Article by Phoenix writer Cassandra Odudukudu ’24:
After months of anticipation, New York State EMS Director Ryan Greenberg spoke to students interested in the field of emergency medicine on Wednesday, April 17 in the chorus room. His presentation focused on his own experiences in the field, the future of EMS, and the basics needed to kick start a career in pre-health.
Greenberg’s journey to EMS leadership served as a testament to the importance of networking and taking opportunities that came his way. Although Greenberg first started as a lifeguard, he got an opportunity to work as a paramedic at a hospital using connections that he had. Through a series of promotions, he ended up becoming the New York State EMS Director.
His current responsibilities include licensing all things EMS, regulating the exams for upcoming EMTs, and ensuring a system of care in fire departments and hospitals.
However, Greenberg’s vision for the future of EMS goes further than just keeping rules and regulations. Throughout his speech, he incorporated the mantra “innovate, rock the boat, and change things” to express the vitality of progress and innovation in the services.
Greenberg remarked, “When I first started, I couldn’t administer a lot of the medications that are given now. We are beginning to expand the basics of what an EMT can do.”
Senior Francisco Galdmaez, a student in Kellenberg’s EMT program, shared, “Hearing about the hopes for the future of emergency services enlightened and inspired me, especially knowing it came from the state director himself.”
Overall, Greenberg’s talk allowed aspiring EMTs a closer look into their field of choice.
