County Commissioners hire Luke Smith as new EMS director

New EMS director Luke Smith was appointed and officially began on the Weiser first responder team Dec. 14.
 A more bureaucratic position, Smith said his main task is paperwork and to organize staff. As director, he will serve as a link between first responder staff and board members, relaying information efficiently and completely. He will work with the state and is tasked with ensuring all first responders are properly certified and prepared to respond to calls. When necessary, Smith said he will respond to emergency calls in the ambulance along with EMTs and paramedics. If a shift needs covered or more first responders are required, he said he will help however necessary.
 “As a director, we really just try to make sure everything’s in place to where we can allow our EMTs and paramedics to serve the community,” said Smith. “My job is to be a supportive role and also be a link to board members.”
 Smith has roots in the area with his wife hailing from Weiser and himself from Ontario, Ore. He said he has always liked the town itself and the landscape around it. He has been happy moving his family of five children closer to their extended family in the area they are from.

 “I love it here, it’s great,” said Smith. “Being outside and being near the farms that are here.”
 Initially receiving his EMT basic certification from Treasure Valley Community College, Smith said he was hooked on the job and the career. He received his paramedic certification, and between his time as and EMT and education as a paramedic spent time in New Orleans receiving experience. Also in his education, Smith attended Boise State University to receive a mathematics degree and an associate of arts from TVCC.
 “Really I’m looking to serve and work alongside these people,” said Smith. “And clear as much as I can so that they can get to their job in serving the community.”
 The team of first responders established in Weiser are excited to move forward. Smith said their eagerness attests to the natural leadership each possesses, with the ability to take control of a situation and treat others with kindness and empathy during a very chaotic and difficult moment. While the potential for growth in the area is phenomenal, the ambulance team will continue to receive more calls and become busier as more individuals and families move to Weiser. Enjoying a challenge, Smith said he and the team will continue to find efficiency and more ways to meet the needs of the community.
 “They meet people in the worst day of their lives,” said Smith. “And they have to be able to first off, render aid. To keep watch on each other and other people and also they have to have a certain amount of class to be able to help that person in a polite manner, and I believe these crews are able to do that.”
 

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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