From EMT to Battalion Chief: Decades of Service in Lehi

Описание: Rick Howard on EMS, Fire Service, and Teaching the Next Generation | Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast

What does a lifetime of service look like — and what does it cost? In this episode of Roots and Branches of Lehi, host Ryan Harding sits down with longtime firefighter, nurse, paramedic, and educator Rick Howard to reflect on decades spent serving others in moments that matter most.

Rick shares his journey from growing up in Southern California and Hawaii to eventually settling in Lehi after a blind date with his wife, Susan. He opens up about the heartbreaking loss of their first baby — an experience that became the catalyst for his lifelong calling in emergency medicine. From earning his EMT certification in the mid-1980s to serving in fire departments, emergency rooms, and trauma centers, Rick’s career spans some of the most significant evolutions in modern EMS.

The conversation explores the early days of Lehi’s separate fire and ambulance departments and their eventual merger in the 1990s, Rick’s leadership roles as training officer and battalion chief, and his time with Sandy City Fire. He also discusses his work as a trauma nurse at LDS Hospital, supporting the Olympic snowboarding venue as a nurse, and teaching in UVU’s paramedic program — where he finds purpose in helping students reach their “aha” moments.

Rick offers insight into how prehospital medicine has advanced over the years, from EKG-based STEMI bypass protocols to ultrasound in the field, updated resuscitation strategies, and moving away from outdated practices. He also speaks candidly about mental health in EMS, the reality of PTSD, the role of gallows humor, and the importance of continual growth and humility in leadership.

The episode closes with a look at Lehi’s CERT program — how citizens can prepare to help during disasters — and practical advice for anyone considering a career in emergency services.

It’s a powerful, honest conversation about tragedy, resilience, leadership, and the responsibility of teaching the next generation.

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⏱ Key Moments in This Episode • 00:00 – Welcome to Roots and Branches of Lehi • 00:37 – From California & Hawaii to Utah • 01:31 – A Blind Date in Lehi • 03:00 – Tragedy & a Calling: Losing a Child • 03:40 – EMT Certification & Career Beginnings • 06:40 – Trauma Nursing & Training Officer Role • 07:48 – Lehi Fire & Ambulance Departments Merge • 10:14 – Sandy Fire Captain & Lehi’s Growth • 14:38 – Olympic Snowboarding Venue Medical Support • 15:56 – Teaching Paramedics & Cardiac Care • 22:00 – Advancements in EMS: STEMI Bypass & Field Care • 26:40 – The Future of Prehospital Medicine • 30:53 – International Training: Ukraine & Morocco • 34:39 – What Is CERT? • 38:05 – How to Join CERT & CPR Training • 46:29 – Stories From the Field • 49:59 – PTSD & Mental Health in EMS • 54:28 – Fire Service Misconceptions Explained • 56:35 – Closing Thoughts
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👣 Related Topics: Emergency Medical Services • Fire Service Leadership • Paramedic Training • Trauma Nursing • CERT Program • Public Safety • Mental Health in First Responders • STEMI Protocols • Community Preparedness • Roots and Branches of Lehi

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