Sandra Withrow Character
Lakeland,FL
Summary
With a proven track record at Manatee County EMS, I excel in delivering advanced life support and critical decision-making under pressure. My expertise in patient assessments and management, coupled with a commitment to compassionate care, has significantly improved patient outcomes. Adept at fostering teamwork, I enhance emergency response efficiency and patient care quality.
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.
Emergency medical professional with track record in providing high-quality care in urgent situations. Known for strong teamwork and achieving positive outcomes, adapting to changing needs with reliability. Skilled in advanced life support and patient assessment, valued for calm demeanor under pressure.
Resourceful Paramedic offering 30 years of experience handling medical emergencies. Expertise in monitoring cardiac conditions and EKG readings and executing placement of peripheral, central and intraosseous lines. In-depth knowledge of testing, maintaining, and using medical and rescue equipment. Quick-witted professional committed to providing patient-focused delivery of care and treatment.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paramedic
Manatee County EMS
07.2017 - 01.2025
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
- Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
Adjunct Instructor
Polk State College
06.2014 - 12.2024
- Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
- Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues and administrators, fostering a collaborative educational community.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Mentored struggling students with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved academic performance.
- Promoted active learning by encouraging class participation and hands-on experiences during lessons.
Paramedic
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
02.1993 - 07.2017
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
- Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
- Streamlined patient handoff processes at hospitals by clearly communicating relevant information to receiving staff, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Assisted in training new paramedics by serving as a preceptor and sharing clinical expertise during ridealongs.
- 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.
Education
Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL06-2004
Skills
- Documentation and reporting
- Advanced life support
- Critical decision-making skills
- Direct patient care
- Patient management
- Intubation
- Patient assessments
- IV insertion
- Intravenous therapy
- Airway management
- Pre-hospital care
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Medical equipment operation
- Patient transport
- Stroke management
- Emergency management
Certification
- State Paramedic License - Florida Department of Health or equivalent state agency.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association.
- Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO or EVOC)- Various issuing bodies, including state-specific programs or national safety councils.
- Stroke Scale Certification e.g., NIH Stroke Scale – Various accredited healthcare education organizations.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association.
- Incident Command System Certifications 100/200/700/800 – Federal Emergency Management Agency's Independent Study Program.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers - American Heart Association.
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certificate – Occupational Safety and Health Administration or approved providers.
Timeline
Paramedic
Manatee County EMS
07.2017 - 01.2025
Adjunct Instructor
Polk State College
06.2014 - 12.2024
Paramedic
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
02.1993 - 07.2017
- State Paramedic License - Florida Department of Health or equivalent state agency.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association.
- Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator (CEVO or EVOC)- Various issuing bodies, including state-specific programs or national safety councils.
- Stroke Scale Certification e.g., NIH Stroke Scale – Various accredited healthcare education organizations.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association.
- Incident Command System Certifications 100/200/700/800 – Federal Emergency Management Agency's Independent Study Program.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers - American Heart Association.
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certificate – Occupational Safety and Health Administration or approved providers.
Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Services
Polk State College
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