Answering the Call: A Paramedic’s Journey
My name is Christina Dale, and I’ve been a firefighter with the Seattle Fire Department for the past six years. Before that, I was a ski patroller at Crystal Mountain in the winter and a mountain guide for RMI in the summer. My story has been driven by a curiosity about people, places, and medicine. Whether it is in the mountains or on the streets of Seattle, we all have something to share and teach. My favorite moments are when I can learn from those around me and give people the space to be vulnerable and safe.
As a mountain guide, I was fulfilled by giving people the experience of gaining empowerment by spending time in the high mountains. I find parallels in the work as a paramedic when I can take the time to listen fully to a patient and offer them a patient and through plan for their care.
Recently, I cared for a gentleman who was experiencing chest pain that felt like his previous heart attack. I was able to meet him on the front porch where he was sitting and listen to his description of his past events and this one. We ran a thorough EKG, vitals, and assessment without him having to leave his porch chair. Thanks to my incredible training, I could confidently interpret the vitals and EKG we collected to formulate a plan. I gave him some medication right there, started and IV, and opened the CATH lab at Harborview. Within six minutes, he was in the procedure room getting the care he needed without any delay. I communicated the information I received to the cardiologists in the hospital, who were setting up for our arrival based on my report. Everything went smoothly due to my training and the system that trusts the patient, believes the paramedics on scene, and can advocate for the patient. He received a stent in a coronary artery and is home gardening with his daughter.
Paramedic training has followed the typical learning trajectory for me, with highs and lows. I moved to Seattle for this time-intensive year and have missed recreating with friends. But I have gained new friends through the program and found stimulation through learning new skills. Paramedic training has taught me more than I ever thought it would–medication pathology, intubation and IV skills, critical decision-making, and anatomy and physiology, to name just a few. The real learning has come from the experience of holding someone’s hand all the way to the hospital and being in a place where I can listen and respect each person that I have the privilege of interacting with.
I cannot thank the Medic One donors enough for the support and opportunity provided through each donation. It makes a difference. Every ripple affects the water, and we are all connected. The paramedics from this program will continue to create positive interactions and show every patient love.
Thank you for starting the ripples,
Christina Dale
