High school EMT student/leadership intern attends EMSAC conference

By Kaylee Gardner
Middle Park High School EMT Student/GCEMS Clinical Leadership Intern. 

My name is Kaylee Gardner, I am a clinical leadership intern at Grand County EMS. Through the help of my mentor Grand County EMS Education Captain John Farris, Grand County EMS Chief Austin Wingate, and many others, I had the privilege of attending the Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado (EMSAC) Conference in Keystone, Colorado. The objective for my attendance was to meet leaders throughout Colorado and seek the steps they took to obtain their positions. But of course, I had further motives, to observe the cadaver lab and other classes to increase my knowledge in medicine.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the hands-on workshops. Specifically, the cadaver lab where I explored multiple human bodies, one decomposed a couple of months and the other, a week. I learned how to place advanced respiratory equipment such as a chest tube, endotracheal tube, and a needle thoracostomy. In addition, the BLS breakout room, hosted by Ila Brown, really boosted my understanding of the mathematical equations for prescribing medication to a certain patient. Many of the classes at the conference provided me with such an advancement of knowledge.

Meeting new people was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. I had the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of professionals from many different backgrounds. I am very grateful to Steve Drago, who helped me the most with my future goals. He provided me with vital information and talked me through more options than any recruiter has. I was also able to meet many other influential individuals in the medical field including Colonel Shackelford, Howard Paul, Tim Dienst, Eric Lucas, Dr. Nick Nudell, William Hanley and many others. Additionally, being able to reunite with Jessica Nelson and meeting the state EMS medical director Angela Wright. I also received a signed copy of “EMS In the United States, Fragmented Past, Future of Opportunity” by Donnie Woodyard. Each conversation with these individuals opened my eyes to different perspectives of the medical specialty. As well as very riveting to hear their stories and experiences.

During my visit I also attended the EMSAC Awards Ceremony. Many medical professionals were awarded based upon their influence, advancements or even grit towards their job. What I found most prominent was the EMSAC Citizen Rescue Award Of Valor given to Vincent Wanamaker for providing medical help to a fellow classmate, a cheerleader who fell from an acrobatic stunt during their homecoming assembly cheer routine. It truly helped me realize that any individual can help no matter what age or what letters surround their name.

Throughout my time during the EMSAC conference at Keystone, I don’t think I focused on anything as much as I did each and every class. I have never received that much advice or experience  until I interacted with these professionals. I have never seen such a positive coalition as I did at the award ceremony. Lastly, I have never been more grateful to have the privilege to attend. Overall, I had a very positive experience and leaving has left me wanting so much more. Attending and learning has equipped me with further knowledge assisting me to another step towards my dream job, a trauma surgeon.”

Kaylee Gardner Middle Park High School EMT Student/GCEMS Clinical Leadership Intern.