By Jaci King, BA
As an organization and industry leader, Global Medical Response (GMR) strives to support and promote female representation in the EMS industry. This representation matters as it ensures diverse perspectives, fostering a more equitable and inclusive organization. GMR endeavors to foster this internally but also supports external initiatives that focus on equal representation. This support looks different throughout the organization.
Portland Metro Fire Camp
In the Portland, Oregon, metro area, American Medical Response (AMR) a subsidiary of GMR, has come alongside an amazing nonprofit called Portland Metro Fire Camp (PMFC). Started in 2009 by Lisa Knight, a Portland Fire and Rescue firefighter, PMFC has become a regionally collaborative event. This all-female three-day camp draws 16-to-22-year-old “campers” from across the country. Over the course of the weekend, the young women get to participate in and learn about many aspects of being a first responder. PMFC challenges stereotypes, norms and traditions that have been historically prevalent in EMS.
AMR was honored to facilitate the EMS station during the 2024 Portland Metro Fire Camp. Held at the Portland Fire and Rescue Training Center, the camp has access to aerials to climb, chainsaws to run, cars to destroy and hoses to charge. One element that had not received heavy focus in recent years was a dedicated EMS station. As one of the nine stations the campers rotated through, AMR supplied career EMS professionals who could demonstrate and facilitate group exercises that gave the campers a glimpse of what we do.
Terra, a lieutenant at Portland Fire, has been the camp director for several years. She and I arrived early on a Friday morning to prepare for the nearly 50 participants who would be showing up in a few hours. Looking around the room of camp counselors, I saw women from more than four fire departments, law enforcement, an arborist and even an assistant district attorney. They had all come to lead these groups of women, or “engine companies” as they were called for the duration of the camp. Several leaders in this group had previously attended PMFC. They had returned to pass on their knowledge and passion as successful women in the industry.
A Meaningful Experience
Soon after this group of supremely talented and passionate counselors adjourned, the campers began to arrive and were divided into their engine companies. These groups would spend the next three days pushing themselves individually and as a team. They would have the extraordinary opportunity to be mentored by and learn from women who do the job that intrigues and is calling to them.
With the addition of a complete EMS station, the young women of PMFC could now visualize and experience a more comprehensive “day in the life.” As the eager engine companies began to matriculate through the medical portion of their weekend, they met some of our amazing EMTs and paramedics. During this time the campers learned from women who do this hard work every day, running medical scenarios tailored to this experience.
So Much to Learn
AMR came fully prepared, with a loaded ambulance and knowledge to transfer. The campers practiced CPR, worked with a LUCAS device, bag-valve masks, cardiac monitors and splinting supplies. They also learned how to take vital signs. They discussed Narcan, EpiPens and how to spike a bag. Of course, the discussion opened with a conversation about body substance isolation and scene safety. The campers also learned about paramedic and EMT scholarships available through the local operations. They had the opportunity for hands-on learning about the tools that we use every day. They also learned how to pursue a career in EMS.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Portland Metro Fire Camp. Currently two camps are held during the summer. (Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue hosts the other one.) Each camp averages approximately 50 campers. However, this number is only limited by space and resources. The popularity of PMFC has exploded. While the camp used to have space for every applicant, the application process has become more competitive. And this nonprofit organization continues to provide campers with an amazing experience at no cost to the camper.
This is an invaluable endeavor, and one AMR will continue to support. It is the beginning of what we hope to be a long and fruitful partnership. As we look to next year, we hope to participate in both PMFC locations, enhancing the station experience and incorporating more hands-on and scenario-based learning.
We hope our involvement in such an event we can inspire young women to join an industry they might not have thought possible. PMFC has provided an exceptional opportunity for young women around the United States. For some it is an enlightening and exciting weekend. For others, it has proven to be life changing.
About the Author
Jaci King, BA, has been in EMS since 2008, working in various states and with different operations. For the last seven years, she has worked in management, the last two in recruiting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and emergency management.
