Getting to know Supervisor West Sarver
November 13, 2023 | Category: Article, News
Cetronia Ambulance Corps has four supervisors to lead two platoons. West Sarver is one of the newest to be promoted into an open position.
We did a little Q&A to find out more about West Sarver …
Q: How long have you been working at Cetronia?
A: Going on five years.
Q: Where did you work before Cetronia, if applicable?
A: Initially, my first job was working as a secondary school counselor. Then, for most of my professional career, I owned and operated several e-commerce businesses. Currently I work part time as a risk manager and professional ski patroller for Blue Mountain Resort. I also operate a small business from my home.
Q: Before Cetronia, where did you go to school, and what did you study?
A: I am a graduate of Emmaus High School. I attended Muhlenberg College receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Postgraduate I attended Kutztown University earning a master’s in educational psychology with a certification and license as a professional counselor.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to go to veterinarian school.
Q: Can you walk me through your career path from entry level position to your current position?
A: After joining the Blue Mountain Ski Patrol, I became heavily involved in training new patrollers in outdoor emergency care, which is the equivalent to the NREMT. Currently, I am the program director at Blue Mountain Resort. Over the years I found I really enjoyed emergency medicine and wanted to get involved with more than just outdoor emergency care. I attended the accelerated EMT summer course at EMI. During the class, we had an MCI presentation from the highly esteemed Chris Peischl. During the presentation, Chris mentioned, if you’re looking for a place to work, come and talk to me after class. Before long I was riding in #6284 on night shift with my first partner, Brian McMaster. This was the beginning for me at Cetronia. I do have a great appreciation and respect for paratransit and BLS trucks and the learning opportunity they present. I quickly came to realize I enjoyed patient contact and being a critical part of the EMS system. Empathizing with patients and their medical situations and providing critical transport services was a great way to begin at Cetronia. This opportunity gave me the skills of efficiently moving patients, using teamwork, and learning to do so while providing a professional customer experience. During this time, I learned area demographics, built co-worker and peer rapport, and familiarized myself with hospital staff. It was a natural progression and personal desire to continue onto ALS trucks and further my path in EMS. After spending several years and gaining experience as an EMT working on ALS trucks, I decided to further my career and pursue a paramedic certification. Becoming a medic was both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Joining a profession which is ever changing and constantly evolving creates an environment I enjoy being a part of. Most recently I applied for, was offered, and accepted a supervisor position at Cetronia. I look forward to working with a new management team and creating positive changes within the Cetronia employee culture. It is my goal to make the agency an enjoyable place to work.
Q: What’s really fun about your job, and what’s really challenging?
A: I like being in a position where I can check in on employees and make sure they have what they need to be successful. This includes both physical items and providing emotional support for field providers. If an employee needs someone to talk to, my door is always open. I firmly believe if we take care of our employees, they will take care of their patients. Right now, a big challenge is learning all the new computer software and employee names. I remember faces easily, but putting a name with a face, can be a challenge. Please bear with me, it will improve over time.
Q: How has your job here allowed you to grow personally and professionally?
A: Cetronia has given me the opportunity to expand and practice emergency medical skills and to merge those skills with my 20 plus years of experience managing personnel in the corporate world.
Q: What might surprise people about your job, or what’s one thing people don’t know about your position?
A: Does everyone know squad #6272 carries a junctional tourniquet and a Cyanokit? What are the indications and contraindications for use? If you’re not sure it might be time to do some homework or come talk to a supervisor. We are always willing to educate an associate.
Q: What advice would you give to a young professional searching for a job like yours?
Follow your dreams and don’t live in a comfort zone. Pursue all angles in life, think outside the box, and always take the road less traveled.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: Being a professional ski patroller at a big mountain resort out west.