A few years ago I undertook the task to certify as an EMT-Basic. This involved taking a semester long class at our local college, many hours of clinicals working in the Emergency Department at a local hospital and riding on ambulances, demonstration of skills and the final National Registry certification test. It was a most fascinating and fun six months.
As I got ready for the class, all my EMS friends clued me in on the instructor, Captain V. “Watch out,” one would warn, “he’s a tough one.” “He’s a great guy, but don’t cross him,” another said. “He knows his stuff and teaches well,” said another. I had a feeling, after hearing all the comments, that he was going to be one of those “tough but fair” leaders I had met in my various careers. I was right.
The class required several weekend class sessions, including the very first weekend. This was right when my wife and I were supposed to go out of town for our anniversary, a trip we’d been planning long before I got the class schedule. Capt. V told us we could email him any time we had questions, so I sent him a quick message after the class schedule was posted asking what we were going to cover that weekend and if it would be OK if I missed it. I was a bit nervous about it, given I wasn’t quite sure how he’d react. Thankfully, that first weekend was devoted to getting CPR certification; something I had. He was very nice about my request, but let me know under no circumstances would he let go any class requirements when it came to test time.
Tough but fair – very good.
Over the next several months I got to know this man a little, talking during class breaks and corresponding via email. Over that time I got to know a little bit about a man who was a dedicated public servant (a Firefighter and Paramedic) and one who taught countless people the skills needed to certify as an EMT. It was his dedication to education which had the biggest impact on the communities in our area.
One person can only do so much alone. Sharing skills and teaching others multiplies the effort many times over. If Capt. V saved the life of one person every day of his career, he could never touch the number of lives he may have indirectly saved through his teaching to tough standards and making sure each of his students clearly understood what was at stake each time they cared for a patient.
I remember one person asked why the class was so tough. His answer was quite simple: “You are going to be caring for patients one day. I will not be responsible for having an unqualified person taking care of people in their time of need.”
He was tough and exacting, but he also exemplified servant leadership in the way he made sure everyone got the help they needed to succeed. He brought in other skilled EMTs and Paramedics to help teach classes and offer insights from their experience. Some of those he brought in were interested in teaching themselves. This was another great opportunity to multiply his lifesaving efforts.
Yes, Capt. V is a great example of a leader – out front and blazing the trail for others to follow.
Last week I saw he posted on Facebook he will be retiring from teaching after 25 years. We owe a great debt of gratitude to this man. If you live in Central Texas, chances are someone in whose life he invested may come to your assistance one day. You’ll be glad he was such a fantastic leader if that happens.
