Matthew Conlin

My journey in emergency medicine began with a spark of inspiration after earning my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification in 2017. Fueled by a desire to make a difference in wilderness settings, I pursued an associate's degree in Emergency Medical Science and worked diligently to obtain my Paramedic Certification. Along the way, I was honored to be elected class president, a role that allowed me to bridge communication between faculty and students while also earning my BLS, PALS, and ACLS certifications.

Over the past three years, I've had the privilege to serve at Buncombe County EMS in both full-time and part-time positions. I've been trained as a Community Paramedic, and I take great pride in my role as a BLS instructor, where I've had the opportunity to teach several BLS and CPR classes. I find immense joy in the unpredictable and high-energy nature of my job, knowing that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to offer a helping hand and bring peace to those facing their darkest moments.

As I look ahead, my dreams extend beyond my current work in EMS. I envision creating a wilderness exploration company that specializes in WFR, outdoor leadership, and critical thinking training. Building on the skills and experiences I've gained thus far, I plan to continue learning and growing in order to make a lasting impact on the community and empower others with the knowledge and confidence to safely navigate the great outdoors.

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EDUCATION

Excel College, Black Mountain, NC

BA in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, & Critical Thinking

Emphasis: Emergency Medicine

Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, Asheville, NC

Associates in Emergency Medical Science

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CERTIFICATIONS

PARAMEDIC — Asheville Buncombe Technical College: 05/11/2020 - 05-31-2024

• Operate within the NC state protocol for Paramedics. 
• Perform advanced assessments and provide emergency medical treatment.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.
• Administer medications, intravenous therapy, and other advanced interventions.
• Manage cardiac arrest situations and perform advanced resuscitation techniques.
• Operate an emergency vehicle within NC DOT laws.

ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS) — American Heart Association: 06/15/2021 - 06/15/2024

• Able to interpret and respond to cardiac rhythms
• Proficient in advanced resuscitation techniques for cardiac arrest situations
• Skilled in administering advanced medications and interventions
• Capable of leading resuscitation efforts and coordinating a team during a cardiac emergency

PEDIATRIC ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (PALS) — American Heart Association: 07/10/2022 - 07/10/2025

• Specialized knowledge and skills in providing emergency care to pediatric patients.
• Proficient in pediatric resuscitation techniques, including CPR and defibrillation.
• Skilled in recognizing and managing respiratory distress and failure in pediatric patients.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) INSTRUCTOR — American Heart Association: 09/15/2022 - 09/15/2025

• Trained and authorized to teach Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques to healthcare professionals and lay rescuers.
• Assess and evaluate students' skills, providing constructive feedback for improvement
• Issue certifications in BLS and Heartsaver courses

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WORK EXPERIENCE & APPRENTICESHIPS

PARAMEDIC — Buncombe County EMS: 07/13/2020

• Effective team management and coordination during emergency responses.
• Task management skills while operating under high-stress environments.
• Effective communication skills, fostering clear and concise interactions with patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals.
• Adaptable and quick-thinking, consistently delivering quality care in dynamic and rapidly evolving situations.
• Patient care and bedside manner, providing compassionate and skilled medical interventions to individuals in need.
• Professional defensive driving techniques, prioritizing safety and maintaining control in challenging road conditions.
• Detail-oriented documentation and reporting, ensuring accurate and comprehensive records for seamless continuity of care.
• Adherence to protocols and ethical standards, upholding the highest level of professionalism and integrity in emergency medical practice.

BLS AND HEARTSAVER INSTRUCTOR — American Heart Association: 10/31/2023 - Present

• Diligent and detail-oriented approach to delivering BLS and Heartsaver courses, ensuring accurate and comprehensive instruction.
• Patient and empathetic teaching style, fostering a supportive learning environment for students of varying skill levels.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating clear and engaging instruction to promote knowledge retention.
• Encouraging and motivating demeanor, inspiring confidence in students as they develop their life-saving skills.

COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC — Buncombe County EMS: 05/10/2023 - Present

• Compassionate and non-judgmental approach, fostering a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
• Skilled in crisis intervention and de-escalation, maintaining composure and promoting calm during high-stress situations.
• Collaborative teamwork, working closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations to provide comprehensive care.
• Adaptable problem-solving abilities, responding to the dynamic and evolving needs of individuals in recovery and optimizing care plans accordingly.
• Proficient in initiating and implementing treatment protocols for individuals in recovery, promoting a holistic approach to their healthcare journey.

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Excel College

Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, and Critical Thinking

— Description of Excel College’s Degree Program — 

By Economy (not Economics), we’re using one of the oldest and original meanings of the term derived from the Greek term oikonomia: stewardship, management of household affairs. Specifically, we are drawing from the theological concept of stewardship, leading to what the Greeks referred to as the Good Life — a virtuous life that fulfills our divinely created human nature. Using this definition of economy, our Bachelor degree has opened a pathway for students to integrate their faith into a customized emphasis. 

Not confined to the classroom alone, our students are challenged and encouraged in 5 holistic pursuits (intellectual, spiritual, missional, practical, and professional) to become men and women who excel everywhere — in the classroom, home, church, work, community, and in their lives individually. 

During the Practicum phase of Excel College, students continue to develop holistically, while concentrating on an emphasis that interests them personally. With the support and accountability of mentors and coaches, students design a customized learning experience that develops not only one-dimensional skills and experience according to set and relevant outcomes, but virtuous habits that lead them to become honest workers, family members, and citizens. In our model, we let the experts train our students on a basic skills level, while we equip them for a life of holistic flourishing. 

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AB-Tech Emergency Medical Science and Buncombe County EMS

Pursuing my Paramedic certification and associate's degree in emergency medicine with AB-tech was the introduction to what has so far been an amazing career. The curriculum's breadth and depth, spanning anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiology, pulmonology, obstetrics, and rescue techniques, provided an initial glimpse into the vast field of emergency medical care. The program, spread across two years, was a firehose of information that quickly indoctrinated into the EMS system.

However, it was my field experience where the true challenges and transformative experiences took shape. I vividly remember one particular case early in my career. It involved a call out for a car vs pedestrian that led to my first real-world application of Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI), a procedure often practiced in classrooms but rarely executed in the field. The patient had a severe skull fracture, and his breathing was dwindling. Every step of the RSI procedure was crucial and intense. The success of the procedure reminded me of the value of thorough training and underlined the importance of remaining poised even under extreme pressure.

Simultaneously, I undertook an apprenticeship with Buncombe County EMS. This real-world immersion amplified the theoretical aspects of my learning, offering profound insights into the complex world of emergency medical care. The human interactions, often forgotten amidst medical jargon and protocols, became starkly evident during a specific clinical ride. The call was for a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, it was clear that the elderly man, found near a stack of chopped wood, had passed on. The protocol would have us deliver the news to the family and exit swiftly. This time, however, my accompanying medic chose a different approach. We sat with the man's wife, walking her through what was to come, sharing stories about her husband, and finally, praying together. This experience was a revelation. In that moment, I realized my profession wasn't merely about executing medical procedures but also about showing compassion, offering comfort, and connecting with patients and their families. I understood that each encounter is an opportunity to honor the human spirit. This realization profoundly changed my approach to my work.         

Looking back, the journey has shaped me into the healthcare professional I am today. I'm not just a paramedic who executes procedures but also an empathetic individual who strives to provide comfort in challenging times. I carry the lessons from my experiences with every call I attend, ensuring I provide exceptional care and contribute positively to the lives of those I serve. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I am committed to this continuous journey of personal and professional growth.

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Appendix 1

Paramedic Certification

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