Meet-A-Medic: Jacinda Thurmon, Medic-Communications
I’m Jacinda Thurmon, currently working in Communications for ATCEMS as a Medic. I was born and raised in Texas, but started my career in New Mexico in 2016. I was a volunteer firefighter and worked for AMR before coming back to Texas and continuing my career in EMS in my native state. I spend most of my time cracking jokes with my friends, driving around, and shopping.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I am originally from Montgomery, TX, but I grew up in Copperas Cove, TX, right outside of Fort Hood. I was close to the city growing up, so I spent a lot of time in Austin and absolutely fell in love with it. After high school, I moved to New Mexico, which is where I began volunteering with a local fire department and where I became an EMT. I became homesick after a few years and had always dreamed of working in Austin, so I gave it a shot and applied. Lucky enough for me, those trips from Albuquerque to Austin during the hiring process paid off!
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
I was inspired to become an EMT by my grandmother. I originally wanted to be a teacher, but that all changed when I moved to New Mexico to live with her. She was a volunteer firefighter and former EMT with our local department in Angel Fire, New Mexico. She convinced me to go to one training with her to see how I liked it, and after that, I was hooked. I instantly fell in love with the fire department and EMS. I’ve always wanted to help people somehow, and this field was an exciting way for me to do it. My grandmother helped me through all of my training and even my EMT-Basic course. I also was inspired by the amazing EMTs and Medics that I learned from during my first few years as a volunteer firefighter.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
I have been with Austin for a year and a half. I have always viewed Austin as an amazing department and was impressed by the reputation the department had. I set a goal for myself to get on with ATCEMS when I was first starting out in my career. I have worked as a volunteer, in an urgent care, on an ambulance, and I even worked with ski patrol. I had never considered a job in Communications, but I thought it would be good to see another side of EMS that I hadn’t before. I am so grateful I did, too. The experience I have gained in Communications has changed my perspective on 911 call-takers and dispatchers completely.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
My favorite part about working at ATCEMS is the group of people I am surrounded by every day. I hands down have the most amazing co-workers anyone could ask for. The support system we have here is incredible. We are truly just a big family. Whether it’s advice on a call or life advice, someone is always there to help. I couldn’t do what I do without the teamwork between our medics and even our other brother/sister agencies.
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
I am just a big kid, so my favorite place to take people is Austin’s Park and Pizza! I also love shopping, so the Domain is a nice spot to grab a bite to eat and get some new threads. It would definitely be between those two.
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
La Chilanguita, hands down! It is off of Rundberg/I-35 and it is so yummy! Also, I can’t complain that there is an elote stand right next to it.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
I spend most of my days off hanging out with my friends and family. I also love decorating and checking out my favorite home goods stores for new things. “Retail therapy” is my favorite way to unwind.
Who inspires you?
My parents inspire me. I would not be the person I am today without them, and I am so grateful for everything they have done for me. They remind me every day to keep pushing forward when things get rough, and to be the absolute best person I can be. They have done such an amazing job raising my two siblings and me, and I only hope to be as cool as they are someday. My father is such a hard worker and has always motivated me to be the same way. My mom is such an amazing human being, and reminds me to always think of others.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
I have so many places I would like to cross off of my bucket list, so it’s hard to pick just one. My boyfriend is in the Army and has been overseas several times, so there are a few places in Europe he wants to show me someday that I would love to visit!
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
Working in EMS can be hard sometimes, but it is so rewarding. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure you are passionate about helping others. Every time you put that uniform on, you have an opportunity to change someone’s life. Also, we see people at their absolute worst sometimes. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone if the job gets tough or starts to weigh on you.
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.
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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*
