Who we are, what we do

Christian van Ittersum, Primary Care Paramedic: I've always had a love for the medical field. EMS is a perfect fit because it allows me to practice medicine in a dynamic, evolving environment. It’s a career that challenges me, no matter how many times you've been on a simple call, there will always be something novel and unique about it. Showing up to someone having a terrible and confusing day, and making it better, even if in only small ways, is what I love about my job. We are first and foremost a calming presence to people who are out of their depth and need help but don't know where to turn. Early in my career, I transported a young 5-year-old patient from one hospital to another about an hour away. She was scared, as she was quite sick. Despite her mother being there, she was having a horrible time in a strange, stressful, bumpy ambulance. I gave her one of the teddy bears we keep in the truck, and played with her for a while, which helped alleviate some of that stress. She then held onto my hand for the rest of the transfer and asked to give me a hug at the end. Small gestures like these are powerful reminders of the impact we can have on patients and their families.