Meet-A-Medic: Tyler Smith, Clinical Specialist — Field
I’m Tyler and I’m 23 years old. I’m a second generation paramedic and have worked for Austin-Travis County EMS since August of 2015. Ever since I started EMT-B school, I’ve focused on furthering my education and knowledge in pre-hospital medicine. I have a wife and a 1 and 1/2-year-old daughter. I like to spend my free time with family, playing with my daughter, studying, and occasionally playing my Xbox. I did Hapkido for 5 years and was in wrestling during all 4 years of high school. I met my wife in high school and we’ve been together since 2011. Some of our favorite things to do include going to the movies at Alamo Drafthouse and hiking.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Austin?
I was born and raised in southern California. I grew up in the small city of Yucaipa, and prior to moving here in 2011, lived in the city of Walnut just outside of Los Angeles. When my dad got hired on with the ATCEMS, we moved to Austin.
What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?
After high school, I really didn’t know what to do. I had wrestling scholarship offers, but I didn’t have any desire to attend college. I was delivering pizzas and knew that I wanted to do something more with my life, but I just didn’t know what that was. One day, my dad said, “Why don’t you come on a ride along with me and see if you like it”. I knew that he had been in EMS since before I was born, and as a kid, I would always hear him tell stories of calls that he went on at work, but it never really grabbed my attention. On that ride along, I finally got to see what my dad did for a living. That day flew by and before I knew it, the day was over. I remember asking my dad, “That’s the end of the shift? I really loved this”. This job never gets old to me. There’s always something different each day and nothing is ever “text book”. I could never want or ever see myself doing anything other than pre-hospital medicine.
How long have you been with ATCEMS and what motivated you to work here?
I’ve been with ATCEMS for almost 4 years now. The motivation to work here was the noticeable difference between ATCEMS and other EMS systems. I use to work for a private EMS service before coming to ATCEMS. It was my experience there that made me appreciate first-hand just how different ATCEMS is from the rest- from not having to physically lift a K-tank off the ground anymore (while simultaneously hoping it doesn’t catch the bottom lip of the tank causing you to drop it) to the amazing medical direction that we have and everything in between. I also wanted to be able to utilize what I had learned in school, as opposed to doing transports. Anywhere you work will have its ups and downs, but when I hear stories of other EMS systems, it always adds to my appreciation of everything that we have here at ATCEMS.
What is your favorite part about working here at ATCEMS?
It’s really hard to say what my favorite part about working here is, but if I had to pick one, I would have to say the medical direction. The ability to think outside of the metaphorical box, and really apply your knowledge to its full potential, is pretty unique to our system. A lot of EMS systems use a protocol method (I.E. If this, then do this or if that, then do that). Here at ATCEMS, we have guidelines rather than protocols, this allows us to provide the best pre-hospital medicine and care possible to our patients.
If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?
This is really a tough question. It depends on the season, and the time of year. I’d have to say the Loop 360 Overlook near the Pennybacker Bridge. From there you can see some of the downtown skyline, you have the lake right there, the hiking trails right there, and the fresh air of the outdoors, it just really sums up everything that makes Austin, Austin.
What is your favorite taco joint in town?
Las Trancas Taco Stand on East Cesar Chavez Street.
What do you do on your days to relax and unwind?
I enjoy playing with my daughter and spending time with my wife. Whether it’s a vacation, a hike, watching a movie, or just grocery shopping, just being with my family makes me forget about everything else.
Who inspires you?
My wife, my daughter, and my dad inspire me. My wife and daughter have always given me the drive that I need to push through any challenge. I am working on putting my wife through nursing school so she can follow her dream, and just as my dad did for me when I was a kid, I want to be able to provide my kid with what she wants and needs. As I have grown up and basically followed my dad’s foot steps to a T. I have now seen and can truly appreciate all of the sacrifices he has made to provide for his family. I want to be just like that.
What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?
California during the winter. I always take my family on vacation during the summer, but I have yet to take them during the winter. They have not seen snow deeper than what we get here in central Texas.
Word of advice for an aspiring medic?
It might sound trite but, your knowledge maybe the only thing standing between the patient and the grave. Never study to “just pass the test”. Study like your kid’s life, your spouse’s life, your parent’s life, or your grandparent’s life depends on it, because at the end of the day that patient is someone else’s child/spouse/parent/grandparent. Patients are not just patients.
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*
