Congratulations to SMS Standout Jesse Helmstetter. On Jesse’s first hitch with SMS as a new employee, he was faced with a massive covid outbreak on the vessel for one of our clients. Jesse performed mass serial testing and took mitigations to prevent new exposures while treating symptomatic patients. He excelled while working long stressful hours. He was recognized by both our clients, coworkers, and supervisors for a job well done. Great work, Jesse!
We were able to get a glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Jesse and learn some fun facts about him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
J.H. A typical day at work involves morning and evening covid testing, following up with anyone who had presented to me with any illnesses or injuries, socializing with the crew and offshore workers, and completing paperwork.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
J.H. The best vacation I have ever taken was actually a day trip that I took to see the new River Gorge Bridge. I spent most of the day hiking and admiring the beautiful views.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
J.H. An adventurous risk-taker.
A.A What is your favorite thing about your job?
J.H.I like interacting with all different kinds of people and hearing the different life stories they have to offer.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
J.H. Pizza.
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?
J.H. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, video games, and working.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
J.H. Money.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
J.H. As an FTO at my previous job, I loved watching and auditing students and baby medics/EMTs grow into competent providers.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
J.H I would pray it would be Ryan Reynolds.
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
J.H. Meeting the clinical coordinator for the paramedic program at the local Community College really changed things. I had never thought of anything healthcare-related, but after talking with him I decided to try it out and now I love it.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
J.H. Never stop learning.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
J.H. Kayaking.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
J.H. I guess it would have to be the Nancy Caroline care in the street textbook.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
J.H. Teleportation. I’d save so much time and money.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
J.H. There’s always a bigger fish.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
J.H. Skydiving, getting a pilot’s license, kayaking through the grand canyon.
A.A Do you have any pets? What are their names?
J.H. No pets.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
J.H. I have no idea.
