Voices from the frontlines.
Past The Patch: Connecting With The Humans Beneath The Uniform
Past the Patch is a series I started as part of my role as Director of Marketing & Development at Lancaster EMS. Inspired by the internationally renowned series, Humans of New York, Past the Patch aims to give first responders that same space to open up and tell their stories.
This project serves a few different purposes; mostly namely, it aims to paint three-dimensional portraits of the paramedics and EMTs who make up our organization. From a reader’s perspective, this project gives the community a chance to know us more intimately as an organization, shed light on various parts of EMS and remind the public of the human beneath the uniform. These stories are shared on our social media platforms and also our monthly newsletter, The Monitor, and my own personal blog. All combined, this series will stand to not only benefit participants and patrons, but also bring more awareness to the world of first responders as a whole.
Series Library
THE BUSINESS OF SECOND CHANCES
Explore the story of Manny Pineda as he talks about how working in emergency medicine turned his life around.
Edition 1
MOTHERHOOD IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Learn what it’s like to juggle motherhood while working on the first lines through the story of Leanne Yake.
Edition 2
AS LONG AS YOU’RE STILL BREATHING
Read about Lynn Koller’s harrowing struggle with addiction and how motherhood and EMS fueled her recovery.
Edition 3
FINDING OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD
Paramedic Donovan August takes the stage to talk about their journey in the medical career and finding their identity along the way.
Edition 4
BACK IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
Join Jeremy Ostberg as he recounts his battle healing childhood trauma and how he found hope.
Edition 5
IN OUR BLOOD
EMT Melanie Kempf steps up to recount her experience of being injured in the line of duty, and how her family of first responders helped her heal.
Edition 6
More Than Emergencies: A Sister Series
What I consider to be the sister series to Past The Patch, More Than Emergencies is the second storytelling I started at Lancaster EMS, More Than Emergencies, is centered around the organizations Community Parmadicine Program.
Power Of Community Paramedicine
In this story, join us as we introduce the power of the Community Parameicine Program through the story of one patient.
Edition 1
When We Come Together
Join us as we explore the story of a young CP patient, Chris, and his journey to health, stability and community.
Edition 2
A.C. Brooke 