Saving Lives & Leading EMS: Inside the World of Paramedics – w/ Rich Raymond

In this episode of The Mack & G Show, we sit down with Rich Raymond, President & CEO of Armstrong Ambulance, and a paramedic with over three decades of experience. From his early days as an EMT to responding to major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Wakefield workplace shooting, Rich shares a firsthand look at the high-pressure world of emergency medical services (EMS).

We discuss the intensity of first responder work, the challenges of leadership in EMS, and the unforgettable moments that define a career in saving lives. Whether it’s navigating mass casualty events or the everyday heroism of paramedics, this episode is a deep dive into the life of a frontline worker.

 

Highlights Include:

• The Wakefield mass shooting – responding to a workplace tragedy
• Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – chaos, disaster relief & makeshift hospitals
• The realities of EMS – from 911 calls to saving lives
• Crazy first responder stories – the wildest calls you won’t believe
• The importance of CPR training & knowing how to stop a bleed

Whether you’re interested in EMS, healthcare, or just love jaw-dropping real-life stories, this episode delivers.

 

Timestamps

00:00 Intro & Welcome to Episode 20
00:52 Red Light Therapy – Does it Work?
04:40 Growing Up in East Boston & Childhood Stories
08:55 Wild High School Stories – The Dom Savio Years
24:15 Becoming an EMT & Moving Up in EMS
36:42 The Man Who Got Run Over & Walked Away – Wildest EMS Calls
49:45 Deploying for Hurricane Katrina – Responding to Disaster
57:18 The Wakefield Workplace Shooting – Inside the Response
1:01:45 The Mental Toll of First Responders & PTSD in EMS
1:07:41 The Life of a St. Bernard Owner (Rich’s 175lb Puppy)
1:12:18 Why Everyone Should Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed Training
1:19:48 Teasing Next Episode – Founding Member of Godsmack Joins the Show

 

Links & Mentions:

Armstrong Ambulance Services
Beem Light Sauna
Edgewater Technology shooting
Find EMT & Paramedic Training Near You
Learn CPR & Stop the Bleed
Red Light Therapy: What is It?

 

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