Helping people at their worst times

Cole County EMT of Year Alison Peters' positive attitude helps the folks she sees a short, tough time

Alison Peters, EMT poses in the ambulance bay at Cole County EMS on Southridge Drive. Peters was named EMT of the Year.
Alison Peters, EMT poses in the ambulance bay at Cole County EMS on Southridge Drive. Peters was named EMT of the Year.

Taking care of people in their time of need is something Alison Peters learned from her family.

Her grandmother was a nurse as was her mother. Her sister still is one.

"It's always been in the blood," Peters said.

Peters was named Cole County EMT for 2015.

She has been an EMT for four years and volunteers with the California Fire Department.

"Before this I spent 16 years as a stay at home my mom," Peters said. "I took classes in high school to become an EMT and that's what led me think I could do this. I didn't want to go to nursing school, but I wanted to do something along those lines."

There is a difference between a paramedic and EMT.

A paramedic can give medicine and start IVs.

An EMT does basic life support like CPR and as well as basic emergency aid like setting a broken leg.

Peters works a 12-hour shift when she's on duty with the Cole County Ambulance Service.

"We usually run over 10,000 calls a year," she said. "I ran 626 last year. The calls range from assisting in lifting persons who have fallen to trauma to cardiac arrests. You have to be ready for anything. We go out with a two-man crew.

"We go through a ton of training and the county offers that for us. Every situation is different, and that's why I love it."

As you would expect with someone who works on an ambulance service, there are many memorable stories, but unfortunately, most are not happy ones.

"I had a pediatric code in February and she did not make," Peters said. "Those are the ones that stay with you. I remember a cancer patient we were taking home from the hospital, and she was going to be on hospice. It was a rainy day and we were getting ready to get her out when she said, 'This will be the last time I will have rain on my face.' Those are the things you don't forget."

While there is a lot of sadness, Peters said bringing somebody back from a full code is so rewarding.

"The biggest reward of my job is I get to help people at the worst time of their lives," Peters said. "You have to have a positive attitude and a sense of humor. You have to joke around and keep the day going."

Most of the time, Peters said, they are with patients on average between 12-18 minutes so sometimes they don't get to hear about the end result.

"Sometimes we don't want to know the end result because if you get too involved, it can you down, as well," she said. "I love my job, and the rewards outweigh the bad stuff."