Rixmann's parents were also first responders. I wanted to learn how to help people who were in dire need. Going out on all those calls got me into it. At the same time he belonged to the Osceola Ambulance Service. And, from 1994-97 he was administrator for the Polk County first responders.
Emergency care is intense, stressful work.
Rixmann recalls responding to the grisly wreckage of mid-air collision between two planes over Osceola. Seven local people died. Later, you learn to look at the whole picture, the potential safety hazards. You go about your job and filter out the distractions. Rixmann says most people are unaware of how much time ambulance workers spend preparing and training for what is a volunteer job.