John Lara
Virginia Beach
Summary
Dynamic and highly skilled Paramedic and Firefighter with extensive experience serving the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk. Adept in advanced life support, critical decision-making, and high-acuity patient care. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through rapid assessments, compassionate interventions, and evidence-based treatment protocols.
As a Firefighter with the City of Norfolk, I have built a strong foundation in emergency response, fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials operations. Experienced in navigating high-pressure environments, ensuring both patient and public safety during complex incidents. Recognized for clear, effective communication and seamless collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Detail-oriented in documentation and incident reporting, with a commitment to maintaining operational readiness and compliance with departmental standards. Passionate about ongoing professional development, community education, and fostering public trust through responsive and dedicated service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paramedic
City of Virginia Beach
06.2022 - Current
- Provided ACLS, BLS, and PALS care in high-pressure environments.
- Delivered compassionate care for patients experiencing cardiac arrests, trauma, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Conducted rapid patient assessments and interventions, improving outcomes in critical situations.
- Managed patient care en route to hospitals, including wound control and surgical preparation.
- Communicated clearly with team members to enhance efficiency during emergencies.
- Administered medications safely, calculating dosages based on patient weight and drug interactions.
- Served as a preceptor for new paramedics, offering clinical guidance during field training.
- Participated in ongoing training through conferences and workshops to stay current with EMS best practices.
- Delegated tasks and prioritized treatments effectively in mass casualty and high-acuity situations.
- Collaborated with police, fire, and other emergency personnel to coordinate scene management.
- Ensured patient and provider safety through proper lifting, equipment handling, and infection control.
- Adapted care plans quickly based on evolving patient conditions.
- Administered IV, IO, and IM therapies to address fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.
Firefighter/Paramedic
City of Norfolk
04.2013 - 05.2023
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Enhanced community safety by conducting thorough building inspections and identifying potential fire hazards.
- Reduced response times to emergencies by effectively coordinating with dispatch and other first responders.
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as a mentor to new firefighters, fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism within the department.
Paramedic
City Of Chesapeake
03.2015 - 10.2022
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
- Reduced response times by maintaining thorough knowledge of local geography and navigation routes.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Contributed to community outreach efforts by participating in public education events on CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness.
- Assisted in training new paramedics by serving as a preceptor and sharing clinical expertise during ridealongs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities such as conferences or workshops to stay current on best practices in pre-hospital emergency medicine.
Paramedic
Emergency Medical Response
03.2014 - 02.2015
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
Volunteer EMT
City of Virginia Beach
02.2008 - 04.2014
- Improved patient care by efficiently assessing and stabilizing patients during medical emergencies.
- Enhanced team performance by effectively collaborating with paramedics, nurses, and physicians in high-pressure situations.
- Reduced response times by accurately navigating emergency vehicles to scenes of accidents and medical crises.
- Ensured patient safety by properly utilizing immobilization devices and administering appropriate treatments.
- Maintained a clean and organized ambulance, ensuring optimal readiness for emergency calls.
Education
Fire Fighting
Tidewater Regional Fire Academy
Norfolk, VA04-2013
Associate of Science - Emergency Medicine
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach, VA12-2012
High School Diploma -
St. Columban High School
Olongapo City, Philippines03-2003
Skills
- Emergency Support
- Medical Team Collaboration
- Medical Response
- Firefighting Activities
- Conditions Assessment
- Medication Administration
- Staff Scheduling
- Personnel Management
- Triaging
- Public Safety and Security
- Fire Suppression
- Hazard Prevention
- Emergency Management
Certification
- NREMT - Paramedic
- ACLS certified
- PALS Certified
- Firefighter I and II
- Hazmat awareness Technical Rescue awareness Airport Fire Response
- Completed Virginia Department of Fire Programs certifications for:
- Fire Instructor I NFPA 1041-12
- Driver Operator NFPA 1002-14
- Fire Officer I NFPA 1021-14
- Arson Investigation NFA
- Safety Officer NFA
- PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support
Languages
Tagalog
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paramedic
City of Virginia Beach
06.2022 - Current
Paramedic
City Of Chesapeake
03.2015 - 10.2022
Paramedic
Emergency Medical Response
03.2014 - 02.2015
Firefighter/Paramedic
City of Norfolk
04.2013 - 05.2023
Volunteer EMT
City of Virginia Beach
02.2008 - 04.2014
Fire Fighting
Tidewater Regional Fire Academy
Associate of Science - Emergency Medicine
Tidewater Community College
High School Diploma -
St. Columban High School
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