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# DSCC EMS Week - A Look at EMTs

By Dana ThornburyDLA Land and Maritime

                COLUMBUS, Ohio  –              
The Defense Supply Center Columbus highlights a few Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics during the 2018 National EMS Week as a way to thank the DSCC EMS team for answering the call and providing quality care to associates and local community members in their time of need.

## Aaron Vance

**Firefighter/Paramedic**

                Aaron Vance highlighted during 2018 EMS Week                            Firefighter and Paramedic Aaron Vance provides insight into his job during the 2018 National EMS Week at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dana ThornburyVIRIN: 180515-D-HV615-001**How long have you been an EMT?** Since 2002

**How long have you worked at DSCC?** 12 years

**Military service:** United States Marine Corps

**What's it like to work as an EMT on DSCC?** As an EMT-P here on DSCC we see every kind of call imaginable. We respond to everything from basic sprains and strains, allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, cardiac issues or heart attacks and full codes [flat line calls]. Obviously the codes are the worst and most stressful.

**What's your most memorable call?** My most memorable call is a code I had at the James Road Gate where we were able to defibrillate the patient and she was talking to us just minutes later as we took her to the hospital for further evaluation.

**What's the most rewarding thing about your job?** The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help a person that is afraid and that is truly in need of the medical interventions that we have the knowledge and skill to be able to provide. To be able to alleviate their fears and mitigate the situation is very rewarding.

 

## Roger A Komandt Jr.

**Firefighter/Paramedic**

                Roger A Komandt, Jr. highlighted during 2018 EMS Week                            Firefighter and Paramedic Roger A Komandt, Jr. provides insight into his job during the 2018 National EMS Week at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dana ThornburyVIRIN: 180515-D-HV615-002**How long have you been an EMT?** I started out as an Army Medic in 1991. Upon completion of Active duty, I became a basic EMT in 1995 and received my Paramedic Certificate in 1999.

**How long have you worked at DSCC?** 17 years

**Military service:** U.S Army Medic from 1991 - 1995, Ohio National Guard 1996

**What's it like to work as an EMT on DSCC?** Working at DSCC is very different than your average firehouse. The people on base are friendlier and there’s more pride in what’s done since as our trucks say: “We protect those who protect us.” You have a chance of seeing very unique emergencies that you won’t see outside the gate.

**What's your most memorable call?** I responded to building 20 as the medic for a male feeling sick. When we got there you could tell the gentleman wasn’t feeling good, but all our equipment (i.e. monitor, glucometer and vitals) all checked out normal. With my experience, something just wasn’t sitting right with me. I informed the patient that he should go to the hospital regardless. It took a little bit to convince him but after enough persuasion he decided to go. Later, I found out he had a complete blockage of one artery in his heart and was just about to have a massive heart attack. I remember two months later he walked into the station to say thank you. It was the best feeling in the world.

**What's the most rewarding thing about your job?** The most rewarding thing about my job is knowing that I’m making an impact on someone’s life. When we get called, it’s because someone is having the worst day of their life. I’m able to help and make them feel better and that’s the greatest feeling in the world.

## Dan Eshelman

**Firefighter/EMT**

                Dan Eshelman highlighted during 2018 EMS Week                            Firefighter and Paramedic Dan Eshelman provides insight into his job during the 2018 National EMS Week at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dana ThornburyVIRIN: 180515-D-HV615-003**How long have you been an EMT?** Since 2012

**How long have you worked at DSCC?** 1 year

**Military service:** United States Marine Corps- MOS 7051- Aircraft and Rescue Firefighter

**What's it like to work as an EMT on DSCC?** I find it very diverse and interesting. Between the amount of culture differences amongst the base and our duty also being mutual aid with Whitehall, coming from previous EMS duty in Ross County, I have new found experience with many different people from all walks of life. This is most certainly the best fire department I have worked at in 19 years of service.

**What's your most memorable call?** While working in Chillicothe, Ohio, I was the medic when we received a call for a woman in labor. Upon arrival, the baby was already crowning. Being over 15 minutes to the local ER, we made the decision to deliver the baby on scene in the family’s home. This being my first time performing this task as an EMT, it was quite intimidating. After successful delivery and care for the baby and mom on the way to the hospital, I witnessed the instant love and bond they shared. It became a moment of happiness and joy instead of the usual stress and adrenaline that most intense EMS calls end in.

**What's the most rewarding thing about your job?** First is the camaraderie that we share in the firehouse. Like any family it’s fun and a true sense of brotherhood runs deep within DSCC Fire and Emergency services. We have our disagreements as with any large group of brothers can have but we all know we have one another’s six at all times on scene. Being able to serve, after prior Marine Corps service, helps fill that void after leaving active duty. I love my job, therefore it’s not really a job but my life. My family at home comes first, even to the officers within our department. Which is something that’s a first for me in my years as a firefighter. Most departments are not this way. At the end of the day and after each shift, I can come home to my family after 48 hours with my brothers. It’s without a doubt a blessing to not feel as if I’m at work, but rather doing what I love to do, with a bunch of guys I’m honored to share time on station with.

## Dylan Garrett

**Firefighter/EMT**

                Dylan Garrett highlighted during 2018 EMS Week                            Firefighter and EMT Dylan Garrett provides insight into his job during the 2018 National EMS Week at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Dana ThornburyVIRIN: 180515-D-HV615-004**How long have you been an EMT?** Since 2010

**How long have you worked for DSCC?** Almost 2 years now

**Why did you decide to become an EMT?** My biggest influence came from my mother. She was a transport nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital for more than 20 years. She saved lives every day and I want to follow her path someday

**What is it like to work as an EMT on DSCC?** DSCC is one of the few installations that allows EMTs/Paramedics from the base to do their job outside of the gates. This allows us to stay more proficient at our job and grants us more experience as a medical care provider.

**What's your most memorable call?** Delivering my first baby was the most memorable call I’ve been on. What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The most rewarding thing about my job is the brotherhood. I grew up playing sports and ventured on to the military. One thing you lose when you get out of the military is that brotherhood or continuity feeling. Being in EMS and fire allows me to still feel like I have a second family.

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