This news item expired on Sunday, December 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
National Public EMS Week is May 21-27, and Buncombe County is celebrating by profiling some of our team. Emergency care is challenging, takes a variety of skills, and is a difficult filed that is not for everyone. Buncombe County is honored to highlight some of our EMS team in their own words as we celebrate National Public EMS Week. Thank you for your passion and commitment to keeping our community safe.
Name: Mark Wike
Position: Assistant Operations Supervisor
Years working in EMS (for Buncombe and other experience): 26 years with 4 years in Jackson County
What made you want to work in EMS?
The love of helping people
What is your favorite part of the job?
Taking care of someone in their worst moments to make a difference. The continuing education and always learning.
What is a misconception of your job?
That we sit around all day, and we are just “ambulance drivers!”
What would you like the public to know about your job?
That we are highly trained medical professionals. We work long hours usually with little rest. Our training is very detailed, and education is necessary to provide care in the environment.
Please free to add anything else interesting or informative about your job.
Paramedics are the most dedicated and hardworking individuals you will meet. Our compassion and drive are without question. I have worked with many medical professionals in a long career and the misconception of paramedics will one day end.