Saving Lives and Helping Others Learn How to Grow, Meet Paramedic Benjamin Hance

We have been saluting our First Responders for two years or more. One of the most enjoyable parts from our side, is the opportunity to speak with the individuals who put others first. Most willingly speak about their chosen field, but not so willingly want any credit for their heroic acts. They are just "doing what they do." This week we meet Benjamin Hance.

Benjamin is an EMT Paramedic Supervisor serving with the COCVAC, Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Clinton for 6 years. He helped us understand the difference in the levels of EMTs. In my condensed version of his explanation, EMT Basics can administer oxygen, EMT Critical Care means the responder can administer some medications, and EMT Paramedics can treat children. There is a lot more to it than that, but it helps us understand the field a little better.

Taking time to explain the EMT world is an example of why Benjamin was anonymously nominated for the First Responder Salute.

He never fails to stop what he is doing to teach others and help them grow and learn. You can tell he truly cares for his career and his patients by how he works.

Choosing to help others in "their time of need" as a career takes someone special, doing it while teaching others how to be special too, is exceptional. Benjamin, thank you for doing what you do.

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officers, military, rescuers, front line workers, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.