A Journey From Brooklyn to King County Medic One
Omri Bareket’s journey to paramedicine started on the recess yard in primary school. Known for being a picky eater, he always had a lunchbox packed with a teal gel ice pack, which he would eagerly deploy whenever a classmate got injured. This early inclination towards care and hospitality naturally led him to pursue an EMT certification in 2016.
Omri’s journey in EMS has been anything but straightforward. After obtaining his degree in stagecraft, he worked until the COVID-19 pandemic brought the live entertainment industry to a halt. Returning to EMS, he pursued his paramedic certification and worked in the NYC911 EMS system.
Last year, he moved from his hometown of Brooklyn, NY to Seattle to join King County Medic One. Transitioning to life and work in Seattle has been challenging. “It’s been hard to find comfort in all the unfamiliarity brought about by moving across the country—even more when doing so alone,” says Omri. Despite the warnings about the unique challenges he would face, especially as a previously trained paramedic, the reality was still daunting.
Omri’s focus during training has been twofold: supporting the collective and advancing the program, while also seeking unique educational opportunities for personal growth. His efforts have included developing an equipment inventory, optimizing new simulation devices, assisting classmates with their studies, and building strong relationships with healthcare providers. “Figuring out my role during this training continues to be a daily adventure,” he shares, “but I’ve found success on several levels through the year.”
The program’s commitment to iterative drill-based learning and access to diverse clinical opportunities has been particularly fulfilling for Omri. He fondly recalls his time on the Seattle Children’s campus and the exceptional pediatric education series led by Paramedics Paige Binder and Josh Peeples. “That education is not only unparalleled but will undoubtedly and directly save lives,” Omri asserts.
Omri deeply appreciates the support from donors to the Medic One Foundation. “The vested commitment that donors make to this training and to the Medic One Foundation at large empowers us to be the best at taking care of our communities,” he says. “Their donations fuel our ability to be well-resourced, well-trained, ever-curious about where we will go next, and, most importantly, to save lives.”
As Omri looks ahead to his graduation and continued service with King County Medic One, he is eager to apply his skills, compassion, and leadership to benefit his new community in South King County. His journey from Brooklyn to King County is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the enduring impact of exceptional emergency medical training.