Penny Winstead
Elm city,NC
Summary
Dynamic Paramedic with extensive experience at Halifax County EMS, excelling in advanced life support and critical decision-making. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through effective collaboration and documentation. Recognized for mentoring junior staff and delivering compassionate care, ensuring seamless transitions in emergency medical situations.
Professional with strong foundation in emergency medical care, adept at rapid assessment and intervention. Proven track record in high-pressure situations, prioritizing effective communication and teamwork to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Recognized for adaptability and reliability, consistently meeting evolving needs of environment. Skilled in advanced life support, patient stabilization, and emergency response protocols.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Paramedic
Halifax County EMS
Halifax, NC
01.2018 - Current
- Administered emergency medical care in high-pressure situations, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Operated advanced life support equipment, enhancing patient outcomes during transport.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate effective patient treatment plans.
- Mentored junior paramedics, fostering skill development and adherence to protocols.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients to determine critical care needs rapidly.
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
- Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
- Streamlined patient handoff processes at hospitals by clearly communicating relevant information to receiving staff, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities such as conferences or workshops to stay current on best practices in pre-hospital emergency medicine.
- Increased survival rates with rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions and swift initiation of appropriate interventions.
- Coordinated with other emergency services personnel such as police officers and firefighters during complex incidents for optimal scene management and resource allocation.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Administered fluid replacement via IV, IO, and IM to replace fluid volumes and correct electrolyte imbalances.
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring to record heart rhythms in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
- Managed challenging or combative patients using de-escalation techniques and appropriate physical restraints when necessary, prioritizing safety for both the patient and medical team.
- Educated patients and family members on medical treatments and therapies for informed support.
- Dispensed medications and monitored patient responses for adaptive treatment.
- Performed intubations to secure airway in patients under respiratory and cardiac arrest.
- Stayed in constant communication with patients to continuously maintain care and comfort during transportation.
- Communicated with medical professionals in medical terms to relay patient needs and maintain accuracy.
- Maintained patient care, treatment and medication documentation for accurate, up-to-date clinical records.
- Safeguarded ambulance equipment through regular inventory checks, cleaning routines, and reporting any damaged items for replacement or repair immediately.
- Communicated with treatment center personnel and dispatchers to provide information about situation, arrange reception of victims and receive instructions for further treatment.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide immediate and life-saving medical care.
- Transported critically ill and injured patients to nearest medical center, using advanced life support equipment as needed.
- 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.
- Took patient health histories and asked questions to determine cause of illness or injury.
- Operated electrocardiograms (EKGs), external defibrillators or bag valve mask resuscitators in advanced life support environments.
Advanced EMT
Nash County EMS
Rocky Mount, NC
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Administered advanced life support techniques in emergency situations to stabilize patients.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure seamless patient handoff and care continuity.
- Supervised junior EMTs, providing guidance on best practices and emergency protocols.
- Developed training materials for new EMT staff, enhancing onboarding efficiency and knowledge retention.
- Evaluated equipment needs and implemented maintenance schedules to ensure operational readiness of ambulances.
- Enhanced patient care by providing advanced life support and administering medications in emergency situations.
- Provided compassionate care to patients of all ages, earning commendations from patients and colleagues for professionalism and empathy.
State Farm Insurance Agent
State Farm
Wilson NC
03.2012 - 10.2016
- Developed customized insurance solutions based on client needs and risk assessments.
- Educated clients on policy options, benefits, and coverage details to enhance understanding.
- Conducted thorough policy reviews to identify gaps and recommend necessary adjustments.
- Managed claims process by coordinating with adjusters and ensuring timely resolution for clients.
- Established strong relationships with clients through regular follow-ups and personalized service initiatives.
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
- Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
Education
No Degree - Paramedic
Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, NC09-2020
No Degree - EMT Advanced
Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, NC09-2016
Certificate - EMT Basic
Wilson Community College
Wilson, NC06-2014
High School Diploma -
Ralph L Fike
Wilson NC06-1979
Skills
- Documentation and reporting
- Advanced life support
- Critical decision-making skills
- Direct patient care
Timeline
Paramedic
Halifax County EMS
01.2018 - Current
Advanced EMT
Nash County EMS
01.2015 - 01.2018
State Farm Insurance Agent
State Farm
03.2012 - 10.2016
No Degree - Paramedic
Nash Community College
No Degree - EMT Advanced
Nash Community College
Certificate - EMT Basic
Wilson Community College
High School Diploma -
Ralph L Fike