Robert Gutierrez is a firefighter and paramedic in South Haven, working in South Haven for nearly seven years now. Gutierrez started with volunteer work in South Haven and then worked as an EMT. From there he became a firefighter, and as soon as he got his license he became a paramedic. Gutierrez has worked around in the medical field for a long time; so far he has been in the field for roughly 16 years in total.
“Originally it was just something I was drawn to, I went from going for industrial maintenance, and then one day I was just like I wanted to do more. So, I just got drawn to the medical field,” said Gutierrez. “I went through two EMT services and I worked at two different ERs and then I found my way to South Haven,” said Gutierrez.
Though there is a lot of stress along with ups and downs that come with the job on a daily basis, Gutierrez remains passionate about it due to being able to help people in any way that he can. The change that Gutierrez and the rest of his team can make in someone’s life is all that matters to him when it comes to his job.
“Everything, knowing that I can do something for somebody or being able to help them out in any shape or form, whether it be an elderly patient that just called us because they needed someone to talk to or the worst call possible and knowing that we helped save their life or saved them from any further harm,” said Gutierrez.
Being a paramedic and firefighter takes an immense amount of time and fills up a large majority of Gutierrez’s schedule. Gutierrez finds it important to value the time that he does have with friends and family since his field of work takes a massive toll mentally for him. Through the hardships that do come with his job, Gutierrez is thankful for the important people in his life who have kept him grounded.
“No matter what part of the field you’re in, rather if it’s law enforcement, fire, EMS dispatching, it take a toll on all of us. Unfortunately, at one point it did for me and if it wasn’t for family and friends, they helped me though when I evaluated what I was doing. I felt like I wanted to just either quit or go do something else rather than doing what I’m doing now. I take that for value, I take it for what it is and that’s what I do, family and friends. In reality, they’re the biggest things that you could ever have,” said Gutierrez.
Patients and their well-being come first for Gutierrez in any situation, he is willing to do anything he can do for somebody in any way shape or form. The mentality that Gutierrez carries with him when it comes to his job started back over 16 years ago and it still resides with him even more so today.