Meet-A- Medic: Kristina Peña, Clinical Specialist-Communications
Hi, my name is Kristina Peña. I am a Clinical Specialist in Communications and have been with the department for 15 years. I have an amazing wife and two beautiful little boys! When I’m not at work you’ll find me soaking up every minute I can get with my loves at any, kid-friendly event or location in Austin!
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I am originally from a small town outside of Houston. I used to visit my aunt and uncle in Austin during the summer and fell in love with this city. I once wrote a letter to myself as a freshman in High School that said I was going to move to Austin and, once I graduated, I moved as soon as I could.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
I’d always been interested in the medical field and saw this as a great opportunity to be able to help people but in a different way. To use my patch and provide lifesaving instructions to, literally, hundreds of patients a week is pretty incredible. It’s a very fast paced, often stressful job and it takes a special kind of person to do it.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
I have been with ATCEMS for 15 years and it has FLOWN by! The first real job I got in Austin was as a dispatcher with the UT Police Department. I worked there for 5 years before a friend of mine told me of an opening for a dispatcher for a private ambulance company. Once I decided to pursue a career as a Communications Medic, working for Austin EMS was always the goal. I worked for Rural/Metro Ambulance for 1 year and, after gaining some experience and getting my EMT-Basic, I applied with ATCEMS. I had heard so many great things and knew I wanted to work with the best! I love a challenge and I knew this was the place for me.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
My favorite thing about our department is the comradery. We are like a family and, when you need it, the support is there in spades. Especially from your peers. I also love that I get to serve a city that I have always loved! There is NO place like Austin!
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
I would probably take them to town lake for a morning jog/walk then to Kerby Lane for some pancakes, SoCo for some shopping and then Gueros for lunch and drinks.
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
My favorite taco joint would be any place with homemade tortillas. I grew up eating them freshly made and it turned me into a bit of a tortilla snob. lol
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
With two small children, there isn’t a whole lot of relaxing and unwinding going on lately. But, my wife and I try to take days off together where we send the boys to daycare and spend the day relaxing. That usually involves having a quiet breakfast, going to a movie, kayaking on the lake or having a glass of wine somewhere with a view.
Who inspires you?
Strong women inspire me. Moms are among the strongest women I know. You never know how strong you are until you are entirely in charge of a tiny person’s well-being and happiness. They depend on you for EVERYTHING. It is the absolute hardest and most fulfilling job I’ve ever had.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
Our next trip, and first trip as a family of 4, will likely be back to Colorado. We’ve been several times but are eager to take the boys. There’s something about the crisp mountain air and naturally beautiful landscape in Colorado that easily clears your head and makes you stop and appreciate nature.
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
In this line of work, I would say empathy and a load of patience is your best friend and what will keep you here till retirement. It’s not always saving lives and playing rescue ranger. Most of our patients end up needing us in a different role. Sometimes it’s medic but it can also be social worker, psychiatrist or just a friend that listens. Try and remember that people that call are calling for help. Whatever that may be for them.
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*
