SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - International Paramedics Day is shining a light on the work of first responders and one Springfield paramedic is looking back on more than two decades on the job.

Mark LaPrade, a paramedic supervisor with American Medical Response, has spent 21 years in emergency medical services. He said his path into the field started early. He wanted to pursue emergency medicine in high school and became an EMT while in college.

LaPrade added his family background played a role in his career choice. “A lot of my relatives are firefighters and in law enforcement as well. I was just, like, ‘Well, I guess I like being in the field and staying with EMS,’” he explained.

He said what keeps people in the profession is the drive to make sure everyone is okay. “Just being with your partner, dealing with one patient with a set of protocols, and just having that autonomy to care for that one individual, drop them off, and then go to another scene,” LaPrade noted.

LaPrade acknowledged the career comes with challenges, including calls and interactions that can strain mental health. He said the rewards include the human connection and knowing a patient made it.

He added the role of paramedics is continuing to expand within the healthcare system. “I know across the nation, there’s going to be a big push to start getting blood products and whole blood to trauma scenes directly at the point of care through paramedics,” LaPrade said.

He said the future of the profession looks bright as healthcare evolves. “There’s always research, there’s always the new cutting-edge treatment for a disease process, and EMS will inherit that and keep pushing it forward out onto the street and out to the patients in the community,” LaPrade explained.

On International Paramedics Day, LaPrade said the message remains the same. “There’s always going to be an EMT or a paramedic responding to your call for help, to get you the medical treatment you need, and to transport you to the hospital in a safe manner,” he said.

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