Categories
Health and Wellness

Everyday EMS Athlete Profile: Bob Sullivan

EMS professionals are challenged to balance work, family, and other obligations while also staying or striving for mental and physical fitness. The Everyday EMS Athlete is a regular column to recognize and learn from other EMS professionals that are setting and meeting fitness goals. This edition was contributed by Paramedic Bob Sullivan.

Q: What is your EMS job? 

A: I work full time as a paramedic in Wilmington, Deleware. On the side I teach with a community college paramedic program and con-ed for my service. I am also pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration at Wilmington University.

Q: What are your athletic pursuits and goals?

A:I play hockey in a recreational league, cycle, and go to the gym. I use exercise to stay healthy, injury-free, and mentally fit. I want to remain active with my family and have a long career in EMS.

Everyday EMS Athlete Bob Sullivan
Paramedic, Teacher, Blogger, and Hockey Player Bob Sullivan

Q: Do you have race, lifestyle changes, or other accomplishments you are particularly proud of?

A: My hockey team doesn’t win many games, so it’s pretty exciting when we do. My longest bike ride was 100 miles across Delaware in 2009 with the EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Delaware lost two EMS providers in the line of duty the year before, and it was special to be a part of.

Q: What are your tips for other EMS professionals to set and accomplish fitness goals? 

A: I find that scheduling blocks of time to exercise helps me stick to it. I also manage to fit exercise around other activities. I cycle to work about once a week. It only adds 10 minutes to my commute and I feel much better on both ends. Childcare is included in our YMCA membership, so that’s a big help. For days packed with errands, we have a child seat on a bike and ride to some of them. It relieves stress and our son loves it.

Q: Are there organizations you want to mention?

A: I have not been able to do the EMS Memorial Bike Ride since 2009, but I hope to again soon. It’s a great organization with great people to ride with. You can send donations to: MuddyAngels.com

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: My blog is EMTPatientPerspective, on the EMSBlogs.com network, and you can also follow me on Twitter @emsptperspect. I’ve also been a guest on some recent EMS Office Hours episodes.

 

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.