VMSC

At VMSC, we are proud to celebrate the incredible dedication and passion of our team members. This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Thaina Santiago, a committed EMT and paramedic student whose journey to a career in EMS is nothing short of inspiring. A Path of Purpose Thaina’s EMS journey began as a practical solution—earning her EMT certification as a way to pay for college. This role allowed her to serve others while advancing her education. After completing school, she pursued work in her chosen field, but something always felt incomplete. Her perspective changed one day at work when a coworker lost consciousness. Using the skills she had developed as an EMT, Thaina stepped in to stabilize the individual until medics arrived. That experience sparked something deep within her. “I rediscovered my calling,” she explains. Determined to return to EMS, Thaina immediately renewed her certification, ready to serve her community once more. A Career With Heart This commitment to excellence is what makes VMSC a leader in the EMS field. Since then, Thaina has consistently brought skill, empathy, and a profound sense of purpose to every patient interaction. For her, EMS is not just a job—it’s a meaningful vocation. “At VMSC, I’ve found the perfect environment to grow,” she says. She values the culture of respect and inclusion and appreciates the continuous opportunities to learn and innovate. One of the things Thaina admires most about VMSC is its pioneering approach. The organization’s introduction of advanced pre-hospital procedures—such as using ultrasound and administering whole blood transfusions in the field—demonstrates a commitment to excellence and cutting-edge care. VMSC’s investment in top-tier training and education helps ensure that every team member is equipped to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. “This is the first time I’ve seen a company combine exceptional patient care with a great working environment,” Thaina shares. A Life Full of Interests Beyond her career, Thaina is a curious, creative individual who enjoys exploring a wide range of hobbies and interests. In her free time, she loves reading, painting, and hiking. She also has a deep fascination with art, history, psychology, and pathology, and her enthusiasm for sport bikes reflects her adventurous side. At VMSC, we strive to foster a culture that encourages growth and innovation in EMS practices. Making a Difference Every Day Thaina’s passion for EMS and her dedication to providing compassionate care serve as a reminder of why we do what we do. Her inspiring story and unwavering commitment to her patients make her an invaluable member of the VMSC family. We are grateful to have her on our team and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and excel. Thank you, Thaina, for all you do. Your efforts inspire us to reach new heights each day.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce Ave Morley’s well-deserved promotion to Communications Center Manager at VMSC! Ave’s journey into EMS has been marked by a dedication to serving her community, a commitment that stems from her background as a Veteran. She brought her deep sense of duty and service to the role, quickly becoming a calm, steady voice during critical moments. Despite not coming from a traditional EMS background, Ave embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Each call she handled was met with unwavering attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to community safety. Her approach often goes beyond the basics, ensuring that every aspect of her work is handled with precision. This commitment to excellence has set her apart, earning her the trust and respect of her colleagues and the people she serves. Since joining VMSC, Ave’s contributions have gone beyond her technical skills as a dispatcher. She has become a cornerstone of our team, offering steadfast support and creating a positive, collaborative environment. Her efforts to foster a culture of teamwork and camaraderie have had a lasting impact. These initiatives have strengthened the bonds among colleagues, leading to a more cohesive and supportive workplace. Ave’s leadership extends beyond the workplace. She’s an adventurer at heart, with a love for travel and a deep appreciation for different cultures. Her journeys often provide valuable insights into adaptability and resilience—qualities she brings back to her role at VMSC. In her downtime, Ave enjoys sharing her travel stories, which entertain her peers and inspire them to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Additionally, her involvement in community service projects reflects her ongoing dedication to making a difference, both professionally and personally. As Ave steps into her new role as Communications Center Manager, her innovative ideas and strategies are poised to elevate the entire team. Her ability to mentor new dispatchers, share her knowledge, and lead by example will undoubtedly shape the future of VMSC’s communications operations. Her promotion not only highlights her exceptional skills and work ethic but also sets a standard of excellence for others to aspire to. Congratulations, Ave, on this well-earned promotion! Your journey serves as a testament to how perseverance, hard work, and a genuine commitment to service can lead to fulfilling and impactful career advancements.

Christine’s journey in EMS began at just 14 when she joined the fire department to spend more time with her father. Inspired by her mother’s work in EMS, she officially joined at 16—and never looked back. Christine says, “I chose this path to be a better person and not go down a wrong path in life. It’s a good feeling when someone finds out what you do and shows automatic respect and love for our jobs.” What does Christine love about VMSC? “VMSC has shown what an EMS agency should be—family, support, respect, camaraderie, and professionalism. They put employees first, and that means so much.” This year, Christine focused on becoming the best version of herself, taking up powerlifting and spending time with her daughters and granddaughters. She enjoys playing Fortnite with the kids (yes, she’s a gamer!) and has set her sights on earning her motorcycle license next year. Christine is already part of the all-female riding group Stilettos on Steel, where her riding name is Wikked. Thank you, Christine, for your dedication to VMSC and your community. We’re lucky to have you on the team

Today’s employee spotlight features EMT and dispatcher Ronald Grady. Although Ronald’s only been part of the VMSC team for just under a year, he has over 30 years of experience in the field. Encouraged by his uncle, who was a dispatcher at the time, he became an EMT right out of high school in 1989. Ronald now works as a dispatcher in our Philadelphia station. When asked what he enjoys most about this career Ronald says, “I enjoy the way this career keeps you on your toes. Every day is different!” Outside of work, Ronald enjoys playing basketball or softball, but his greatest joy comes from being a pop-pop. Join us in thanking Ronald for his many years of service and dedication! Thank you, Ronald!