Featured Female First Responder: Alicia

"YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES"

Meet Alicia, a paramedic from California!
We asked Alicia if she would be apart of our "Featured Female First Responder" column where we ask women questions about what it is like being a female working in a males profession and what their advice would be to those who are aspiring to be First Responders.
Tell us about you.
"I currently work as a paramedic in California and have been in the EMS field for around 10 years but started out as a young fire cadet at the age of 22.
Once I discovered my passion was in medicine, I graduated academy and went on to work on an ambulance. Once I got the hang of being an EMT and then decided to become a paramedic. I am also currently studying to become a flight paramedic with hopes of getting on a bird soon!
When I’m not working, I like spending time with my friends and family, traveling and going on adventures, and of course trying to stay fit and healthy!"
 
What inspired you to be a First Responder? Did you always want to be one?
"I kind of got thrown into EMS, it wasn’t something I had really thought about when I was younger. When I was around 20 years old, I had a friend that was injured at a birthday party we were both attending. AMR, Fire, and PD all showed up and that was it for me! After that incident, I knew what I wanted to do!"
 
What advice would you give to the next generation of Female First Responders?
"My advice to the next generation of female EMSer’s…you have what it takes. Even if you’re not the biggest or strongest person. EMS takes heart and courage, if you have that, then you’re set! Don’t give up and push through."
 
What advice would you give to anyone (male or female)
who wants to help people by becoming a First Responder?
"My advice to all future First Responders, this is a great field to work in and I LOVE what I do. There are good days and bad. But as long as you have the passion to help others and make a difference, then you will succeed!
It takes a special person to do what we do. Good luck to all of you!"