Ohm's passion drives dedication as EMT

(Sentinel photo by Amy Erickson) Jody Ohm, in her 20th year as an EMT with Le Mars Ambulance, works 10 to 12 shifts a month. Sometimes she's inside the ambulance administering to patients, other times she drives. Ohm and all EMTs were honored this week during National EMS Week. [Click to enlarge]

Jody Ohm's passion is helping other people.

That's evident as the Le Mars woman, this month, started her 20th year as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Le Mars Ambulance.

"I call it my hobby because I enjoy helping so much," Ohm said.

This week, May 17-23 is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, where EMTs like Ohm and other EMS personnel are recognized for their dedication and work.

"We run about 10 to 12 shifts a month, 12-hour shifts," Ohm said. "If our beeper goes off, we have to respond."

Working for Wells' Dairy corporate office, Ohm can't take on-call day shifts during the work week as she is too far out of Le Mars to respond, but she dedicates lots of evenings.

Being on call means being available at "the drop of a hat," which can interrupt family time.

"My family's adapted a lot," Ohm said. "They understand how important it is to me and the community."

Seeing their mom in action may have influenced two of her four daughters to become EMTs, Ohm said.

Her oldest daughter, Jill Ohm, who is a police officer in Hawarden, has been an EMT-I about seven years. She works with Le Mars Ambulance on a part-time basis.

"Hawarden's always really glad to have her working there with her expertise," Ohm said of Jill.

Another of her daughters, Abby Phillips, lives in Remsen and is part of their ambulance services. She's an EMT-B.

"They just kind of grew up with the pager and saw how much it means to me," Ohm said. "When I look at them two, they have the same passion I do."

Her other daughters, Haley Sunderman and Callie Ohm, teach in the Omaha area.

When she first became an EMT in 1990, Ohm earned a level B certification, which meant she could perform basic measures like taking blood pressures.

Later Ohm continued her education and now has an EMT-I or intermediate certification. That means she can perform the basics and start IVs in patients.

"You have to take hours in the classroom and ride time (in the ambulance)," Ohm said. "You have to pass a state-administered test for each level and recertify every two years."

Ohm initially wanted to become a nurse and even took classes toward that goal. Her interest in becoming an EMT peaked after Flight 232 crash-landed into the Sioux City Airport in 1989.

"Le Mars and all the area ambulances responded," Ohm said. "That gave me the push to start the classes."

Her neighbor, the late Steve Musson who was director of Le Mars Ambulance then, also influenced her decision, Ohm said.

"I could always tell by the way he drove if he had a call," she said.

Now she's the one who has to maneuver through busy city streets responding to a call. EMTs have a white light that they can put on their dashes to warn other drivers.

People often either don't see them or don't know what they're for, Ohm said, because they generally don't yield the right of way on the roads.

"When they observe a light behind them, pull over and let me pass," Ohm said. "It could be your loved one."

In addition to her service as an EMT, her passion for helping others led Ohm and husband Steve to donate a pediatric carrier/car seat for the ambulance.

It attaches to the stretcher making a safe way to transport children.

Ohm's compassion and willingness to help others is evident on every call she answers, said Bill Rosacker, director of Le Mars EMS, who has worked alongside her since she started.

"Technically she's very, very good. The patients come first," Rosacker said. "In working with her, she's very open and communicative."

Le Mars Ambulance Service currently has 21 people including paramedic specialists and registered nurses.

Throughout the years Ohm's seen changes in ambulance services; everything from the way CPR is performed to Le Mars becoming a paramedic squad.

Previously all members of the squad were EMTs with level B certification. Now some are paramedic specialists or registered nurses who can administer medication, Ohm said.

But one aspect has remained constant.

"The squad has very low turnover," Ohm said. "I think that says a lot for the squad, the town and the directors."