Quality assurance technician by day, EMT by night

By Brady Kutz, American Family Insurance Quality Assurance Technician

There’s something calming about an ambulance ride to a 911 call. Maybe it’s just me, but that adrenaline comes as controlled excitement.

Growing up, I wasn’t drawn to one specific field of study. But, I was interested in the anatomy and biology behind the human body and the psychology involved in human care.

These interests didn’t lead me to a career in medicine or science. But I did become an emergency medical technician (EMT). Initially, I thought how cool it would be to ride in an ambulance — on my way to an unknown emergency — with the lights on and sirens blaring, ready to help those in need. Now, I know I thrive on having the autonomy to make medical decisions in a stressful environment.

From sports to community calls

I joined the EMT program at Madison Area Technical College (now Madison College) and became a licensed EMT — Basic. Then, I volunteered for sporting events at the University of Minnesota while in college and later worked with the Madison Mallards Baseball Club.

Now, on nights and weekends, I volunteer as an EMT and respond to 911 calls. During these 12-to-24-hour shifts, I study, train and sleep when we’re not responding to calls. The shifts start every sixth hour — at midnight, 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. So if I’m volunteering on a weeknight, I usually have time to transition after working at AmFam. I also take advantage of my company’s volunteer paid time off benefit.

Back to that controlled excitement.

The reason I put in so much time as an EMT is the pure ability to help others. Some calls are precautionary, like at a motor vehicle collision where those involved do not need or want medical care. Some require immediate intervention. You never know exactly what you’re getting into until you’re on scene.

Things are a bit different now because of the pandemic.

We wear protective equipment and follow sanitization guidelines and all state and county regulations, processes and procedures. We wear eye protection, surgical masks and gloves to all calls, whether they’re COVID-related or not. If dispatch discovers someone has tested positive, has symptoms or is suspected to have the virus, we don full personal protection equipment.

Other than these precautions and rigorous decontaminating efforts, not much has changed. Except for the decrease in traffic.

Building confidence

One of my favorite parts of the job is providing empathy and a sense of composure to the situation. During hectic times, I offer reassurance and information to the patient’s loved ones.

The job isn’t always easy and, at times, I have to deliver bad news. And, it can be difficult getting the patient to the hospital, but then not know the outcome.

One of my first shifts as a new trainee, the main ambulance team was dispatched for a call. Shortly after, we received another call — but the main team wasn’t back yet.

With less than three minutes to prepare, the director and I drove the back-up ambulance to the scene. The ride was nerve-wracking — not knowing much about the situation, wondering what we’d encounter.

This was a fast-moving, uncertain situation — and not what I’d expected. But moments like this are when you rely on confidence in yourself and in your training. Thankfully, everything turned out well.

As an EMT, I’ve gained more confidence in life. I’ve learned to make quick decisions. I’ve learned to be more empathetic to people from all walks to life. And, I’ve learned to communicate with people in difficult situations.

Full effort, all the time

I love learning new things and consider myself to have good time-management skills, trustworthiness and the ability to function and be productive in stressful situations.

I’m intrinsically motivated to show up, work hard, plan ahead and give my full effort whenever I walk in the door. My outlook, plus my team-centered mentality, helps me professionally and personally.

So, I’m an AmFam quality assurance technician by day, and an EMT on nights and weekends. Oh, and did I mention the other ways I engage with that controlled excitement? I’m also a licensed private pilot and MRI technologist assistant at UW Health.