Name, Title and EMS Agency:
Chris Walters, CCEMT-P, EMS Instructor II; Director of Ambulance Operations, Paratech Ambulance
Chris Walters, Paratech Ambulance
Years in your current role and in the EMS field all together:
I have recently celebrated my 20th year in EMS.
I chose to work in EMS because….
For years growing up, I watched my uncles and cousins who served on local volunteer departments. It became my childhood dream to become a fire fighter/paramedic.
I chose to become a PECC because….
I am passionate about continuing our organization’s legacy commitment to pediatric transports. Since our inception in 1973, we have been one of the early pioneers of pediatric EMS. In 1988, our St. Joseph Mother and Baby Transport unit was one of the first of its kind in Southeastern Wisconsin. Pediatric EMS has come a long way since then and we have now outfitted our entire fleet of ambulances with neonatal/pediatric patient transport capabilities. Every year we transport thousands of pediatric patients in both the pre-hospital 911 and interfacility capacity. We have set our own standard to require all of our ALS providers to be PALS certified. We utilize our fleet of 45 Paratech Squads or our 2 dedicated ground transports units through our partnership with the UW Neo/Peds CCT team to provide highest quality of pediatric care available.
My favorite part about working with children is….
My favorite part of working with children is how eager to learn they are. While they are fascinated by our ambulances and equipment, most want to know how things work or what we can do to help them. I love how children are resilient; no matter the situation, they seem to be able to find the good in any situation. My job allows me to be there to help kids during the best or potentially worst days of their life.
The most rewarding part of my job is….
The most rewarding part of my job is playing a role in developing our providers. By helping our providers grow and advance their career in EMS, the positive impact and capacity to help others is endless. As a whole, a large group of developed providers can help far more many people than any one person could alone. It’s rewarding to know that I can help keep our communities safe for generations to come.
One of my favorite memories of working in EMS is….
In 2008, I delivered a baby boy while on an active labor ambulance call. The family was so thankful for my service; the baby boy was named after me.
One of my favorite snack foods is ice cream because…..
Who doesn’t love ice cream?
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Name, Title and EMS Agency
Jessica Lease CCP Waushara County EMS
Years in your current role and in the EMS field all together
Employed with Waushara County for two years but working full time EMS for almost 15 years
I chose to work in EMS because….
To make a positive, calming impact when chaos takes hold.
I chose to become a PECC because….
I have six children of my own and I feel in EMS we tend to be too afraid of pediatric calls.
My favorite part about working with children is….
The unrelenting curiosity they have.
The most rewarding part of my job is…. Seeing the impact we can have in our communities and being a hand to hold when someone needs it.
One of my favorite memories of working in EMS is….
Meeting my husband!
If I could have dinner with anybody (dead or alive), it would be My husband because…..
date night is a rarity and after quarantine it is overdue!