Employee Spotlight: Ronald
Division: Texarkana

Ronald has been working for LifeNet since 1990 and is currently a paramedic in our Texarkana Division.

“When I was in Boy Scouts, I took a first aid and CPR class with the Hooks Volunteer Fire Dept. I became interested in volunteering and joined the department in September of 1985, while I was still in high school. I originally started criminal justice college courses while I was also still in high school. I had a goal of joining the FBI. However, I also took the EMT program for the fire department because we responded on EMS calls with an ambulance. After obtaining my EMT, I decided to continue further. I changed my original major from criminal justice to emergency medical services (EMS) and pursued my paramedic certification and associate’s degree from Texarkana College,” Ronald said, as he explained how he started his career nearly three decades ago.

For Ronald, EMS has been a truly rewarding career.

“I enjoy witnessing God’s many miracles. I have seen dead people return to life with a full recovery. I have shared many a laugh with patients and their families. I have seen and done things that most people outside of emergency services cannot even imagine,” he said.

From helping training coworkers to treating patients, caring for others is just part of Ronald’s DNA.

“I spent over 20 years training others in the field training process at LifeNet and enjoyed seeing individuals grow in their confidence and abilities. I feel strongly though that it is my calling to care for others, even if it’s just showing them that somebody cares for them. Laughter and care are sometimes the best medicine that we can provide. I have on more than one occasion, made a fool of myself to obtain a laugh,” he said.

Serving others is also something Ronald has enjoyed about his career in EMS.

“My favorite thing about working at LifeNet is having the opportunity to serve others. I’ve not always appreciated this in my career and have had to remind myself of this. However, what an amazing opportunity it is to be there for others in their time of need,” he said.

For others considering a career in EMS, Ronald offers this advice: “Never stop learning. Always train when given the opportunity. That training may help in the saving of others or yourself. Come into the field thinking of service to others. This is not about you.”

When Ronald is not at work, he enjoys reading, antique shopping with his wife, woodworking, and building things.

“I’m a bit of a nerd,” he said. “I have an antique lawyer’s bookshelf that I fill with antique history books and bibles. My prized history book is a U.S. history book from 1876.”