Meet-A-Medic: Shedrick Cheeks, Clinical Specialist — Field
Hello, I’m Shedrick Cheeks and am currently assigned to the field as a Clinical Specialist, which means I’m working on the ambulance as a Paramedic. In fact, all the time I have been with ATCEMS, it has been in this capacity and what a terrific journey so far. I am also on the Motor Medic Unit, which makes for an interesting way to work special events here in Austin (SxSW, marathons, etc.). I also enjoy working Recruiting events, such as high school career fairs, college campus visits, and community events.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I am originally from California and spent my childhood in many parts of the state. My dad was in the Air Force so, we moved quite often. I used to be amazed as an adult when my friends would point to an elementary school that they attended. My dad finally retired in San Antonio Texas and I sought out the City of Austin EMS after working for a couple of other EMS systems.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
In 1993, I decided to join the US Air Force Reserve and was a Medical Service Specialist (M.S.S.). Among other clinical aspects of the program, it included the National Registry EMT-B and I instantly loved it and knew that that was what I wanted to do.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
This summer 2018, will mark the 17th year with the department. I was motivated to work here because I wanted to work for a major city with matching resources for public safety and population. After working for a small city and private service as an EMT-B, EMT-I, and EMT-P, I felt like I was ready.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
There are many aspects about working for ATCEMS that I really like but if I had to choose one, it would be getting out and meeting people. It just so happens that I have a particular set of skills, resources, and abilities to help people through injuries and/or illnesses or difficult times.
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
Well, this is a tough one because I do not live in Austin. I live near San Antonio and commute to work. I would have to defer this one to a coworker who knows the places to be better than I do. :)
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
I would have to say the Taqueria Arandas at 6534 Burnet Rd is my favorite taco joint in town for now. It is close to one of the stations that I work at and I often come to work sooooo hungry. But, since there are so many, it will change in a few months.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
Ah yes, to relax and unwind…give me coffee, my over-sized recliner, everybody out of the house(although I love my family dearly) except my old dog who just sleeps most of the time, and a good book. My favorite author is Stephen King but I like to default to John Grisham because it guarantees an ending that leaves a lasting smile. I like reading books on both eastern and western philosophy. Also, a little classical music like Beethoven’s 7th symphony 2nd movement. I do not know how to spend a better five minutes relaxing than watching/listening to Wilhelm Kempff play Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata movement 1 on YouTube.
Who inspires you?
Of course, I am inspired by my father. He was drafted into the Vietnam War when he was 18 years old and retired after 24 years in the Air Force. He then went on to work Civil Service for another 26 years and retired for a second time. He is a tough old man but also the kindest person I know.
However, I am mostly inspired by the Medics I work with. There is a lot left (mentally and emotionally) out there on the streets that we cannot get back while functioning in this capacity, but we do grow from it. It is to me, immeasurable and undefinable. But, I see it on a Medic’s face when they come out of that call or tell that story. I am inspired by their mental toughness.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
Well, for the short-term I would like to visit the campus of the college my son will consider. Part of his summer assignment is to find a four year university to finish his bachelor’s degree and tour it. He is currently in an early college academy at the local community college campus and will have a two year degree when he graduates high school. I can hardly wait to see what he will become professionally. Long term outlook would be somewhere in Europe or Northern Africa. Wherever there is a long history of human beings that is observable.
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
My advice for an aspiring medic is that this career field is not easy but attainable with hard work just like most anything else. True gratification from this job is not measured by monetary value nor accolades you receive…but rather by individual and personal responses of the ones you serve. Think about that for a moment. Remember that whatever you ask of life, life will gladly pay. Think about that for an evening before you say, “No it does not.” And finally, “the end is important in all things.” — Tsunetomo. This will keep you healthy.
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*
