Brenda Heid (paramedic) and Kelsie Robbins (EMT) are one of our ambulance transport teams based out of Rifle, Colorado. Here, we chat with them about what brought them to EMS Unlimited, and thoughts on women in emergency medicine.
When did you first decide you wanted to get into emergency medicine?
Kelsie:
When I was about 7-years-old, my mom and I witnessed a pretty serious car accident—she told me to stay in the car, but I got out and watched the fire department tend to the victims. Ever since that moment, I knew it would be helping someone, someday.
Brenda:
My dad was a volunteer firefighter, so I had always kind of thought about it, but it really sunk in when I went to Grand Junction for college and one of my friends was an EMT. He’d tell me how much he loved it and stories from work, and I can honestly say he was a really big reason I decided to pursue it.
What was one of your first jobs in emergency medicine when you got out of school?
Kelsie:
I worked 911 in Aurora, Colorado—it was one of the most incredible experiences. I learned so much during my time there, and I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity I had. I knew I chose the right profession when I didn’t dread going into work.
Brenda:
I worked for about 6 years as an EMT Basic before I decided to go back to school to get my Paramedic. I had worked for the Clifton Fire Department for about a year after I got my EMT Basic. The last two years I had been working in-hospital when I heard about EMS Unlimited.
What brought you to EMS Unlimited?
Kelsie:
I first heard about EMS Unlimited from Brenda, actually! She expressed how much she enjoyed the staff, management and schedule. The biggest thing, for me, is the schedule. It allows me to spend more time with my daughter.
Brenda:
I was looking for jobs, and I liked the idea of working events. That’s initially what I was interested in, and then when I got in touch with them [EMS Unlimited] they said they had ambulances, too! I was so excited. I was all about the full-time base position with transports.
Is there a stigma for women in emergency medicine?
Kelsie:
I’ve had a few encounters with people who don’t think women belong in this field, but that’s absolutely ridiculous. And as time goes on and more women enter the field, that stigma is fading out. There will always be someone who doesn’t agree, but that’s just life.
Brenda:
I’ve worked with plenty of guys that will tell you that the smartest people they’ve worked with are females. More women are immersing themselves in both fire and EMS, and I don’t think it’s as much of a struggle as it might have been at one point.
What’s your advice for anyone trying to get involved in emergency medicine?
Kelsie:
My advice for anyone—especially women—wanting to pursue emergency medicine is to just do it. Follow your heart and do what you love. At the end of the day you are the one who has to show up to work everyday—not all the critics.
Brenda:
There’s no reason you can’t be an EMT or a paramedic or a firefighter. You are just as capable to train and there’s nothing you can’t learn—you just have to decide if it’s what you want to do.