"Technology is a tool that, when used appropriately, can change lives."
Pulsara's Chief Marketing Officer, Kris Kaull, was recently on the Med Inspired podcast where he discussed his long career in paramedicine, today's culture in EMS and how it affects the success of medics, and what advice he has for new clinicians.
In the episode, Kris stressed the impact mentors in EMS can have -- both good and bad. Good mentors, he said, can make all the difference in a young medic's success. And, fittingly for Mental Health Awareness Month, Kris urged mentors to realize the potential they have to help other clinicians who may be struggling with the weight the industry can place on the psyche. Be aware of opportunities to help fellow medics, whether clinically or personally. "It's about paying it forward and encouraging people who are trying to build something," he said.
Kris also offered insight into one of his personal "failures" in the past, from which he also gleaned advice for others who might doubt they're in the right career: Don't listen to the haters. Kris said he has encountered people in EMS who hold strong opinions that providers have to fit a certain mold to be successful. Allowing their opinions to make him question his own path was a challenge he had to overcome (and overcome he did -- Kris still practices as a flight medic today, and co-founded EMS1.com, the largest online paramedic resource today). Further, Kris urged listeners to find companies where it feels like everyone on the team is in it together. If you love what you do and who you do it with, you'll never work a day in your life.
What other wisdom was spouted on the podcast? Kris recommended three impactful books he thinks everyone should read. To find out what they were, listen to the episode right here:
