Andrea S. Kernkamp
Deer Park,USA
Summary
Dedicated professional with over 32 years of experience in emergency services, banking, and retail, excelling in high-pressure environments where customer service and problem-solving are paramount. Served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Paramedic, Hazmat Specialist, Emergency Dispatcher, and Peer Support Team Member at the Spokane Fire Department, delivering compassionate and effective solutions to diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated expertise in resolving complex issues, fostering trust, and leading teams to ensure safety and satisfaction. Adept at building relationships and adapting to dynamic challenges.
Resilient professional in emergency response, known for high productivity and efficiency in completing critical tasks. Skilled in fire suppression, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials management. Excel at teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and communication, ensuring optimal outcomes in demanding situations.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter / Lieutenant / Paramedic / Hazmat Specialist / Emergency Dispatcher / Peer Support Team Member
Spokane Fire Department
Spokane, WA
09.1989 - 11.2021
- Provided exceptional customer service to community members during emergencies, addressing concerns with empathy and clarity while delivering life-saving interventions as a Firefighter and Paramedic.
- Promoted to Lieutenant, leading teams to resolve high-stakes situations, including fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents, through strategic problem-solving and clear communication.
- Specialized in hazardous materials response, assessing risks and implementing solutions to mitigate dangers, ensuring public and team safety.
- Coordinated rapid response as an Emergency Dispatcher, prioritizing calls and guiding callers through crises with calm, solution-oriented communication.
- Supported colleagues as a Peer Support Team Member, addressing mental health challenges and fostering resilience through empathetic listening and resource connection.
- Key Achievements:
- Resolved complex emergency scenarios by quickly assessing situations and implementing effective solutions, earning trust from community members and colleagues.
- Enhanced team efficiency by mentoring peers on problem-solving techniques during high-pressure operations.
- Responded to emergency calls for fire suppression and rescue operations.
- Collaborated with team members during training exercises and drills.
- Educated the community on fire safety practices and prevention strategies.
- Operated firefighting vehicles and specialized tools during emergency situations.
- Assisted in developing emergency response plans and protocols for various incidents.
- Communicated effectively with crew members while performing tasks under stressful conditions.
- Assisted in responding to emergency calls, assessing situations, and providing necessary medical aid.
- Administered emergency treatment and medical care to people injured in accidents and fires.
- Collaborated with other emergency personnel when responding to accident scenes or acute illness calls requiring emergency medical care.
- Performed search and rescue operations in hazardous environments.
- Coordinated with other first responders during multi-agency responses.
- Analyzed situations to quickly adopt courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances.
- Responded quickly to hazardous materials incidents by containing spills or leaks with appropriate protective gear.
- Provided educational presentations regarding fire prevention techniques to local schools and businesses.
- Provided support services during natural disasters such as floods or hurricanes.
- Employed systematic search and rescue procedures and location and excavation devices to safely locate and evacuate victims.
- Located victims trapped by fires, extricated and rendered first aid.
- Triaged patients to assist emergency workers in administering medical care.
- Checked smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in residences and businesses.
- Conducted fire drills at schools and businesses.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided immediate medical care.
- Collaborated with fire personnel and law enforcement during emergency situations.
- Conducted patient assessments to determine appropriate medical interventions.
- Documented patient information and treatment details accurately in reports.
- Trained new paramedics on protocols, procedures, and best practices.
- Participated in continuous training to stay current with medical standards and techniques.
- Adhered to protocols and procedures to maintain safety of patients and paramedic crew.
- Assessed and treated patients with medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, shock, trauma, respiratory distress and intoxication.
- Provided pre-hospital care to those in need within the community, including administering medications, providing wound care and performing intubations.
- Developed strong rapport with other medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.
- Operated specialized medical equipment such as ventilators, defibrillators, suction devices and stretchers.
- Assessed emergency situations and prioritized medical care for patients.
- Maintained proficiency in advanced life support skills through continuing education classes and workshops.
- Responded to emergency calls quickly and safely while utilizing appropriate driving techniques.
- Transported patients from accident scenes or hospital settings to medical facilities in a safe manner.
- Remained level-headed and proactive during emergency situations.
- Documented care provided to patients into reports for submission to supervisor.
- Administered CPR and other life-saving techniques on patients in cardiac arrest.
- Demonstrated dedication to providing quality care through continued training and education.
- Saved lives by administering medications, monitoring cardiac output and performing emergency intubations.
- Responded quickly to medical emergencies to promote best possible health outcomes.
- Evaluated patient response to treatments administered during transport to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Performed standard testing and administered medication to manage care in field and in transit.
- Treated patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes and motor vehicle accident injuries.
- Explained each step of treatment to conscious patients to reduce fear and invoke calm.
- Provided emotional support for family members of critically ill or injured patients.
- Monitored patients from scene to hospital transfer while conducting in-transit care.
- Organized supplies for ambulance runs including IV solutions, airway management equipment and medication kits.
- Participated in drills related to disaster preparedness scenarios that included triage assessments.
- Cleaned wounds and applied gauze and bandages to prevent infection.
- Ensured compliance with established policies related to infection control procedures.
- Obtained details regarding patient by questioning family members and bystanders.
- Suctioned airways to clear obstructions and help patients breathe.
- Immobilized patients for transport using backboard or other spinal mobilization.
- Presented paramedic basics at schools, cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes, civic groups and public safety agencies.
- Bandaged wounds and determined necessity for stitches or sutures.
- Testified in court regarding circumstances of paramedic calls and gave depositions.
- Operated material handling equipment for efficient logistics support.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure proper stock levels.
- Assisted in training new staff on safety and handling procedures.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace hazards.
