In the midst of life’s chaos, Krista Riemer, a paramedic with 16 years of experience, finds solace in her work amidst the challenges of urban emergency response.
On a typical day, the hustle and unpredictability of the job becomes apparent, especially when lunch breaks are few and far between.
For Riemer and her crewmates at Denver Health, it’s not just about responding to emergency calls; it’s about engaging with the community and providing care to those who often feel forgotten by the healthcare system.
While crossing her mind was the thought of grabbing hot dogs from Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, her attention quickly shifted as new emergency alerts crackled through the radio.
The trio was dispatched to a call about a man passed out on a sidewalk in Colfax Avenue.
Upon their arrival, they quickly assessed the situation and discovered that the man was merely asleep.
Crews like Riemer’s frequently encounter scenarios where emergency services are needed not for life-threatening situations but for individuals facing issues like homelessness, addiction, and health complications.
Engaging with the man, they learned he had just undergone foot surgery and required assistance with bandaging. This preventative care became an urgent yet necessary step to prevent further complications in his health.
As Riemer and her team provided care, they emphasized the importance of understanding the social determinants of health, acknowledging that not everyone calling 911 requires a trip to the emergency room.
Brittan Ingalls, a 24-year-old trainee who aspires to attend medical school, remarked that being a paramedic gives her invaluable insight into the obstacles people face that contribute to their need for emergency services.
Brent Stevenson, deputy chief of operations for Denver Health’s paramedic division, highlighted the growing challenges faced by emergency services in Denver, with a noted annual increase in ambulance calls by approximately 3 percent.
This continual rise places a strain on resources, making financial support for additional personnel a necessity rather than a luxury.
Voters recently approved a sales tax increase, which is expected to inject millions into emergency services, offering some hope for relief.
However, the day remained busy, and lunchtime was still just a dream.
Responding to yet another call, the team arrived at a scene involving a man who had just experienced an opioid overdose.
Fortunately, a friend had administered naloxone, and the paramedics were able to ensure he was stable enough for a trip to the hospital.
That was soon followed by a visit to another regular patient in a downtown subsidized apartment, where Riemer and her team faced the heartbreaking reality of addiction and its toll on members of their community.
Paramedics have become critical figures in addressing the broader social issues that contribute to health emergencies, often stepping in when traditional healthcare fails to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
With each call, the paramedics navigate sensitive situations, striving to offer dignity and respect to every patient, regardless of their circumstances.
Riemer teaches her trainees the importance of this approach, explaining that empathy is essential when responding to people in crisis, whether they are the victims of violence or facing their battles with addiction.
As their shift continued, they found themselves at a scene where a man had been beaten. Tender care was needed, while police officers managed the assailant, showcasing the unique intersection of healthcare and law enforcement in their daily operations.
The crew demonstrated their commitment to providing excellent care, ensuring that even those who are being restrained are treated humanely and with kindness.
Riemer’s perspective is reflective of the broader challenges faced by paramedics across the nation; the work is often taxing both physically and emotionally.
Despite the demanding nature of their role, paramedics often thrive in the chaos, finding satisfaction in successfully saving lives and helping those in dire need.
Even as they wrapped up their long day, Riemer couldn’t help but reflect on the genuine security that this job provides, especially in an increasingly expensive city.
Looking forward to their end-of-day ritual, they headed to their favorite Chipotle for iced tea, still hopeful for a hot dog in the future.
In the end, while their hectic schedule might deny them simple pleasures during the workday, the rewarding nature of their service and the ability to affect change in so many lives remain at the core of what they do.
Indeed, each day as paramedics, they embody the very spirit of care and commitment to those they serve, eager to rise to the challenges presented before them.
image source from：https://denverite.com/2025/05/26/denver-ambulance-ride-along/
