Along the way and many years later, I am able to say that this career has been rewarding and challenging both professionally and personally because it demands diligence toward continued education and professional competency, as well as physical and mental stamina. This career has never failed to evolve with the times to fit the “ever changing world” of pre-hospital medical care, through far reaching advances in technology, equipment, telemedicine, and mobile integrated healthcare just to name a few of the features that make a career in EMS challenging and rewarding. I am one of the fortunate EMS paramedic / RN providers that is blessed with a passion to continue making a difference in the care our patients receive in the field.

I chose to become a PECC because….

I more often than not work and train EMS Providers that report feeling “overwhelmed and intimidated” while caring for the pediatric patient population. I feel strongly that PECCs provide a strong path to improving providers capacity to care for this population with an increased understanding of needs and competency through valuable education, information and opportunity for practical experience.

My favorite part about working with children is….

Their resiliency

The most rewarding part of my job is….

Making a difference and improving patients’ outcomes

One of my favorite memories of working in EMS is….

Too many favorites to pick one.

Favorite TV Show – Doc Martin, BBC – competent “meat and potatoes doctor/surgeon”, outstanding diagnostician, works through his OCD awkward issues. Does not overtreat, or under treat, and solves his patient’s problems, not a modicum of a bed side manner.

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Name, Title and EMS Agency

Jason Joling, Division Chief of EMS, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department

Years in your current role and in the EMS field all together

I became the EMS Service Director in 2018 but started with the department in 1998.  Prior to work with WRFD, I was able to serve on a volunteer rescue and ambulance service starting in 1995.

I chose to work in EMS because…. 

My father was a police officer so I grew up around emergency services.  My initial goal was to work in the fire service; however, after joining a volunteer rescue squad, my passion for EMS started with my first patient contact.  Since that first response, I have continually worked to improve myself and my organization in all aspects of EMS.

I chose to become a PECC because…. 

Our pediatric patients are just starting their lives.  In the unfortunate event that requires EMS response, they deserve the best care possible.  By becoming a PECC, we are able to provide our department with the best resources in providing that care.

My favorite part about working with children is…. 

As a father and a grandparent, I truly believe that children are the future.  They often see and understand things in pure form and we can learn from them as well.

The most rewarding part of my job is…. 

After 20 plus years in EMS, the look of relief on a patient and loved ones when we arrive and provide quality care is the best reward.

One of my favorite memories of working in EMS is…. 

Without a doubt is the memories I have from coworkers.  EMS is a stressful career and the “second” family in this profession makes it very memorable.

If I could have dinner with anybody (dead or alive), it would be __________ because…..

In regards to pediatric care, I would say Dr. Antevy.  He has developed the Handtevy system in approaching pediatric patients.   His insight into best practices for the pediatric patient has helped our organization immensely.