Julia Erin Westcott was born and raised in Schenectady, New York, the community she now serves. She is an EMT-B and Field Training Officer for new hires and students at Mohawk Ambulance Service. She is hardworking, extremely passionate, and a dedicated and reliable part of the Mohawk Ambulance family.
Julia began working for Mohawk as a new EMT-B at the young age of 20. She was fortunate enough to participate in a collaborative program between YouthBuild of Schenectady and Mohawk Ambulance. She took her EMT course at Schenectady County Community College in the summer of 2009 and spent a shift or so a week in the ambulance, in addition to her training. Once certified, Julia was pretty much guaranteed a job a Mohawk. Mohawk now does a something similar with their free EMT program offered in Albany, New York.
“Many EMS providers start young and with no previous medical experience, similar to myself. Mohawk has always been great for adopting and raising the young and eager. It has now been almost ten years since I started. My role is even more unique because I have only ever worked in the back of the ambulance as an attendant. I have treated thousands of patients. As a Field Training Officer, I have been responsible for training new EMTs and students to be good providers,” states Westcott.
Julia has certifications as an EMT-B and in CPR, as well as certifications for Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. She also has a Health Studies Certificate from Schenectady County Community College, an associate degree in applied science in medical assisting from Bryant & Stratton College, a year of undergraduate education in Psychology from St. Rose College, and is currently a year into an associate degree in nursing at Maria College.
As a dedicated employee of Mohawk Ambulance Service, Julia has received the Distinguished Service Award at Mohawk the last two years in a row. When asked about her time at Mohawk, Julia says, “My favorite part of my job is being able to help train young new and excited EMTs. I love the teaching part of the job. Overall I just enjoy working in healthcare. Helping others is the most important task we can achieve in this world.” Julia states that EMS is special in the sense that “we are the first ones to arrive when people call for help. Those who choose to work in this field do so not for money or recognition, but because they genuinely care and want to make a difference. To be able to care for someone on their worst day and make it just a little bit better is truly inspiring. That’s why I continue to provide the best quality care I can to those in need.”
In her spare time, Julia has an intense passion for music. “I thought growing up that I would be a singer. I never even thought of healthcare as an option until I got into it. A lot of people don’t know this artistic side of me. I used to write my own songs, poetry, stories, etc. I also used to be able to draw really well but never kept up with it. I now see this artistic flare in my son. I am a mother to an almost eleven year old boy, who is my driving force for all that I do. I want to show him that with hard work you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.”
Mohawk Ambulance Service would like to recognize Julia Westcott for all that she does, not only for the company, but also for the entire capital region of New York State. Mohawk is extremely lucky to have Julia as a part of their team and looks forward to a long and rewarding future with her.