Name: Jared Coats.

Age: 29.

Job Title/Department: Paramedic.

Years as a paramedic? 11.

Why did you choose to become a paramedic? 

In high school, I was given the opportunity to shadow an EMS crew. I thought they had an interesting job and wanted to pursue the career.

Do you have any family members in the field?

No.

What has been your most gratifying experience as a paramedic?

I don’t know about gratifying, but my favorite memory involves transporting a toddler. He wasn’t terribly sick, but needed specialized care, and his mother looked like she was having the worst day of her life. After calming and reassuring the patient’s mother, she was able to take a nap (that looked much needed) in the ambulance while I played games and sang songs with the patient.

Would you encourage one of your children to pursue a career as a paramedic?

Yes. EMS allows you to meet all sorts of people and do incredible things. You have a part in treating people and being a part of their medical care – for strokes, bad car accidents and trauma. 

What would you have done if you had not become a paramedic?

I would have gone into law enforcement or made a career out of the military.

When not working, what are your interests?

I enjoy fishing, playing golf, going to the gun range and going to hockey games. I went to see the Minnesota Wild for the first time in April and watched them play. They lost in Nashville the weekend before but they won that game. I’m actually planning on seeing them again because they (the National Hockey League) just released the schedule.

Tell us something about you people would be surprised to learn?

I’ve memorized the movie Backdraft from watching it every day as a child. It’s actually kind of what got me into this because that movie made me want to become a firefighter.