- Performed regular preventive maintenance checks on all material handling equipment including lubrication, adjustment, cleaning and replacement of parts as needed.
- Monitored inventory levels at all times to ensure accurate stock counts were maintained.
- Implemented safety protocols when operating heavy machinery used in material handling operations.
- Maintained records of inventory levels and material movement in the warehouse.
- Responded to emergency calls and dispatched units promptly.
- Monitored radio communications for fire department operations.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and medical services during emergencies.
- Managed multiple calls simultaneously while ensuring clear communication.
- Utilized computer-aided dispatch systems for efficient resource allocation.
- Prioritized responses to public emergency and non-emergent calls to promptly dispatch police, fire and EMS while tracking data in real-time.
- Operated a variety of communication equipment such as computers, telephones, radios and other related technology.
- Handled emergency phone calls calmly and obtained pertinent information with composed approach.
- Maintained accurate records of all incoming calls, including time received, caller's name and address, type of incident reported, response units dispatched and other pertinent information.
- Ensured that all dispatch requests were handled promptly and efficiently.
- Monitored multiple radio frequencies, maintained contact with police officers in the field and dispatched appropriate personnel to respond to situations.
- Utilized mapping systems to determine locations for responding personnel; tracked unit status in order to ensure timely response times.
- Maintained and updated crucial and confidential information, phone numbers and addresses.
- Certified in CPR to provide First Point of Contact emergency assistance to callers.
- Executed proficiency in digital telephone systems.
- Entered information on computerized systems to verify locations and notify nearest responders.
- Carried out multiple fire dispatch assignments in region, monitoring communications in case crews needed backup.
- Provided medical instruction over the telephone while awaiting paramedics or ambulance arrival.
- Assisted callers by providing pre-arrival instructions until help arrived at scene.
- Conducted multiple fire dispatch assignments across region.
- Created electronic medical records and routinely audited and reviewed patient charts to prevent errors.
- Monitored switchboard and dispatched emergency services.
- Used radio, telephone and computer system to update first responders with new information.
- Engaged with the public to answer questions about fire safety and services.
- Resolved conflicts between customers and other departments within the organization.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Handled incoming calls and directed callers to appropriate department or employee.
Proof Operator / Teller / Merchant / Vault Teller
Puget Sound Bank
Midway, WA
04.1986 - 09.1989
- Delivered outstanding customer service as a Teller and Merchant, addressing client inquiries and resolving account discrepancies with accuracy and professionalism.
- Managed vault operations, solving logistical challenges to ensure secure and efficient handling of cash and sensitive documents.
- Processed financial transactions as a Proof Operator, identifying and correcting errors to maintain operational integrity.
- Key Achievements:
- Streamlined transaction processes, reducing customer wait times and improving satisfaction.
- Resolved complex client issues, such as disputed transactions, through thorough investigation and clear communication.
Bagger / Bakery Staff
Safeway
Lakewood, WA
06.1984 - 04.1986
- Provided friendly and efficient customer service as a Bagger, assisting with checkout and addressing customer needs promptly.
- Supported bakery operations, troubleshooting inventory and production issues to ensure high-quality products and timely delivery.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a welcoming store environment, resolving customer concerns with a positive attitude.
- Key Achievements:
- Consistently received positive feedback from customers for attentive service and quick resolution of issues.
- Improved bakery workflow by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in product preparation.
Education
Company Officer - Company Officer
International Firefighters Association
02.2018 - 02.2018
Specialist - Hazardous Material Specialist
Spokane Fire Department
09.2021 - 11.2001
Hazmat Technician - Hazmat Technician
Tualatin, Fire Department
02.1998 - 02.1998
Emergency Dispatch - Emergency Management
Emergency Services Spokane County
08.1995 - 09.1995
Licensed Medic With The State Of Washington - Paramedicine
Spokane Community College
Spokane, WA 09.1992 - 08.1993
Curtis High School
University Place, WA 09.1982 - 06.1986
Skills
- Customer Service Excellence
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Emergency Response & Crisis Management
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Team Leadership & Training
- Peer Support & Mental Health Advocacy
- Financial Transaction Processing
- Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Emergency response
- Hazardous materials management
- Medical emergency care
- Firefighting techniques
- Dispatch coordination
- Risk assessment
- Team leadership
- Incident command
- Crisis communication
- Problem solving
- Stress management
- Fire suppression work
- Fire management
- Incident command system
- Medical assessments
- Fire safety
- Public speaking
- Firefighting procedures
- Community relations
- Trauma assessments
- Fire suppression
- EMS expertise
- Public education
- Personnel management
- Fire strategy
- Patient care documentation
- Forcible entry techniques
- Life and property protection
- Emergency management
- Fire department procedures
- Fire behavior analysis
- Emergency scene management
- Hazardous materials handling
- Crisis communications
- Incident safety
Timeline
Specialist - Hazardous Material Specialist
Spokane Fire Department
09.2021 - 11.2001
Company Officer - Company Officer
International Firefighters Association
02.2018 - 02.2018
Hazmat Technician - Hazmat Technician
Tualatin, Fire Department
02.1998 - 02.1998
Emergency Dispatch - Emergency Management
Emergency Services Spokane County
08.1995 - 09.1995
Licensed Medic With The State Of Washington - Paramedicine
Spokane Community College
09.1992 - 08.1993
Firefighter / Lieutenant / Paramedic / Hazmat Specialist / Emergency Dispatcher / Peer Support Team Member
Spokane Fire Department
09.1989 - 11.2021
Proof Operator / Teller / Merchant / Vault Teller
Puget Sound Bank
04.1986 - 09.1989
Bagger / Bakery Staff
Safeway
06.1984 - 04.1986
Curtis High School
09.1982 - 06.1986