LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Well-trained EMTs and paramedics make the tough job of saving lives look easy. Most will tell you it's thanks to training and support.
There's a nonprofit in Arkansas that helps potential new lifesavers get that training to start a career, and those in the field get help through tough times.
"Right out of high school, I knew I wanted to do something medical, but I didn't know exactly what," said Sedley Tomlinson, an emergency medical technician with Pafford Ambulance in Conway. "Then I got my EMY, and it's been a career ever since."
About halfway through 36 years of that career, Tomlinson helped find the Arkansas EMS Foundation.
"Our mission is to help EMS personnel and people trying to get into EMS here in the state," Tomlinson said.
They do that through a benevolence fund and scholarship offers. A15-member board, which Tomlinson serves as vice-chair, has its ears open for EMS professionals in need.
"Let's say a husband loses his wife, and he needs help during that time," Tomlinson said. "Someone will refer him to us... Somebody may be in the hospital for an extended period of time, and they can't work, so someone will contact us to get them a benevolence gift."
But with a shortage of qualified EMTs almost everywhere, the foundation has its eyes peeled for people with the same kind of budding desire that Tomlinson had.
"We also provide scholarships for individuals wanting to get into EMS to start their career or for people that are already in EMS that want to continue their career," Tomlinson said.
Depending on the certification, anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 is available. All to fill the ranks with future lifesavers.
"There's always an adrenaline factor," Tomlinson said when asked why some people choose the profession. "I hope that's not why they're getting in. I hope they're getting in to help people in their time of need."
If you know of other deserving nonprofits helping veterans, active military members, or first responders in Arkansas, send a note to rhoyt@thv11.com.