Interviews A-Z
Featured
In 2009 we set out to record the history of EMS, specifically how it started in Little Rock. As the project developed, we realized it needed to grow to include EMS professionals from pioneer status to those just beginning their careers across Arkansas. So far, these are some interviews; most are raw with no edits and unmixed sound quality.
The stories are wide-ranging; some may be hard to believe for the new EMS provider, tales of one person hurst ambulances collecting a fee before transporting the patient to stealing hospital supplies to treat their patients, drug use, segregation, and fighting other services. Other stories are about seeking a career and ways to move the needle in modern EMS medicine.
I hope you see what stands out regardless of the person, story, or era. Sometimes just one person with a desire or dream often made all the difference to a company, community, or patient; just one person these are their stories...
Bill Brown is EMT# 251; not only is he a three-digit Arkansas EMT as of 2022, Bill was still actively working on an Ambulance in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Bobby Roberts was the wife of Wayne Roberts; together, they owned Medic Vac. As you listen to some of the stories of Medic Vac, you will hear some fascinating
Founder of MEMS David Jones tells the story of the beginning through Anne Janson.
David Turner was not only a founding member of MEMS but used his word processor to write the walk-out letter for Medic Vac. David has an incredible way of
Denise Carson is an EMT, the owner of Med-Tech Ambulance in Morrilton Arkansas, and an EMT instructor.
Donald Shull, EMT #8396, Is not only an early EMT in the state of Arkansas but the owner of NorthStar EMS. Donald is one of the most humble men you will ever
Dr. Leibovich was one of the earliest board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians in Arkansas and served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department
Hunter talks about the MEMS Stickman and Ambulance Stripes.
James Johnson was an early pioneer in Arkansas EMS. At the time, he and his paramedic partner were fired from Medivac for using the newly formed Baptist
JT Cantrell began his public service career in 1963 as a volunteer firefighter and joined the Arkansas Auxiliary Police (Civil Defense) in 1965. JT
Julie Wright was the first EMT hired by MediVac Ambulance in Little Rock. Juiile shares her history and what it was like to break into EMS as a woman.
Pat Bajorek was not only an original MEMS employee, but all who knew him would say he was the definition of original. From his actual bear claw necklace to his
Rod Barrett was a pioneer in establishing modern EMS in Little Rock, specifically MEMS. Rod continued to serve in EMS and Firefighting until retirement. Rod is also an accomplished magician.
Sharon Thomas was integral in the founding of MEMS. Sharon served as the Operations Manager in MEMS early years, later moving to work as a flight paramedic/nurse. She retired from the Little Rock VA Hospital, where she served as an RN.
Steve Yarberry is an instructor for everything from EMT, Paramedic, ropes, and more The impact of his teaching and the lives he has touched will never be known.
Tim Vandiver was a founding Medic of MEMS, a Paramedic instructor for UAMS, and served years as a firefighter/paramedic for Jacksonville FD. Tim received his RN and currently works with the Arkansas Saves Stroke program at UAMS.