Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

JAMES ACKER

Watertown

Summary

Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic works effectively as part of cohesive team. Highly trained individual with great mechanical aptitude and background in medical response and fire suppression. Handles issues quickly and resolves conflicts successfully.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Paramedic

Jefferson Fire Department
05.2024 - Current
  • Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
  • Restocked ambulance with proper equipment such as vents, ET tubes, medication, and IV pump tubing to maintain optimum inventory.
  • Administered fluid replacement via IV, IO, and IM to replace fluid volumes and correct electrolyte imbalances.
  • Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
  • Collaborated with staff to increase EMS billing revenue utilizing EMS reporting software

Critical Care Paramedic

Ryan Brothers Ambulance
08.2020 - Current
  • Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using IV infusion pumps, ventilator, arterial line monitoring, vapotherm, EKGs
  • Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
  • Communicated with lucid patients to gather incident and medical history information.
  • Conducted equipment and vehicle checks to maintain continuous and safe operation.

Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Director

Watertown Fire Department
05.2018 - 07.2020
  • Managed the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, overseeing daily operations, compliance, and quality assurance
  • Directed EMS Quality Assurance (QA) program, including onsite evaluations, internal audits, and customer surveys
  • Conducted safety audits and investigated quality issues o drive continuous improvement
  • Built and maintained collaborative relationships with hospital staff, first responders,m and community partners

Firefighter/Paramedic

Watertown Fire Department
05.2004 - 05.2018
  • Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
  • Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
  • Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
  • Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.

Paramedic Crew Chief

Bell Ambulance
06.2005 - 04.2012
  • Developed strategy during ambulance transport and prepared equipment and supplies to be readily available.
  • Utilized knowledge of area medical facilities to choose appropriate hospital destination for patients.
  • Oversaw team wellness, morale and team recruitment.
  • Examined ambulance and equipment to meet safety protocols and readiness for calls.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Therapist

Wisconsin Heart
06.2001 - 05.2004
  • Employed specialized procedure knowledge and equipment to test and document patient cardiac activity
  • Schedule patients for testing and conducted follow-up calls to confirm appointments and answer questions
  • Administered and monitored EKGs for patients during stress testings and screening
  • Recorded data and monitored patient activity throughout stress testing

EMT Crew Chief

Bell Ambulance
01.2001 - 06.2003
  • Controlled wounds and injuries en-route to hospitals, prepping patients for advanced treatments or maintaining conditions pre-arrival.
  • Maintained levelheadedness and efficiency in high-pressure situations, effectively prioritizing tasks to save lives and provide medical care.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to communicate patient needs with accuracy and speed using hospital and medical codes.
  • Communicated with patients about pain, comfort, and needs during transportation and preliminary medical care.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Paramedicine

Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI
06-2003

Skills

  • Critical decision-making skills
  • Advanced cardiac life support
  • EMS systems expert
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Customer service
  • Public assistance and support

Certification

  • State of Wisconsin Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Motor Pump Operator (MPO), Aerial Operator
  • State of Wisconsin Paramedic, Critical Care Endorsement
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified
  • Basic Life SUpport (BLS) CPR Certified
  • Certified Ambulance Run Documentation Specialist (CADS) Certified

Timeline

Paramedic

Jefferson Fire Department
05.2024 - Current

Critical Care Paramedic

Ryan Brothers Ambulance
08.2020 - Current

Assistant Fire Chief/EMS Director

Watertown Fire Department
05.2018 - 07.2020

Paramedic Crew Chief

Bell Ambulance
06.2005 - 04.2012

Firefighter/Paramedic

Watertown Fire Department
05.2004 - 05.2018

Enhanced External Counterpulsation Therapist

Wisconsin Heart
06.2001 - 05.2004

EMT Crew Chief

Bell Ambulance
01.2001 - 06.2003

Associate of Applied Science - Paramedicine

Madison Area Technical College