Operations Supervisor, Ready Responders in New Orleans

When John left Lafayette to move to New Orleans, it wasn’t for the music, the food or the flare of the city. He did it for love. At the time when Dunbar moved to the Crescent City, he did so to be with his girlfriend. Not long after, he discovered an additional love and an additional reason to stay: Healthcare. And it’s for that additional love that he now finds himself on the front lines during a major health crisis, particularly now that the company for which he works, Ready Responders, began conducting at-home testing for patients in Louisiana.

What set you on your current career path?

Several years ago, I was hanging out with my friends one night and witnessed a bad accident happen. I immediately ran out to the car and wanted to help, but realized I wasn’t trained professionally on how to help those in emergency situations. I started paramedic school solely out of the desire to understand and learn the invaluable skills EMTs and paramedics bring to individuals, families and communities. I wanted to be prepared in case I were to ever witness an accident ever again. Although, I never thought I would become a professional paramedic, once I started practicing and implementing the tools I learned, I couldn’t turn away from helping and serving others.

Why New Orleans?

I moved down to New Orleans for love. Originally, I moved down for my girlfriend, but I also fell in love with being a paramedic and serving others. I came to Ready Responders as a part-time Responder, while I was still pursuing my education, and ended up loving the company and its management team and supervisors. I immediately got hooked with Ready Responders’ unique model to serve the community and knew I found my calling to make a difference. Now that I am here in New Orleans, I want to continue to address not only the community’s healthcare, but also the social needs for the incredible individuals that make this city such a vibrant and special community.

What should people understand about your work and industry?

Everyone in healthcare cares about people. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been hectic for healthcare professionals around the world as we all work together to make a difference in the communities we serve. With urgent cares, hospitals and ERs full, it’s been tough to show how much healthcare workers truly care about their patients.   

People should understand that healthcare workers and first responders would not keep their job in a pandemic unless we cared about the wellbeing of our patients. Healthcare workers and first responders are here for those who are sick and injured right now and in the future. 

Additionally, many people believe that paramedics are only focused on the physical health of others. I am lucky to work for a company like Ready Responders that also places a large focus on mental health and social aspects of health. Our goal and approach is to be a bridge and support system to care for our patients in every way we can.

What inspires you about being a healthcare professional?

Serving others by addressing both health and social needs makes a huge impact on our community and continues to inspire me to help others. Ready Responders is focused on whole-person care and we understand the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially as we all self-isolate and practice social distancing. As part of Ready Responders’ commitment to whole-person care, mental health screening and assessments and a review of social correlates of health are part of every visit.

The combination of home visits and telehealth expertise with an integrated approach to physical, mental and social health for patients is something that makes our platform unique and offers immense benefits to our patients.

What has been the most unexpected occurrence you’ve experienced as a professional?

The occurrence that always is unexpected (and cracks me up) is how tough little old ladies are. They are extremely strong both mentally and physically and will always laugh if I ask them if they are in pain. The patients we treat continue to inspire me in so many ways.

How has the current pandemic changed the way you see and do your work?

This pandemic has made me realize how important it is to approach medicine from a community level. The same way we are flattening the curve and fighting COVID-19, we can use a similar mindset to tackle mental illness, substance abuse, and other issues that require understanding, compassion, and support from the community.

What does success mean for you within your life and career?

My goal in life is to retire knowing I made a difference for numerous families and individuals. Before retirement, I want to continue my career as a first responder and also educate patients on how to properly access and use healthcare solutions. It’s extremely important that we’re making sure patients are utilizing our resources appropriately to help alleviate the burden on emergency rooms and hospital beds – especially now. As long as we made a step in the right direction, this would be a success.

What’s been your greatest challenge as a young professional and how did you overcome that?

Graduating from paramedic school has been my greatest challenge I have faced and overcome, but it has also been the most rewarding. All the hard work and long hours put in have led me to foster relationships with patients, co-workers and all first responders. It’s important for everyone currently in paramedic school to continue to stay mentally tough and to see it through.

What has been your greatest success or biggest win so far?

My biggest win thus far is becoming a paramedic and graduating from LSU with my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Becoming a paramedic has been a difference maker in my life and is well worth the strenuous and rigorous courses in paramedic school. Paramedic school is tough for anyone, but also sets students up for success in their future careers.  

What’s next?

As I develop my career and continue to serve others as a paramedic, I would love to continue to grow at Ready Responders. I’m proud to work for an amazing company that is making a tangible difference in communities throughout the U.S.

What advice do you have for others rising through the ranks?

For those interested in rising through the ranks, mental toughness is key. In any field, including being a paramedic, the weight put on your shoulders is well worth all of the hard work. Additionally, it’s important to keep your chin up and always stay positive for yourself and team members.