Personal Narrative: My Emergency Medical Technician Career

Growing up in far South Austin in the late seventies was easy and simple. We had space and time to do whatever we pleased. This also bred a mindset from my parents and grandparents to allow my sister and me the opportunity to explore hobbies, sports and just about any interest we wanted. In doing so my parents and grandparents would tell us we were able to be whatever we wanted to be. I remember later my father told me, a couple of different times, “You just have to put your mind to it.” Henry Ford said “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” I do believe we can accomplish anything, as long as we want to, and set our minds to do so. Some call it positive thinking, I prefer to call it a mindset to do and succeed.
I was born in a time where technology was exploding with advancements. This culture was easy to think positive in and believe anything could be achieved. At a young age I use to take things apart and put them back together. I

I jumped at the chance and became a certified paramedic in the State of Texas. I remember, in class, I failed acid/base balance and looked to my instructor for help. He told me everyone has trouble with this subject and not to worry, however this subject seemed important or it wouldn’t be taught to us. I studied and learned it well enough to gain a working knowledge and understanding of the material by maintaining I need to know this. Later in my career I was called arrogant and a “cowboy” for having an “I can” attitude and mindset. No I didn’t believe I could save everyone, because I didn’t, but they did get my best. I did however believe the tools we had were not enough to deliver our best and that could change. These same people now ask me to lecture and teach their employees on techniques and innovations I helped develop and implement that makes a paramedics job easier and