Remote Paramedic Rickie Withers was recently nominated by Field Support Supervisor Carl Dugas for excellent performance, living the SMS mission and quality of work.

Carl received an email from our medical director. “On July 12, there was an injury on a platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The patient had to be managed by Rickie for 56 hours due to the inability to safely medevac the patient during hurricane Barry. Rickie provided outstanding care to the patient while awaiting a safe evacuation. I would like to commend him for his thoroughness, frequent reassessments, updates to medical control and quality of care he provided to the employee during this incident.” Staying with the patient during Hurricane Barry took lots of patience and professionalism. We sat down with Rickie to find out a little more about what a typical day is like. 

AC: Describe a typical day at work.

RW: A typical day at work includes daily inventories, water testing, tracking safety observations and on-boarding of new personnel. We find time during the day to interact with fellow employees and get to know those who are new to the rig.

 

AC: What was the best vacation you have ever taken?

RW: My quiet place is in Gatlinburg, TN! Always a place where I can relax and enjoy nature or mingle in with the crowd if I want to. Strangely enough, run into folks who work for the Acadian family as well!

 

AC: Describe yourself in one sentence.

RW: Always eager to help those who cannot help themselves!

 

AC: What is your favorite thing about your job?

RW: Meeting new people, learning from them and hopefully imparting a wee bit of knowledge myself.

 

AC: What food could you live on for a month?

RW: Steak

 

AC: 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?

RW: I enjoy spending time with my three year old grandson. Whether it is riding the side by side or fishing, I am always happy to have him by my side. During recent flooding at home he helped me cook for those who had lost everything and hopefully learned the importance of helping others.

 

AC: How do you stay motivated at work?

RW: Helping make sure that my coworkers return home like they came to work without injury! That’s my motivation! Anything that I can do to help, I will.

 

AC: What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?

RW: Probably the most fulfilling moment has been the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and help on the island to care for others. The smiles on the faces of the children we came in contact with were priceless.

 

AC: Who would play you in a movie?

RW: Tom Selleck

 

AC: Tell us about a moment that changed your life.

RW: When working for the Fire Department, my rescue of an 18 month old girl (who survived) has forever changed my life. From watching her survive the ordeal to graduating from college and now managing her own restaurant makes me smile even now.

 

AC: What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?

RW: Always learn from those who have been there before and remember you never get too old to learn!

 

AC: What is your favorite activity outside of work?

RW: I love to travel and love to fish and hunt.

 

AC: Name one book that inspired you professionally.

RW: A book entitled Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend as well.

 

AC: Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?

RW: X-ray vision would be nice. 

 

AC: What was the best advice you were ever given?

RW: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer! Always treat others the way you would like to be treated.

 

AC: Do you have a bucket list? What are the top three things on it?

RW: Retire comfortably, live a long life so I can watch my grandson mature, own my own motorhome

 

AC: Do you have any pets? What are their names?

RW: My ole bloodhound named Duke!

 

AC: A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

RW: Can you point be towards Cancun?

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