David Sheeks

It may be a little early to wish everyone a Happy New Year, but due to my schedule this may be my only opportunity to do so.  As of this week I was the first student in my EMT class to be approved for "ride time," where I will be able to ride along with actual Paramedics and EMT's on 911 calls. My first shift: 15 hours in my lovely hometown of Versailles, Kentucky--on New Year's Eve.  One of the busiest and craziest nights of the year for emergency services of all kinds, I figure if I can survive tonight, I can survive just about anything.  I am looking forward to listening, learning, and absorbing every bit of information I can while I am here--and maybe even helping save a life along the way.

Back in September I purchased a new 3D printer, and I have been blown away by how useful it has been in my EMT studies. A 3D printer is, for lack of a better explanation, a device that acts like an automatic glue gun. It heats plastic and extrudes it onto a base, and goes layer by layer until it has formed the shape of the thing it is creating.  Some people use 3D printers to create engineering prototypes, others use them to print car parts (such as replacement buttons and knobs for obscure console designs), and still others print miniatures, toys and other "fun" prints. In addition to the options described above, there are several medical-related items that can be 3D printed.  From models of different parts of the human body to working intraosseous injection models, the uses for medical 3D printing are endless.  For the last few weeks I have been printing various tools to assist me in my class.  A couple examples of what I have created are below: A stethoscope holder,

As of yesterday I am officially enrolled with EMTPKY and am working to become a licensed EMT. I have had many jobs in my life, but in the end every place I chose to work came back to one simple theme: my desire to help others, often perfect strangers, and do what I could to improve their day. From walking elderly customers through how to use their cell phones to helping parents find an  affordable hard-to-find gift for their kid's christmas, I am at my best when I am helping others. As a kid I remember curling up on the couch and watching Rescue 911 with my parents. The first ever thing I remember wanting to be when I grew up was a first responder...being first on scene and finding someone on the worst day of their life, and helping them realize that it was all going to be okay. When I told my parents recently of my career change, my mom without question replied, "you'll be great at it!" My dad responded similarly and bought me my first stethoscope --well tech

As my readers probably know, I recently graduated with my MBA from Eastern Kentucky University.  One of the primary goals of the program was to prepare individuals to work as leaders in virtually any industry.  But throughout my entire degree program, the term "leader" was never fully defined. Why?  Because the term "leader" can apply to so many things.  A leader may be someone who inspires his employees to work harder, longer, and better.  It may be a politician who works to convince people he is the best person to lead them into prosperity.  But what about those people who don't hold elevated titles?  Can they not count as leaders as well? What about the call center rep who sends emails to his coworkers, sharing tips and tricks he learned to more effectively help customers?  What about the employee who puts snow tires on his truck, and goes and picks up other coworkers who can't get to work due to the weather?  Are these not leaders?  They don't