08/29/2026
🚑 Interview with leadership at GSCEMS 🚑
Leland Robinson
Battalion Chief, paramedic third platoon
11 years of service
1. What inspired you to become a paramedic, and what was your path into EMS?
I was brought up to help others who couldn't help themselves. EMS felt like ultimate way to put those values to the test, so I pursued this career. My Path to EMS started in college when I took some fire science classes. I never could imagine me choosing a career where I had to sit at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week. I realized I was not as excited about the fire service as I thought I would be. So, I then attended EKU and was interested in their athletic trainer program. This program required you to take EMT class. I took the class and fell in love with how different EMS was from any other job.
2. Looking back, what advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in EMS or preparing to become a first responder?
The advice I would give someone starting out in this career field is that it's not for everyone. I would make sure this is the career you want to do and that you're mentally prepared for this career.
3. What skills or habits do you think new EMTs and paramedics should focus on developing during their first few years in the field?
The skills and habits I think new EMT's and paramedics should focus on developing during their first few years in the field is becoming efficient in basic skills like manual vitals and driving an emergency vehicle. Develop confidence in your abilities/skills and learn to make quick decisions as well.
4. How do you take care of your mental health after responding to difficult or traumatic calls, and what resources or strategies have been most helpful?
How I take care of my mental health after responding to difficult or traumatic calls is family/friends and exercise. I have a great support system through my family and group of close friends. My wife and kids' especially help me to decompress and deal with the mental burdens I may be bring home after difficult calls. I also enjoy exercising from boxing, weight training, biking, snowboarding, running, kayaking, hiking, volleyball, disc golf, dog walking, etc. The release of endorphins always seems to natural help my mood and attitude.
5. EMS is physically demanding. What do you do to stay in good physical condition, and what fitness or wellness advice would you give to new responders?
What I do to stay in good physical condition besides exercise is trying to eat right whenever possible and I am currently working on maintaining a healthy sleep schedule as well. When I was younger, I would sacrifice sleep to do other activities outside of work leaving sleep as a low priority. The job can be brutal on your sleep and there are plenty of nights where you don't sleep at all during a 24hr period. I'm at the age now where I try to make a sleep a higher priority so I can better function as a father, husband, and provider.
