Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1516934
15 M E M B E R S H I P When your business or organization becomes a Redstone Membership Partner, your employees and members are eligible to join Redstone. Email bd@redfcu.org to find out about the benefits of partnering with Redstone. If you would like to appear in the Member's Moment column, just send your name and an interesting tidbit about yourself to aspire@redfcu.org. Britt Birdwell has dedicated his career to making a difference in people's lives. Between his work as a paramedic with HEMSI, serving as the Meridianville Volunteer Fire Department President, and working at his family business, he is constantly on the move. Britt has lived in Huntsville nearly all his life and has been married to his wife, Dawn, for 39 years. He is the father of two sons who seem to have found their niche in life, carrying on a tradition of serving others. One son works for the North Alabama Food Bank, and the other is a flight medic. BRITT BIRDWELL Q: What inspired you to become a paramedic? A: My son was working as an EMT for HEMSI and was going to run on a call with the volunteer fire department. e patient was barely alive, and I felt I could do this job part-time and make a difference. We make the joke "like son, like father." I've been in my current role as a shift supervisor with HEMSI for four years, and prior to that, I was a paramedic on a truck for 10 years. Q: Have you seen changes as a paramedic and volunteer firefighter over the years? A: Working as a paramedic through COVID-19, the call volume was 140 calls on a very busy day. After COVID and with the exponential growth occurring in Huntsville, the call volume is now 250+ calls a day. Q: Is there a particular moment in your career that stands out? A: I have had many that stand out, but the first thing that pops into my mind is an in-the-field delivery of a baby girl. I had never felt that feeling except when my wife had our children. Q: Do you have any safety advice or tips you would like to share based on what you've seen during your career? A: e biggest safety tip and the one that stands out is this: "Don't drink and drive!" I have seen too many wrecks where family members were injured or lost due to impaired drivers. I am not saying don't go out and have a good time. But be a friend: Designate a driver. Q: What do you consider a good day at work? A: Any day where no first responder doing the job gets hurt. I want everyone to go home to their families! Q: If you hadn't chosen your current career path, what would you be doing today? A: As the owner of my family business, Pic a Frame, I probably would be working with the public at my retail store, which specializes in custom framing and specialty matting. I still work there, but not nearly as much as in the past.