HSE Lead/Remote Paramedic Mark Cundiff was recently nominated for an SMS Standout by Field Support Supervisor Michael Henry for customer recognition and excellent performance.
Michael says that on January 21, Mark responded to a man down from a fall. “The patient was found unresponsive, Mark worked with the first aid team and others to get the patient moved up to the infirmary. While waiting on the medivac, Mark continued to care for the patient and upon departure the patient was alert to person and place.” Mark’s leadership team sent an email with high praise for the care he provided and the well organized execution of moving the patient to a safer location.
We sat down with Mark to find out how such a stellar guy spends his days.
AC: Describe a typical day at work.
MC: It starts at 4:30 am, then a 6:00 am leadership meeting, PTSM with crews to discuss safety alerts, then daily medical equipment check. After that, I have HLO duties, orientations of all new arrivals, Fit to Work exams, and DOT random tests. And that’s all before lunch. I walk the deck for BBSM observations, waste management concerns must be addressed daily, I quickly clean and sanitize infirmary, and work on medical inventory. I make myself available for sick call and any emergencies 24/7.
AC: How do you get pumped up for the day?
MC: Lots of coffee! Really though, if I can’t stay ahead of the hazards and recognize what will potentially hurt my guys then what am I doing out here? If I can find and mitigate hazards before they occur that gets me pumped up.
AC: What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
MC: Carnival cruises everywhere.
AC: Describe yourself in one sentence.
MC: I am loyal, almost to a fault, conscientious, trustworthy, and a true friend.
AC: What is your favorite thing about your job?
MC: Being available to help others when they get hurt or sick. Being PAID to help others!
AC: What food could you live on for a month?
MC: Chateaubriand steak and lobster…
AC: How do you stay motivated at work?
MC: I love my job so it’s really not difficult.
AC: What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
MC: A few years back I worked a code. One of the young members of the household searched me out and said she had gotten her EMT-B. She said it was after watching our Acadian team treat her Grandmother. It inspired her to be a part of EMS… That was a GREAT feeling.
AC: Who would play you in a movie?
MC: Sean Connery
AC: Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
MC: I helped deliver a newborn outside of hospital setting.
AC: What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
MC: Love, become PASSIONATE about being a safety professional. Do it to help folks not for the money.
AC: What is your favorite activity outside of work?
MC: Carpentry, shooting and canoeing
AC: Name one book that inspired you professionally.
MC: War Commentaries of Caesar
AC: Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
MC: Time travel, everything else is irrelevant.
AC: What was the best advice you were ever given?
MC: “Only believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.”
AC: Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
MC: I don’t have a bucket list but I’d like to take my private pilot’s exam and become certified to fly fixed-wing aircraft.
AC: Do you have any pets? What are their names?
MC: Yes, Bitsey, Buddy and Dixie.
AC: A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
MC: “Your not going to believe this but I’m an alien from another solar system sent here to save you from the Earth apocalypse. You need to come with me in my spaceship right now!”
