At Ground Zero Injured Firefighter Pharmacology Jeopardy

Becoming a paramedic requires hard work and plenty of training. As a member of the FDNY Wilfredo Silvestry works at the EMS training academy and helps train future paramedics. To reach this level, Wilfredo has achieved his paramedic certification, obtained his college degree in Applied Paramedic Sciences and has received instructor certification.

Wilfredo remembers that as a youngster, he saw a paramedic save a man's life. He was inspired by this event and started working at a local volunteer ambulance corps to help out in his community. Not only did he get a lot of on-the-job training, but he also realized how much he enjoyed helping other people. "To do this kind of job you need to want to help people in their most trying situations," says Wilfredo. "You also need to be graceful under pressure."

Besides his college education and many hours of special paramedic training, Wilfredo finds the key ingredients to doing this job are:

• Staying in good physical shape and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Developing good interpersonal skills.
• Always using the field experience you learn on the job to help you in future situations.