Why I joined

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         I joined the Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps to gain first hand experience of what it was like to be an Emergency Medical Technician.  I already had my state certfication, so I had already gotten some experience but was still very new.  I have always had the desire to help in the community and to give back to others.  I also have always dreamed of being a fireman, although I supposed I always grouped EMS along with the fire department.  When I first joined, it was a wake up call.  I loved the lights and the pagers, the excitement and the key to the head quarters.  It felt amazing to be part of a real ambulance organization.  Along with all of the gear came incredible responsibility.  To know that once I passed my orientation and probationary period, that I would be a key member that could complete the crew on an ambulance was humbling and scary.  After many calls and testing of my skills in the field, I made crew chief EMT. It was then that a person can earn the respect and honor of their fellow ambulance personell as well as others in the community.  When someone earns that, it is an incredible feeling that one has to experience for themselves.  To make a difference in the lives of community members at their greatest time of need is truely a blessing.  It is a long road filled with testing and many situations that will challenge a person in all areas of thier character and being.  This is not easy, it is real people, real lives, and they are really hurt, sick or dying. If you can overcome that, and you can experience the honor and respect.  You will be proud of yourself, as you should be, and you will love every minute of this amazing experience.

- 2nd Lt. Jona Healy-Falencki

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