Meet-A-Medic: Keenen Anderson, Medic-Field
Hey! My name is Keenen Anderson, and I’m currently serving as a Medic — Field here at Austin-Travis County EMS. I’ve been in EMS since 2015, and obtained both my EMT and Paramedic license at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in NYC. Before EMS, I enlisted in the Army and served overseas with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division. I enjoy traveling, working out, and spending time with my daughter Riley (who’s a few months old) and my Chief of Command at home, Stephanie.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I was born and raised in Florida and moved to Austin specifically because I’ve heard so many good things about this department. With that being said, I’ve come to learn that Austinites have great pride in their city (and who could blame them). Austin has so many unique characteristics; it is filled with friendly people and has endless activities to get involved in.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
During my second year of college, my professor showed the class an EMS cardiac resuscitation video that stayed on my mind all day. I went back to my classroom later that day and searched over fifty videos pertaining to EMS and afterwards, I was hooked.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
I’ve worked for the department for eight months, so I’m very new. I guess I can say I gravitated toward this department once I knew I was going be in this field for the long haul. Not only does this department provide me with promotional opportunities and a competitive salary, but I also get to wear the patch of one the most respected EMS departments on my left arm.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
Where do I begin? The three days off are amazing. They are like mini vacations, and I come back to work spiritually and physically well-rested. Between the guidance of our training staff and physician taught classes, the training is advantageous. You are working alongside experienced medics who are easygoing, knowledgeable, and expect you to bring your A game. The opportunities. If you want to be a Rescue or Tactical medic, this department has it. If you want to get paid to ride motorcycles or work on the AmBus, this is the place to be.
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
I will take all my back home east coast friends to In-N-Out and Whataburger. Then it’s straight to Rainey Street for the nightlife. My friends are simple.
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
Torchy’s has the best tacos. I have only lived in this city for 8 months and I’m already a regular.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
To relax and unwind I like to watch movies, play my guitar and ukulele, and play video games. I can do those things all day.
Who inspires you?
My mother’s love, support, and hard work to raise, shelter, educate, push, and nurture me is commendable. I know that I am lucky to have her.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
Thailand will be my next trip for sure. I took an Intro to Asian Religion class in school, and it has been on my bucket list ever since. Buddhism and the culture there are so fascinating to me. I am looking forward to experiencing it in person.
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
The education is never over. Read legal updates and medical journals. Understand your departmental guidelines and reasons for those guidelines. Strive to be so knowledgeable about your position and eventually become an informed leader for your department, but keep in mind it all takes time and work on your part. Lives depend on it. Do that, and you will do great.
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*
