Meet-A-Medic: Nate Rasmussen, Captain
“The people I work with are truly what makes this department run. Our medics are intelligent clinicians, all around caring, and highly motivated.”
Hello there everyone, my name is Nate Rasmussen and I am a Captain with Austin Travis County EMS. I’m the guy in the middle (see photo). The pic above is from my recent promotion. I am flanked by some of the best medics and friends a guy could ask for. We have a ton of really awesome medics here at ATCEMS who are not only great clinicians, but great people. I have been a paramedic here at ATCEMS for about 8 and a half years now and could not ask for a better place to work. Prior to ATCEMS I was an EMT and Paramedic in the Phoenix area. ATCEMS provides me with constant challenges and opportunities to hone my craft. When I am not at work I am most likely chauffeuring one of my three very active kids to some activity or volunteering at my church with my lovely wife.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I was originally born in Albany, GA. GO DAWGS! I have lived in many different places, since I grew up in a military family and moved around frequently. I have lived in 8 different states on both coasts and the Midwest. As I mentioned before, I began my career in Arizona working for a private EMS service. I was looking for more out of my career and Austin Travis County EMS was the place to be, so that’s what brought me to Austin.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
My initial career choice was to be a helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard. After knee surgery in high school, I knew I would have to look into an alternative career choice. I was drawn to the fire service after growing up watching the TV show, Emergency! I know, cliché right?But I loved that show!
While I was testing for fire service jobs, I obtained my EMT-Basic certification and started working on the ambulance. While working on the ambulance, I fell in love with EMS and medicine. I went to paramedic school, and by the time I was done, I knew that EMS was the career for me. I haven’t looked back, and don’t regret it for a second.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
This October will mark 9 years with ATCEMS — which is hard to believe sometimes. I owe my being here at ATCEMS to a dear friend who moved to Austin and got a job here not long before I did. While having many conversations with him about his career here, he constantly sang the praises of the department and I found myself wanting to be here more and more. I was hooked.
Here at ATCEMS there are so many opportunities that just aren’t available other places. We have a career ladder with promotions, lateral transfers that allow you to experience other areas of the department, great pay and benefits, state of the art equipment, and awesome medical direction. If you look at all of that together, the job really sells itself.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
My favorite part about working here is the people that I work with and the opportunity to serve a community that truly appreciates what EMS does for them. The people I work with are truly what makes this department run. Our medics are intelligent clinicians, all around caring, and highly motivated. When you put those type of people out in a community with strong support, there isn’t much that can’t be accomplished.
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
I absolutely love to eat, so I am always ready to show off the many dining establishments here in Austin. BBQ is a must and we are fortunate to have plenty of options nearby including The Salt Lick, La Barbecue and Stiles Switch. After stuffing yourself with smoked meats, you need a sweet treat! Austin has a couple of my favorites including Amy’s Ice Cream and Gordough’s Donuts. And, I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to 512 Brewery and their Pecan Porter!
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
Having spent time living in southern California and Arizona this whole taco thing was new to me. Seriously, why can’t a brother just get a burrito? Now that I’ve been here awhile, I have acclimated to the tacos. I would have to say my go to for tacos is Torchy’s Tacos. It’s hard to beat their queso, too.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
When I am not at work I am usually doing something with my family. I enjoy just about anything sports related, as well doing DIY projects. I am also very involved in my awesome church. There usually isn’t much “unwinding”, as my family stays very busy… But I very much enjoy the busy times.
Who inspires you?
This is one of those questions that I can’t give just one answer to, as inspiration affects so many areas of my life. Career wise, I would say it was those I worked with early in my career in Arizona. Shout out to all my Southwest Ambulance, Pinal County peeps! They took me under their wing as a young, overly ambitious EMT and molded me into a great, young paramedic. That molding has continued here at ATCEMS where I am now an “seasoned” paramedic.
In my personal life it would have to be my parents. I am one of those guys who is lucky enough to not only have a great set of biological parents but also a great set of in-laws. All 4 of them are hardworking, loving, and all around amazing people to take inspiration from.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
After spending the better part of the last 20 years living in Arizona and Texas, I am very much a fan of colder climates. I have always wanted to explore Alaska or the Northeast. Both have so much history and scenery to take in while sitting back and relaxing.
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
My word of advice…It’s just one word, but it really is everything. RESPECT. Respect yourself. Respect your profession. Respect those that came before you. Respect change. Respect the time and money that goes into training and employing you. Respect your equipment. Respect your coworkers. Most importantly respect the trust the public has put in you as a public servant and healthcare professional. You must respect all these things, at all times, on and off duty!
Interested in a career with ATCEMS? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.
Follow us on all social media channels, and don’t forget to fill out a connect profile.
This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*
