Richmond, Va. –
National Emergency Medical Technician Week will be celebrated May 19 – 25.
According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians website, in 1974 President Gerald Ford authorized Emergency Medical Services Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. Back then, EMS was a new profession and practitioners had only just started to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net. EMS is now firmly established as an essential public function and a vital component of the medical care continuum.
EMS practitioners care for their patients' medical needs and show caring and compassion to their patients in their most difficult moments. As part of National EMS Week, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and DLA Installation Management Richmond are spotlighting an emergency medical technician at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, to honor his dedication in providing day-to-day lifesaving services on medicine's "front line."
Name: Kyle Thomas
Organization:
Fire and Emergency Services Branch, Security and Emergency Services Division,
DLA Installation Management Richmond
Years of service:
1
What is your job, specifically?
Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate
Why did you decide to go into a public service career?
I wanted to help people and make a difference within my community
Please share with us a memorable event in your job.
Climbing the aerial ladder during training
What makes for a great day on the job?
Hands-on training and having time to exercise
What is your favorite work activity?
Any kind of training we have going on
What is your greatest achievement on the job?
Completing the Aerial Driver/Operator certification
Did you have any mentors during your career? If so, how did they help you?
Yes, they’ve shown me different ways to do things and to find what works for me
What would you say to encourage someone to go into public service?
Being able to help someone through one of their worst days is the most rewarding feeling
Do you do any volunteer work in the community? If so, what?
In 2017 I used to volunteer at a fire department in Georgia
What are you usually doing when not at work?
Spending time with my wife
How do you define excellence?
Excellence is being the best at what you do
How do you define happiness?
A sense of well-being, joy, or contentment