
Kim Poindexter: EMT
Pafford EMS: Sallisaw, Okla.
Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Kim Poindexter as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life. Kim has been a very loyal and productive employee both on and off the truck.
Kim began her EMS career 12 years ago after watching a close friend pass away before her eyes, unable to provide any assistance. She decided at that moment that she never wanted to be in that position again, and enrolled in the next EMT course she could find. For 12 years, Kim has served the citizens of Sequoyah County, Okla., the past 10 of which have been with Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those 10 years, Kim has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.
Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family, and Kim is hardly an exception. She often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Kim goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays are invited to her home to enjoy a warm holiday meal and fellowship with her family. Whenever her peers face difficult times, on either a professional or a personal level, Kim has always been the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide, whether that be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal or just simply letting them know that she cares.
When natural disasters strike, such as widespread wild-land fires or tornados, Kim always rushes to the aid of the front-line personnel, firemen and first responders. She has been known to purchase pallets of bottled water and cases of snacks to deliver to responders to ensure they have some simple necessities to continue their work.
Kim has always been the kind of EMT who takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break or get something to eat.
Kim has always strived for excellence in everything she does. She is passionate about her job, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.