Karl Sterling Blackburn
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Firefighter Paramedic pursuing a transition into professional aviation through a Pilot Cadet Program, bringing a proven record of safety-focused decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Experienced in rapidly assessing dynamic situations, communicating effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining composure while making critical decisions in time-sensitive environments. Highly disciplined and committed to continuous learning, with the adaptability, attention to detail, and strong safety mindset needed to develop into a professional commercial pilot.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Firefighter/Paramedic
Currituck County
07.2025 - Current
- Assess patient conditions and prioritize critical interventions in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
- Deliver ACLS, BLS, and PALS care while maintaining composure, accuracy, and situational awareness.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient transport, communication, and continuity of care.
- Communicate effectively with team members during complex emergencies to support safe and efficient operations.
- Train and mentor junior emergency response personnel on protocols, procedures, and best practices.
- Accurately document patient care using electronic medical records in accordance with regulatory and quality standards.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Norfolk Fire Rescue
07.2014 - 07.2025
- Respond to high-volume medical emergencies, fires, technical rescues, and hazardous materials incidents in a busy urban environment.
- Serve as Ambulance Attendant-in-Charge, providing critical patient care while maintaining composure, situational awareness, and sound decision-making.
- Operate fire engines, ladder trucks, and marine vessels during emergency responses while adhering to established safety procedures.
- Maintain accurate documentation and coordinate patient transfers with receiving medical facilities.
- Serve as Acting Company Officer and Battalion Chief Aid, supporting crew coordination, accountability, communication, and incident operations.
- Conduct equipment inspections and maintain operational readiness of apparatus, portable equipment, and facilities.
- Apply strong knowledge of emergency response procedures, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and risk management.
- Conduct training on emergency response protocols, safety procedures, and equipment operations.
- Maintain high physical fitness standards and a strong commitment to safety and professional development.
- Recipient of the Chris Whalen Award, TRFA 150.
Estimator • Project Manager
B & Z Services
03.2004 - 07.2014
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Analyzed project specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates and bids.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Coordinated with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing for materials.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing project scopes and cost breakdowns for stakeholders.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency across projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aviation
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07.2026
Skills
- Motivated
- Natural Leader
- Strong Situational Awareness
- Problem Solver
- Strong Work Ethic
- Team Player
Certification
- Paramedic
- Firefighter II
- Firefighter I
- HAZMAT
- Incident Command System 100
- Incident Command System 200
- National Incident Command System 700
- National Incident Command System 800
- CPR
- Advanced Life Support
- PEPP
- RSI
Timeline
Firefighter/Paramedic
Currituck County
07.2025 - Current
Firefighter/Paramedic
Norfolk Fire Rescue
07.2014 - 07.2025
Estimator • Project Manager
B & Z Services
03.2004 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Science - Aviation
Liberty University
Pilot Certifications
- Private Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (In Progress)
Flight Hours
- Single Engine - 230 Hours
- Pilot In Command - 127 Hours