Put your hands together for our SMS Standout Greg Stalans. Switching to a new electronic medical record (EMR) system can be a daunting task, but not for Greg! He is an efficient worker and is prompt with inputting data into the new EMR, making it extremely efficient for medical control to assist and give directives in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient. Great work, Greg!
We were able to get a glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Greg and learn some fun facts about him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
G.S. A typical day at work starts pretty early, usually between 4:30-5:00 a.m. I start my day with routine water testing and then head to breakfast. After breakfast, I prepare for the morning safety meeting. The next several hours have different tasks that apply to different days. Usually, patients and flights are sprinkled in throughout these hours, as well as other task requests from BP health. I typically end my day with dinner and some gym time.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
G.S. I would have to pick the yearly vacation my mother, niece, and I go on. I don’t see my mother or niece as often as I should, but our trips to Little Black Creek Lake in Mississippi are the highlight of my year. It’s a private lake with small cabins and bungalows. We rent a cabin for a few days and spend time talking, cooking, and fishing. It’s a great way to enjoy our time with zero stress.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
G.S. One sentence is pretty tough to describe me, and the people that know me would agree. Instead of one sentence, I’ll give you one word; I am driven.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
G.S. The people that I work around on the platform, the level of encouragement that these people provide daily far exceeds any of my previous jobs.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
G.S. Asparagus
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
G.S. I enjoy welding and machining. Occasionally these skills do earn me a little pocket change. As for volunteering, I have been a volunteer firefighter for the past seven years. Away from work, you can find me at home doing just about anything you can imagine. I refuse to call a professional to do anything. I’m a Jack of all trades and a master of none.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
G.S. My retirement is what pushes me daily. If I play my cards right, I know I won’t struggle when I retire. Sure it’s rough sometimes, but I keep my nose to the grindstone. Also, my bills provide some motivation.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
G.S. I’d have to say living my dream. I set my dream in 2012 to become a paramedic and eventually work offshore as a medic. In October of 2021, that dream became a reality.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
G.S. Definitely, Will Ferrell.
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
G.S. In September of 2010, I was hired at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer. Needless to say, I was surprised I end up on the hood side of the lock. That job and the leadership turned my life around.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
G.S. Never quit learning and training. Also, strive for further knowledge. This is a rapidly changing industry, and it requires a constant increase in knowledge.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
G.S. A small fire at night with music, friends, and drinks.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
G.S. I can not narrow it down to one single book. The best book that would apply to this question would have to be How to Have More Than Enough by Dave Ramsey. It’s a book that teaches personal finances but not just numbers. Instead, it makes you point out strengths and weaknesses and teaches you how to become a better person financially and apply yourself to be a better person.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
G.S. Superpower over talent. I wish I had the ability to fly because I just plain out hate driving.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
G.S. Always be truthful no matter how bad it hurts.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
G.S. 1. 100% Debt free
- Build a large workshop
- Start a business
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
G.S.No pets. The two weeks at work just wouldn’t be right to have a pet.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say, and why is he here?
G.S. “OUCH! That hurt. I guess I should have opened it first instead of walking through it.” He is obviously here to tell me about my car’s extended warranty.
