This news item expired on Sunday, December 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.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 field 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: Kristin Sullins
Position: Paramedic
Years working in EMS (for Buncombe and other experience): Emergency services 13.5 years total; 7 years as a paramedic, 6 of those in Buncombe County, Leicester FD 6 years, Reems Creek 3 years, and BCEMS over 2.5 years
What made you want to work in EMS?
After losing my best friend in a car accident my senior year in high school, I decided I wanted to work with the people who tried to save her.
What is your favorite part of the job?
When I actually get to make a difference or help someone.
What is a misconception of your job?
EMS is not a secret door to a room in the ER, it's a calling that is not easy.
What would you like the public to know about your job?
I have spent as many years in college for my EMS degrees, if not more, as I did for my RN and nursing degree. People often don't realize what EMS can actually do and because of that many of our skills are underutilized.