John Andrew Thatcher
Charleston,SC
Summary
Highly experienced Firefighter/Paramedic with 15+ years in emergency medical services, fire suppression, and critical care transport. Proven leader in high-risk, high-acuity environments including flight paramedicine, marine rescue, and tactical/military medicine. Skilled in crisis response, team leadership, and advanced patient care, with extensive experience in training and instruction. Holds a Master of Science in Emergency Services Management and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation. Recognized for excellence through multiple awards, including Firefighter of the Year and Distinguished Honor Graduate honors.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Flight Paramedic
Wellstar MCG Health AirCare
Augusta, GA
01.2022 - Current
- Provide critical care transport via air in high-acuity, time-sensitive situations
- Manage complex patient care including ventilator support, medication infusions, and trauma response
- Operate effectively in dynamic, high-risk aviation environments
Lead / Independent Duty Paramedic & Preceptor
Charleston County EMS
Charleston, SC
01.2017 - Current
- Function as lead clinician on advanced life support calls
- Precept and train new paramedics and EMTs
- Deliver high-quality prehospital care across diverse emergency scenarios
Firefighter/Paramedic
Charleston Fire Department
Charleston, SC
01.2016 - Current
- Deliver medical care and fire suppression services in a high-volume urban system
- Served on Marine Division, Water Rescue Team, and Tactical EMS Team
- Instruct EMT and in-service training programs; mentor and evaluate personnel
- Evaluate candidates for driver-level positions and instruct pump operations
- Recognized through multiple departmental citations for performance and service
Critical Care Flight Paramedic
South Carolina Army National Guard
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Provided critical care transport and combat casualty care
- Graduated as Distinguished Honor Graduate from Army program
- Operated in high-pressure military medical environments
Paramedic / EMT (Various Roles)
Roanoke City Fire-EMS & Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
VA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Delivered emergency and hospital-based patient care
- Gained foundational experience in both prehospital and clinical environments
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Innovation
Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, IN01-2028
Master of Science - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL12-2022
Army Critical Care Flight Paramedic Program -
Joint Base San Antonio
Fort Sam Houston, TX01-2021
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Services
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Roanoke, VA05-2016
High School Diploma -
Bishop England High School
Charleston, SC05-2012
Effective Communications And Human Relations -
The Dale Carnegie Course
Charleston, SC09-2011
Skills
- Advanced Life Support & Critical Care Transport
- Emergency Response & Incident Command
- Instruction, Training & Mentorship
- Tactical & Marine Rescue Operations
- Public Speaking & Leadership Development
- Interpersonal Communication & Team Coordination
Certification
- Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C)
- Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP)
- South Carolina & Georgia Licensed Paramedic
- EMT & Medical Instructor (South Carolina)
- BLS, ACLS, and PALS (AHA)
- ACLS, PALS, BLS Instructor (AHA)
- PHTLS, NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation)
- Firefighter I & II | Fire Officer I | Fire Instructor I
- Incident Command System (ICS 100–800)
- Hazardous Materials Operations (HAZMAT)
- Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification
Honors & Awards
Firefighter of the Year — Knights of Columbus, 2019, Roper St Francis “Heart Saver Award” for exceptional prehospital care, Distinguished Honor Graduate — Army Medical Training, 2021, Valedictorian — Jefferson College of Health Sciences, 2016, Magna Cum Laude Graduate
Community Service
Volunteer, MUSC “Camp Can Do” (Burned Children’s Fund), Toys for Tots Volunteer (Charleston County EMS), National Registry (NREMT) Event Support (Evaluator/Assistant), 1,000+ volunteer hours with Knights of Columbus (fundraising & community outreach), Ongoing involvement in church and youth community events
Timeline
Flight Paramedic
Wellstar MCG Health AirCare
01.2022 - Current
Critical Care Flight Paramedic
South Carolina Army National Guard
01.2019 - 01.2025
Lead / Independent Duty Paramedic & Preceptor
Charleston County EMS
01.2017 - Current
Firefighter/Paramedic
Charleston Fire Department
01.2016 - Current
Paramedic / EMT (Various Roles)
Roanoke City Fire-EMS & Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2016
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Innovation
Purdue Global University
Master of Science - Emergency Services Management
Columbia Southern University
Army Critical Care Flight Paramedic Program -
Joint Base San Antonio
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Services
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
High School Diploma -
Bishop England High School
Effective Communications And Human Relations -
The Dale Carnegie Course