I have been involved in EMS since 1976. Beginning as a Red Cross volunteer and first aid instructor, I also sponsored a Medical Explorer post while still in high school. I received my EMT training in 1979 and my paramedic in 1980, both at Tallahassee Community College.  I received my AA from TCC in 1980, my BA from Eckerd College in 2000, and my Masters in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2013.  I have worked for several EMS agencies both in the public and private sector. I was a Training Officer with Sunstar/AMR in Pinellas County for 5 years before joining SPC as a full time faculty member in 1997. Currently I am the lead instructor for all EMT programs at SPC. I also assist with instruction in the paramedic, EVOC, BTLS, ACLS, and continuing education programs. My field background includes field medic, flight medic, and Field Training Officer. My teaching background includes EMT instruction at Gulf Coast Community College, Panama City Florida, as well as community education for several EMS agencies. I have been a technical advisor and reviewer on several EMS textbooks, including some used in this program. I continue to work part time as a paramedic with the Event Medicine Team from St. Anthony's Healthcare, providing emergency medical services for Tropicana Field, and various other venues.