A career in Emergency Medical Services found Tina Jordan when she started to train as a volunteer.

The Juda native has been a full-time instructor in Blackhawk’s Emergency Management Technician (EMT) program for 22 years. She got her paramedic degree from Highland College and her critical care paramedic certification and licensure from Mid-State Technical College. She started as a part-time instructor at Blackhawk in 1989.

Tina continues to actively work in the 911 field to stay current on protocols, technology and equipment. She feels it makes her a better instructor in a rigorous field.

“We cover 46 chapters in less than one semester,” she said.  “You need to really want to do it and jump in with both feet. It will be a rewarding experience.”

Tina has seen significant increases in the training and expectations in her time in the EMS field. Since the pandemic, it has been important to continue to train frontline workers and keep everyone safe.

“Training and working in the field during the pandemic required us to be busier than we have ever been,” she said.

While much of what is done in the EMT program is routine, it’s important to be prepared for when life-threatening emergencies occur. That’s when the skills that are taught really matter.

Beyond the program’s training, Tina wants students to take away more than just the hard skills.

“I would like students to have understanding and empathy for patients and their families. People will remember for a long time how you treated them,” she said.

Away from the classroom and field, Tina enjoys kayaking and gardening in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. She also enjoys spending time with her grown children, who all work in healthcare. She also serves on the Green County Peer Support Team for Responders.

National EMS Week is observed from May 15-21. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities.