April went from worrying she wasn’t smart enough to be an EMT to joining the “best” EMS service in the region via the EMSA Advantage course.
“When I was in college, I used to watch the EMT classes and I would be like, ‘One day, I’ll be that smart,’” April says.
“I found the EMSA Advantage program, and I was like, “You know what? I can do this. I’m ready to make this dedication.
“If you think of EMS services, you think of EMSA. So of course if I’m going to do this, then I want to be part of the best.”
Why did you decide to apply to be an EMSA Advantage trainee?
My past experience has always been in the service of people.
Whenever I originally moved here, shortly after I’d lost my mother, I promised myself that I would live for something that was important to me and would make her proud.
And so when I was sitting with my partner, we were talking about what would you like to do here. And I was like, “You know, I’ve always been curious about being an EMT.”
When I was in college, I used to watch the EMT classes and I would be like, “One day, I’ll be that smart.”
I went on the Join EMSA website, found the Advantage program, and I was like, “You know what? I can do this. I’m ready to make this dedication.”
So did the specifics of the EMSA Advantage program–tuition-free, condensed, small classes with people you will work with down the line–did that make a difference to you?
It did. It did. Being able to be in a program that was tuition-free, I didn’t have to worry about that stress.
Knowing that this was going to be a new family and community for me and getting to work with these people that I was in class with was definitely attractive.
What is a day in the classroom like?
A day in the classroom, I mean, it’s fast-paced, definitely. We come in and we hit the ground running.
We can do at least two to three chapters in one day depending on what the topic is and we’ll have quizzes at the end of the day. There’s a lot of that.
What have you learned about yourself through this program?
I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was. It makes you dig deep and makes me proud of what I’m doing.
You mentioned building a community of first responders in your classroom. We always say there’s no cookie cutter for an EMT. What is it like to walk into that classroom and see so many different people each day?
I love it because I love diversity. I love the fact that I’m the oldest person in the classroom and I am no different than the youngest person in the classroom.
I think we all have that fire and that spirit in our eyes because of this journey. There are tons of different walks of life and I think that’s one of the things that will also help us prepare for our journey in this job.
You can be an EMT anywhere. Why did you choose EMSA?
It’s the best. In Tulsa and in Oklahoma, EMSA is everywhere.
If you think of EMS services, you think of EMSA. So of course, if I’m going to do this, then I want to be part of the best.
What is EMSA as a company like?
You know, it’s like a family. It’s like a community.
From the moment I started being interested in EMSA, from my observation ride or just my first day of the Advantage program, it was like I just knew everybody. I just felt at home.
And even when you don’t know the right answer, or you don’t know someone, they just make you feel at home.
What are the challenges with this program and what do you think is the hardest part of succeeding?
Well, they tell you that you’re going to have to put a lot of hard work in it, and a lot of hours. They ask for at least an hour and a half a day.
But anything that’s worth having is worth fighting for, and you’re going to put in more time.
So that means there might not be nearly as much time with your social life. I don’t get to see my dogs as much as I would like. But it’s well worth it.
How would you describe EMSA Advantage in three words?
Life-changing, even though that’s two. Growth. I’ve grown since I’ve been here.
And we keep talking about all the work, but it has been extremely fun here.
The instructors and the staff and everybody have a great personality, and it’s been quite enjoyable. Even though we’re hitting two to three chapters a day, we’re laughing all day long. Yeah, having a good time.
Do you see yourself continuing in EMS? Do you see yourself maybe going to paramedic school down the line or trying to find other opportunities within the company?
Oh most definitely. I plan on being married to EMSA for a while. After I get at least two and a half years with the EMT, I would definitely like to be a paramedic. I can see myself doing that. And then moving on forward there.
You’re from Arkansas. What do you say to folks in Arkansas or Texas about EMSA and about the Tulsa area?
Oh, this is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my career, being part of the EMSA family and community.
And Tulsa itself–it’s the Green Country you know? It’s amazing here and there’s so much to do.
What do you like to do? Why do you like living here?
I love First Fridays. We get to go downtown and the stores and the art galleries open up, and you can walk through. It’s just the atmosphere and everything like that.
Last question. Somebody’s on the fence. They don’t know if they should hit that apply button. What do you tell them?
Do it definitely. Take that chance.
Talk to one of the recruiters and come here and do an observation ride. Meet our community. Get out there. You will not regret it.
Be part of the best. Join EMSA Advantage.
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