David Michael Smith
Humboldt
Summary
Healthcare professional with over 35 years of experience delivering high-quality patient care. Expert in emergency response, critical care transport, nursing, and paramedicine. Proven leader and educator with a passion for evidence-based practice, mentoring future providers, and ensuring clinical excellence in high-acuity settings.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Flight Nurse / Base Clinical Lead
Hospital Wing
McKenzie
12.2019 - Current
- Provide critical care transport for acutely ill and injured patients
- Chart assessments, treatments, and patient responses
- Lead base clinical operations, ensuring education, safety, and performance
- Administered emergency medical care during patient transport to specialized facilities.
- Operated advanced medical equipment, including ventilators and cardiac monitors.
- Communicated effectively with patients and families about treatment options and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs and responded promptly to changes in patient conditions.
- Trained new flight nurses on protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations during air transport operations.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records during flights.
- Evaluated effectiveness of treatments provided during flight based on patient response.
- Delivered high level of care to each and every patient from initial contact until delivery to receiving hospital.
- Managed emergency situations that may arise during flights such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Ensured aircraft was stocked appropriately with necessary supplies and equipment required for safe transport of critically ill and injured patients.
- Completed documentation of all patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as administering oxygen, IVs, medications, CPR, and intubation.
- Responded quickly to changes in patient's condition during flight through assessment and appropriate interventions.
- Led clinical teams to ensure high-quality patient care standards.
EMS Director
Haywood County EMS
03.2015 - 04.2025
- Directed daily operations, budgets, policies, and clinical guidelines
- Directed emergency medical services operations for community health and safety.
- Managed staffing and resource allocation for optimal service delivery.
- Coordinated training programs for first responders and EMS personnel.
- Oversaw compliance with federal and state regulations in emergency care.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance EMS response capabilities.
- Collaborated with local agencies for integrated emergency management efforts.
- Implemented protocols for patient care and field operations efficiency.
- Facilitated community outreach initiatives to promote awareness of EMS services.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of advances in pre-hospital care technology.
- Coordinated emergency response efforts during major incidents or disasters.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for supplies needed in providing high quality patient care.
- Led team meetings and provided guidance on clinical issues related to EMS operations.
- Oversaw personnel recruitment, training, development, and evaluation processes.
- Facilitated communication between various healthcare providers involved in patient care management.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to evaluate effectiveness of existing EMS systems.
EMT-IV / Paramedic / Supervisor
Haywood County EMS
Brownsville
11.1990 - 03.2015
- Responded to emergency and non-emergency calls
- Supervised and mentored 22 EMTs and paramedics
- Served as Death Investigator, Tactical Medic, and Employee Health Nurse
- Provided emergency medical care to patients in critical situations.
- Operated emergency vehicles to transport patients safely and efficiently.
- Communicated effectively with medical staff during patient handoffs.
- Assessed patient conditions to determine necessary treatment protocols.
- Maintained medical equipment and supplies for operational readiness.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure coordinated patient care.
- Documented patient information accurately for medical records compliance.
- Maintained patient vital signs, including blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, temperature, oxygen saturation level and pain levels.
- Performed basic life support procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation.
- Remained level-headed and proactive during emergency situations.
- Demonstrated dedication to providing quality care through continued training and education.
- Developed strong rapport with other medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.
- Operated specialized medical equipment such as ventilators, cardiac monitors and suction devices.
Registered Nurse
Haywood Park Community Hospital ED
Brownsville
08.2001 - 04.2009
- Patient assessment, triage, and medication administration
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Maintained accurate electronic health records for all patient interactions.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to patients during recovery processes.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
Denver, CO08-2018
Registered Nurse Program - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, New York, NY08-2001
Paramedic Program -
Jackson State Community College
01.1992
EMT Program -
Jackson State Community College
01.1991
Skills
- Critical care transport
- Patient assessment
- Emergency medical care
- Electronic health records
- Team leadership
- Compliance management
- Effective communication
- Clinical training
- Community outreach
- Ventilator management
- Trauma nursing
- Airway management
- Medication administration
- Critical care
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Pediatric advanced life support
- IV therapy administration
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Trauma experience
- Critical care nursing
- Neonatal resuscitation
- In-flight patient care
- Emergency medicine
- Advanced cardiovascular life support
- Trauma nursing core course
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor
- BLS Regional Faculty
- Critical Care Paramedic
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse
- Flight Paramedic Certification
Professional References
- Donnie King, AEMT - Director of Operations, Haywood County EMS, 731-772-4979
- Steven Turner, Paramedic, 731-780-0356
- Brandon Ward, EMT-P - Tennessee EMS Director, 731-617-0894
- Andy Rice, Base Manager, Hospital Wing, 731-618-0236
- Michael Revelle, MD - JMCGH ED, 731-225-8205
- Rita McCoy, FNP - Braden Healthcare, 731-217-7149
- Blake Coffman, FNP - Braden Healthcare, 731-614-0728
Awards
- Paramedic Preceptor of the Year, Jackson State Community College, 2003
- Paramedic of the Year, Haywood County EMS, 2004
- TASA Emergency Service of the Year, Tennessee Ambulance Service Association, 2017
Publications
The Silent Struggle, JEMS Magazine
References
- Lydia Smith, 731-225-8205
- Trei Bland, 731-780-3645
- Taylor Smith, 731-443-0405
- Jill Bland, 731-217-7149
- Lauren Walden, 731-617-0894
Administration Experience
- EMS Director, Haywood County EMS, 03/15/15, 04/25/2023
Medical Experience
- Flight Nurse / Base Clinical Lead, Hospital Wing, McKenzie, TN, 01/01/20, Present, Provide critical care transport for acutely ill and injured patients, Chart assessments, treatments, and patient responses, Lead base clinical operations, ensuring education, safety, and performance
- Flight Nurse, Hospital Wing, Memphis, TN, 01/01/11, 01/01/13, Delivered emergency and critical care transport services
- Registered Nurse, Haywood Park Community Hospital, Brownsville, TN, 01/01/01, 01/01/09, Patient assessment, triage, and medication administration
- Emergency Department Tech, Haywood Park Community Hospital, Brownsville, TN, 01/01/91, 01/01/93, Assisted with acute care, assessments, and treatments
- EMT-IV / Paramedic / Supervisor, Haywood County EMS, Brownsville, TN, 01/01/90, 01/01/15, Responded to emergency and non-emergency calls, Supervised and mentored 22 EMTs and paramedics, Served as Death Investigator, Tactical Medic, and Employee Health Nurse
Timeline
Flight Nurse / Base Clinical Lead
Hospital Wing
12.2019 - Current
EMS Director
Haywood County EMS
03.2015 - 04.2025
Registered Nurse
Haywood Park Community Hospital ED
08.2001 - 04.2009
EMT-IV / Paramedic / Supervisor
Haywood County EMS
11.1990 - 03.2015
Master of Science - Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
Registered Nurse Program - Nursing
Excelsior College
Paramedic Program -
Jackson State Community College
EMT Program -
Jackson State Community College