Derek Thorstenson
Eugene
Summary
Proven Firefighter Captain with expertise in emergency response management, personnel training, and multi-agency coordination. Committed to enhancing team performance and safety through strategic training and effective operational leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter Captain
Eugene Springfield Fire Department
02.2004 - Current
- Supervised emergency response operations, ensuring efficient deployment of personnel and resources.
- Trained and mentored junior firefighters on safety protocols and firefighting techniques.
- Developed and implemented strategic training programs to enhance team performance and preparedness.
- Coordinated multi-agency responses during large-scale incidents, improving interdepartmental collaboration.
- Conducted regular drills and evaluations to ensure compliance with safety standards and operational readiness.
- Managed equipment maintenance schedules, ensuring optimal functionality of firefighting tools and apparatuses.
- Improved emergency response times by developing and implementing efficient firefighting strategies and tactics.
- Oversaw maintenance of equipment and apparatuses, ensuring readiness for emergency situations at all times.
- Evaluated team members'' skills regularly to identify areas for improvement and provided targeted training opportunities accordingly.
- Assisted neighboring departments when needed, fostering a strong interagency support system for improved emergency response capabilities.
- Mentored junior firefighters in their professional development, fostering a supportive learning environment within the team.
- Increased firefighter safety by implementing risk management principles into operational guidelines and decision-making processes.
- Supervised daily station activities such as equipment checks, facility maintenance tasks, and fitness training routines among crew members.
- Enhanced team performance through consistent training, evaluations, and feedback on fireground operations.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
Critical Care Flight Paramedic
Life Flight Network
03.2009 - 09.2011
- Administer critical care procedures during transport to optimize patient outcomes.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless emergency response operations.
- Utilize advanced life support equipment to manage complex medical emergencies effectively.
- Mentor junior paramedics in advanced techniques and safety protocols for flight operations.
- Promoted a culture of safety among colleagues by adhering to established guidelines regarding personal protective equipment and hazard avoidance.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts within the organization by participating in after-action reviews following particularly challenging missions.
- Ensured patient safety, performing thorough pre-flight assessments and monitoring vital signs throughout transport.
- Facilitated effective communication between all members of the flight team, ensuring optimal coordination during complex operations.
- Delivered life-saving interventions by administering IVs, intubations, and medication administration during flights.
- Maintained essential equipment functionality, performing routine checks and troubleshooting issues as needed during flights.
- Provided visual guidance, navigation and radio communications assistance to pilot.
- Documented patient information, medical interventions and patient outcomes for accurate record-keeping.
- Attended training classes to maintain certification licensure, keep abreast of new developments in field and maintain existing knowledge.
- Transported critically ill and injured patients to nearest medical center, using advanced life support equipment as needed.
- Monitored patients' vital signs to assess condition and identify necessary medical interventions.
- Inspected equipment and resolved deficiencies prior to in-service operations.
- Conducted end-of-shift cleaning, sanitation and resupply of equipment to promote organized, sanitary workstation.
- Liaised with police, fire department and other emergency responders to manage emergency scenes.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paramedicine
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WA05-1999
Bachelor of Science - Fire Service Administration
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR06-1997
Skills
- Firefighting equipment operation
- Fireground tactics
- Physical fitness maintenance
- Personnel management
- Incident command system
- Emergency response management
- Emergency medical services
- Aerial ladder operations
Certification
EMT-P
ACLS
PHTLS
PALS
Affiliations
- Kris Siewert
- Raleigh Taylor
Timeline
Critical Care Flight Paramedic
Life Flight Network
03.2009 - 09.2011
Firefighter Captain
Eugene Springfield Fire Department
02.2004 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Paramedicine
Tacoma Community College
Bachelor of Science - Fire Service Administration
Western Oregon University