This news item expired on Sunday, December 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.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: Christopher Dorsey
Years working in EMS (for Buncombe and other experience): 25 years of service in emergency services.
What made you want to work in EMS?
I wanted to work in EMS because I enjoy helping others and because not one day is ever the same.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of this job is I enjoy who I work with and it’s not like your topical 8-5 job. It’s something different every day.
What is a misconception of your job?
The misconception about the job is that it’s not always running lights and sirens as people think.
What would you like the public to know about your job?
I would like for people to know there are both good and bad outcomes that come with this job. You have to be compassionate to be able to do this line of work. It has its ups and downs. Many days can be stressful. Your coworkers are like family because you spend a third of your life with them 24 hours at a time. Some shifts feel longer than others. There are also special teams in emergency services to be a part of that I love about my job.