Congratulations to our SMS Standout Trish Krampe. Trish continually stays ahead of deadlines to turn in required documents. She has a delightfully positive attitude and is quick to respond and answer any questions. Thank you, Trish!
We were able to get a glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Trisha and learn some fun facts about her.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
T.K. A typical day at work varies depending on the project I am assigned to. I have been on four projects in the last nine months. Currently, my day starts with compiling data from the previous day and forwarding it to the client and my project manager. Next is the daily equipment check and setting up of the clinic for the day. I interact with multiple patients and vendors throughout the day. The end of the day consists of handover notes and reports with my relief.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
T.K. A solo week in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains followed by a week at the beach with family in St. Augustine. Hiking and swimming, does it get any better?
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
T.K. I’m a hardworking and driven person that loves to laugh and learn.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
T.K. I love the different roles and responsibilities I have had in the past year. The opportunities available at SMS are always evolving and varied. It keeps me fresh and on my toes. All the years of working 911, I never dreamed there was a career as a paramedic outside the box.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
T.K. Grilled cedar plank salmon served with grilled 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?
T.K. I still work a 911 truck at home in Indiana, when I have time. When I come off of a long hitch, the first week is usually spent sleeping and catching up with things at home. I enjoy riding my motorcycle through the rolling hills of southern Indiana and hanging out with my friends.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
T.K. With the majority of my projects I have had, I know I am the only one to complete the tasks at hand so being unmotivated isn’t an option. On my current project, it is very easy to stay motivated because I enjoy working with my counterpart, Kay Ogniben, on the project and our project manager Carole Covey. She is an amazing person and leader. She keeps us inspired to make this project great. I am driven to show our client, and other vendors on this project, that SMS is the best choice for their needs in the future. I ask myself every morning; “How far can I push our company today?”.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
T.K. Throughout my entire career, I would say it’s the lives I have impacted positively by being the best practitioner I can be. With SMS it was also a positive outcome on a significant trauma that led to a perfect opportunity to teach and lead my onboard trauma team during our after-action reviews.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
T.K. K.D. Lang
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
T.K. I have two. 1. My very first solo ambulance run as a basic EMT. My domestic partner of eight years was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. Baptism by fire. Either stay in EMS and make a difference or run. 25 years later, I’m still here.
- The murder of someone that I considered to be like my little brother. He was on duty with his partner when they were shot and killed on station. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and am reminded that he lived his short life to the fullest every day. It’s my reminder to live now and not wait for life to slow down.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
T.K. Take every opportunity to learn and hone your skills as a practitioner. Medicine is constantly changing and getting better. There are so many opportunities to learn. It’s all about trying to make this world a little better one intervention or interaction at a time. Always remember that it’s so that others may live!
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
T.K. Sitting by a bonfire or the water with friends and a glass of bourbon.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
T.K. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
T.K. To fly and soar like a bird. I can’t think of a better way to travel and rise above the fray.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
T.K. Get busy living or get busy dying.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
T.K. I don’t have an actual list. I have plenty of things I’d love to do such as visit all 50 states or spend an undetermined and unlimited amount of time sleeping and breathing by blue water and white sand.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
T.K. I have a cat that lives with my friend. Her name is Siren because I rescued her from under the duals of the ambulance I was working on that day.
I am a member of the American Chesapeake Club and spend a great deal of time traveling the country going to AKC dog shows, hunt tests, agility events, and national specialties. One day when my career allows, I will have my own Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Otterhound to train and run in events.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
T.K. I’m just here for the margaritas and fish tacos.
