Donald is a Dispatcher and EMT at LifeNet who credits his career in EMS to volunteering in his youth.
“I first started emergency response when I was 15 years old on the Hooks Volunteer Fire Department,” he said. “Back then, the Hooks Fire Department had a volunteer ambulance service as well, and I loved helping people. After high school, I became a combat medic in the Army.”
Donald is now a dispatcher for LifeNet.
“Dispatchers are the first line of emergency medical help that a caller receives. I enjoy being the calming and guiding voice helping callers with their emergencies until personnel can arrive on scene to assist them,” he said.
He also enjoys working with a group of friends that are more like family.
“I have to admit my favorite thing about working at LifeNet is the family oriented environment created by our management group. I also love the people I work with. We have such a dynamic mix of people,” he said. “We spend 12 hour days with our coworkers, so they become our extended family.”
For others considering a career in EMS, Donald offers solid advice.
“You have to be able to compartmentalize the emergencies and enjoy your coworkers in between, or you will lose yourself in the job,” he said. “EMS is not just a job, it is a way of life for most. If you are looking for a career in which the reward is you knowing you did everything possible to help someone, then you can excel in this field.“
When Donald isn’t at work, he enjoys a variety of different things.
“Both of my kids are grown and out of the house. I have three grandkids,” he said. “I have to admit that I am a gaming geek. I love spending time playing online games with my many friends. I like meeting up with friends at least every week or two and visiting. I am also a Hallmark movie junkie. I love all the Christmas movies. Yes, I am a softy when it comes to feel good movies.”
