Vinsand keeps pace with emergency care changes
Paramedic has been on the job for 35 yearsBy BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
When the leadership of Trinity Regional Medical Center recognizes the hospital's longest-serving workers tonight, Jim Vinsand will be one of the honorees.
Vinsand's 35 years on the ambulance crew cover just about the whole history of modern emergency care in Fort Dodge.
When he started on Dec. 13, 1973, the ambulances were Pontiac station wagons and the training consisted of advice received on the job from senior members of the crew.
Now, he is a paramedic specialist with more than 660 hours of formal training who responds in truck-like ambulances loaded with equipment.
While just about every aspect of his job has changed, Vinsand's desire to care for people has remained rock solid.
''If you can make a difference, especially in a life or death situation, you've accomplished something and nobody can take that away from you,'' he said. ''That's the way I look at my job.''
He jokes about not being in the paramedic business for the money. The rewards for him are often walking around, literally. For instance, a man he resuscitated 33 years ago is still alive.
''I've seen him numerous times and he's doing fine,'' Vinsand said.
He's received thank you cards, notes and home-baked goodies from people he's helped over the years.
Vinsand has delivered two babies. One was a healthy 10 pounder; the other weighed a mere 2 pounds and died about four hours later.
Facing tragedies like that is a constant part of being a paramedic. One of the most horrifying incidents Vinsand responded to happened on Jan. 8, 2006, when Holly Michael was tied up and set on fire in her home at 2020 Sixth Ave. S.
''She was still on fire when I got her in the back of the ambulance,'' Vinsand said. ''I poured cold water on her and she thanked me for it.''
Michael died on Jan 26, 2006. Her attacker, Sessions Harper, is in prison, serving three consecutive life sentences plus 25 years.
Professional know-how and a steady demeanor are Vinsand's defenses when nightmares seem to be happening around him. But he admits that seeing tragedies moves anyone in the emergency medical service.
''We're human beings,'' he said. ''At the time, we might look solid as a rock, but inside we're human beings too.''
A few years ago, Vinsand had his own medical crisis, a blood clot in the heart, that gave him unique insights on what his patients experience. He describes that situation only as ''a little on the scary side.'' But as a result of it he feels he can relate to what patients go through.
As a paramedic specialist, Vinsand works closely with emergency room doctors, serving as their eyes and ears in the field. In addition to performing every kind of first aid, he can start IVs, draw blood and administer certain kinds of medications called first-line drugs. He contacts the emergency room by radio or phone to get permission to administer other drugs.
He works eight-hour shifts. When not out an ambulance call, he helps the doctors and nurses in the emergency room. Sometimes he works the triage desk, which means he's the first person a patient sees if they don't come to the emergency room in an ambulance. In that role, he assesses the patient's condition and makes sure that the most seriously ill or injured people get treated first.
Trinity's ambulances roll about eight times a day on emergency calls. Vinsand said the paramedics take turns driving.
Vinsand is a native of Badger who grew up in a big house which was once the Badger Hotel. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1967. Then he served in the Vietnam War as a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.
When he returned from military service, he started looking for a job. He was lucky enough to get several offers in one day. A longstanding interest in medicine prompted him to take the offer from the ambulance service at what was then called Bethseda General Hospital.
His first assignment as a newly hired ambulance attendant was to help transport a stroke victim to University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
In 1975, he was certified as an emergency medical technician (ambulance). In the following years, he earned more and more certfications until he attained the highest level of training as a paramedic specialist in 1991.
In addition to working at Trinity, Vinsand teaches paramedic courses at Iowa Central Community College.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
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firemanforbes
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12-15-08 6:24 PM
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Thanks for all you do! It's great to work with you on calls!
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yougonow
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12-15-08 2:27 PM
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Jim has one of the biggest hearts in this community. He does a great job and puts his whole self into it. I have been in emergency situations with Jim before and not only is he knowledgable, but also compassionate. He makes Fort Dodge a better place. Thank Jim for all you do!
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butterfly742
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12-15-08 9:10 AM
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Way to go Jim. We are proud to have you as a co-worker. You are a great EMT and person and I am glad to know you. Congratulations!!! Keep up the great work. Wendy
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