Derek Mitchka
Sergeant
LCEMS
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Was adopted, giving me opportunities I likely would not have otherwise had.
Earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature.
Got a job working at a local FOX affiliate TV station.
Played in several bands that lived in vans and toured around the country
Went back to school to become a paramedic.
Played with a successful band and toured around the world.
Continued career as a paramedic and continued to teach EMS classes.
Education
High School
Career
Sergeant
I am a paramedic, as well as an EMS instructor.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
My partner and I get my truck and supplies at headquarters. We then drive to various street corners in town and wait for someone to call 911 with an emergency, and for dispatch to send us to a call. I help sick and injured people, provide medical care as well as psychological support, and transport them to the hospital. Between calls, I read, surf the internet, watch movies, eat, and talk with my partner. I meet people from all walks of life, and every day is different than the day before.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Finish high school and find either a specialized local school or community college that has an EMS program. Take the necessary prerequisites such as First Responders and Anatomy & Physiology. It is also helpful to perhaps do a citizen ride-along with your local EMS agency to see if it is really something you'd like to do.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You should not jeopardize a good career to go on tour with your bands."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
