First responder devoted to helping others
Paramedic Ryan Satira demonstrates how to use a non-rebreather oxygen mask. • Photos Submitted
By Tom Victoria
Ryan Satira’s job is to save lives.
The paramedic spends his days feverishly working to keep patients breathing until they can reach a hospital. Ryan entered the highly stressful field for the same reason he became a lifeguard at 15.
“I’d always liked helping people,” Ryan said.
He is undaunted by the more urgent nature of his job as opposed to working in the controlled environment of a hospital.
Ryan Satira
Coming with the territory of being on the front line of medical care, paramedics address multiple health crises the patient is undergoing.
“In an emergency call, we always have to be cognizant of various symptoms or syndromes that occur at the same time,” Ryan said. “For example, an overdose patient could be unresponsive and not breathing. The first step in treatment would be breathing for the patient. If the patient stops breathing, treating the overdose is futile. Anytime we are treating a patient, the focus is on the ABCs — airway, breathing and circulation — before we treat other illnesses or injuries because without the ABCs, the patient will not sustain life.”
He said other times paramedics must deal with multiple injuries or illnesses are vehicle accidents, when they must determine whether a driver is unresponsive due to the crash or was debilitated prior to the wreck.
The most common call Ryan has been responding to as a paramedic for Mutual Aid Ambulance in Western Pennsylvania recently is a fall or lift assist.
“Older adults who have fallen and just can’t get up on their own, whether it be due to a new onset of weakness, injuries caused by the fall or chronic injuries/illnesses,” Ryan said.
Corresponding with the government-mandated closures amid media hysteria over the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, people were afraid to go to the hospital.
“We saw a decrease,” Ryan said.
He said the pendulum is now swinging the other way with calls on the rise again.
Along with providing emergency care to the patient, paramedics must be alert to potential issues with the loved ones present. Ryan said it’s crucial to keep the patient’s family calm to prevent a second emergency.
“Or we end up with two people having to save,” he said.
Ryan said another concern is the potential for people to become violent.
“We always have to keep a swivel on our head,” he said.
If a situation becomes potentially dangerous, the paramedics have the ability to depart the scene while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.
Ryan teaches youth how to perform CPR.
“We have to consider our safety,” Ryan said.
Paramedics must remain emotionally detached to provide professional treatment as well as understand not every patient can be saved.
“You did everything you could,” Ryan said.
He explained even when the patient dies, the paramedics were able to make those last moments less painful, which is a consolation to the loved ones.
“The family has some comfort,” Ryan said.
While some patients are lost, others survive.
“You always remember your saves,” Ryan said.
He said mental health is not only an issue for patients, but it’s vital for paramedics to rely on a support system, including their co-workers.
“It’s very tolling on us,” Ryan said.
He pointed out technology has had a positive and negative impact on emergency treatment. On the beneficial side, technology provides more enhanced care. Conversely, technology as portrayed in fictional programs creates unrealistic expectations of a miracle cure or procedure.
“There’s not always something that could be done,” Ryan said.
Ryan became interested in health care upon being a high school athletic trainer aide. He eventually connected with an ambulance service and took classes to become a paramedic.
Ryan works as a lifeguard.
“I’ve loved it ever since,” Ryan said.
He also has extensive experience working with youth. Prior to college, Ryan taught swim lessons for children with special needs.
“During my time at Slippery Rock (University), we worked with teens with autism at the school’s equestrian center as well as any individuals with disabilities in the pool or other adapted types of sports or activities,” he said.
Ryan said working with those youth was always gratifying.
He does not anticipate ever leaving his field, possibly shifting into a management role when it’s time to stop riding in the ambulance.
Ryan recommended those pondering a career in emergency care get a taste of what they would be in for on a daily basis by enrolling in shadowing programs such as ride-alongs.
He advised new paramedics be selective on where they work, ensuring the employer has the appropriate equipment and resources.
Ryan encouraged everyone to learn how to administer CPR and first aid as well as how to stop bleeding until an ambulance arrives. “It has a big impact on the outcome,” he said.