Paramedic’s confidence remains paramount

Just after receiving his cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification over 20 years ago, Scott Rogers saw an individual collapse right in front of him. He saved this person’s life with the techniques that he had just recently learned. He was planning to be a paramedic, and this event furthered his drive to pursue his chosen career path.

“It was just something I needed to do,” says Rogers. “I felt that it was an opportunity to serve and give back to my community.”

His journey into the medical field was not exactly a straight line. Rogers began his career in his late 20s, having no family connections in medicine at that time. He spent 14 years working in ambulances, honing his skills and gaining experience.

Working in an ambulance

“It’s challenging,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just you and your partner. It requires critical thinking skills.”

For Rogers, confidence plays a large role in a paramedic’s success in this type of environment. His time in the back of an ambulance has given him a vivid picture of the day-to-day life of working in an ambulance.

Imagine going into an unknown place to handle the unknown medical issues of a total stranger, and then possibly even taking care of this stranger in the back of a moving vehicle that is racing toward the hospital. This care must be provided for a multitude of medical crises and often in extreme heat or cold, all while dealing with the unpredictable Indiana weather.

“They don’t do it for themselves,” says Rogers about EMS workers. “They do it for other people. It’s a calling for many. We can help others on their worst day. It’s challenging and rewarding at the same time.”

Moving to IU Health

Rogers, now a paramedic at Arnett Hospital's Emergency department (ED), has been with IU Health for a decade. He believes that IU Health is a good place to work and has a welcoming atmosphere. To him, leaders at IU Health truly care about their team members.

In the Arnett Hospital ED, Rogers deeply enjoys his conversations with patients.

“Everybody has a story,” he says.

As the eldest sibling, he feels that he inspired his brother and sister to go into the medical field. His brother is a fellow paramedic, and his sister is a respiratory therapist. Rogers also says that his wife works in the medical field.

He thinks that his years of experience have added to his confidence.

“I can overcome a lot of difficult situations,” says Rogers. “I can pivot quickly when the situation calls for it.”

Celebrating EMS Week

For 50 years, EMS Week has been celebrated across the country, honoring those whose work it is to save lives. Saluting EMS workers everywhere, Rogers’ message for them is to “keep up the great work.”

For aspiring EMS professionals, Rogers advocates for continuous learning.

“Keep learning,” he says. “Try to learn something new every day.” In a field where knowledge could mean the difference between life and death, his words ring true.