Episode 15 with Kelly Barrett (EMT and Firefighter)

1. Tell me a little about yourself and how long have you or served
on the front line for? In What capacity? I've been an EMT for
5.5years; official fire-card for almost two years. I've been on my
fire department for all five years and worked in private transport
for 3.5years.     2. What was the hardest time of your
life? What tools did you use to get through it?   Emotionally
would be either when my sister moved out of state or when the gym
where I worked closed four weeks before Christmas, and my wrist was
dislocated to where I couldn't even work out to get rid of some
energy. Physically would be when the person on my truck with me (I
can't call him a partner) endangered a patient and me resulting in
my back getting screwed up.     3. What are your greatest
successes?   Not entirely sure I would say I've had any
successes...     4. Now that you have experienced life a
little, what would you tell your 20-year- old self?   Take
more time for you to build professional and personal relationships.
You have the rest of your life to work.     5. Who is
your greatest role model and why?   My parents. They have both
overcome so much in their lives and learned from it. They gave us
key phrases and rules throughout our childhood that still ring in
the heads of my brother, sister, and I whenever we need to do
something, make a decision, or just live.     6. Any
particular stories that stand out from your days serving behind the
front line? How has fitness played a role in it?   For a lot
of time on my shift, I was the only female. However, my partner and
I were able to refuse most lift assists and keep up with the other
crews regardless of my being smaller than everyone else. I had
started functional training to make sure I was strong enough to do
my job well.     7. What is your favorite failure that
has led to success?   I maxed out of cortisone shots my senior
year of high school due to bad knees. Was getting ready to have to
quit working EMS because of my knees and by then my back, but I
finally caved and saw a chiropractor. My partner noticed the
difference in my lifting and general movement in about two weeks,
and the men in my department in about four weeks.     8.
What do you feel most proud of?   Even though I do regret not
taking more time to attend college events, I am proud of being able
to work full-time nights while going to school full-time days and
working a few part-time jobs to graduate from a private university
practically debt free.     10. What do you want your
tombstone to say?   I've already planned to leave that
decision up to my family.     11. How do you spend your
free time?   Reading, cooking, writing.     12. Who
do you admire the most in life and why?   I think this
question goes back to who do I have as role models. It's still my
parents.     13. What are you most afraid of?  
Losing someone I love without being able to either say good-bye or
help.     14. What was your most embarrassing moment?
  So many options...not narrowing it down to one! Although, it
is a bit embarrassing to fall out of the squad in front of a
patient or two.     15. If you could eliminate one
weakness or limitation in your life what would it be and why?
  Currently, lack of funds is a huge limitation. I have a lot
of plans that are set up, but no funds to put them in action.
    16. What was your greatest failure and how did you
overcome it?   I wouldn't say I've had any great failures
either...Currently, I'm between failure and success.    
17. What motivates you to succeed?   As a Christian, I'm
challenged to do my best in everything I do. Outside of that, I
want to leave a legacy for my fire department the way my parents,
grandparents, and great-uncle have. I want to leave a legacy for
any kids and grandkids I may have