She retired after 20 years as a NCCo paramedic. In her new role, she's still saving lives

She retired after 20 years as a NCCo paramedic. In her new role, she's still saving lives

Lorrie Williams knew little about life in the emergency services field when she and her husband married about four decades ago.

A volunteer firefighter, he quickly introduced her to the fire service. While it "was certainly a learning experience," Williams said, she soon became interested in supporting the fire company in her own way.

First, she joined the Five Points Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Then, she turned her attention to emergency medical services.

Williams, now 63, initially became an emergency medical technician-basic. This meant she could perform basic life support functions such as CPR or aid if a person was choking.

After eight years as an EMT-B, she was hired by New Castle County as a paramedic. In July 2021, after 21 years of providing the highest level of emergency medical care offered outside of a hospital setting, she retired.

Retirement was short-lived, however.

Now, Williams serves as coordinator for New Castle County Paramedics' Community Outreach Unit, which offers CPR trainings, among other functions. The trainings have had real-world implications, and in at least one case, may have meant the difference between life and death for a local woman.

Though Williams may not be providing direct medical care any longer, her work − and her classes − are still saving lives. This year, she was honored as an Awards of Valor recipient, a program hosted by Philadelphia's National Liberty Museum.

It highlights first responders in the tri-state area for their "remarkable acts of heroism and for serving as role models in their communities."

Delaware Online/The News Journal recently caught up with Williams to learn more about her life in emergency services, and what her role is now.

Question: What led you to join New Castle County Paramedics more than two decades ago?

Answer: (After) eight years of riding as an EMT-B, I had the opportunity to apply for the New Castle County Paramedic academy. I was older than the average hire − 39 − had a family that I was raising and I couldn’t afford to go to school, and didn’t have the time to give in the evenings and weekends to continue my education. Without New Castle County, I wouldn’t have had a chance. I was fortunate to be picked for the first Delaware Technical Community College/New Castle County Paramedic academy. I ended my home daycare and was blessed to learn from the best. A year and a half from hire to clear − what a time. Studying, riding, learning. Some of the hardest times of my life, but also the most rewarding.

What about the field of emergency medicine kept you in it for so long?

I learned every day while providing service to the county. I spent nearly all of my career in the city of Wilmington at Medic 1, one of the busiest stations during that time. Our shifts were long and involved, but there wasn’t a day that I didn’t learn something or feel something. Sometimes good feelings while helping someone with their “worst day” and sometimes hurtful feelings when things were sad. Partners and platoons were our work family. For that I will always be grateful. Once a team, you are always family.

If you had to impart any wisdom on those just beginning their paramedic career or anyone toying with becoming a medic, what would you say?

I hope that as new medics begin their career and older medics continue theirs, they remember that we are practicing medicine and a large part of our job is to be kind, considerate and caring. Some of my best calls were just being kind to a lonely person or helping a person in need find their way. Of course, saving a life is the pinnacle of our career and those special calls will forever be in my heart.

You retired a few years ago, but came back to serve as coordinator for the community outreach unit. What about the position lured you out of retirement?

I mentioned that I started my career later in my life and as I obtained 21 years of service, I found this job takes a toll on your body and mind that is often overlooked. I knew it was in my best interest for myself and my family to finish my career in a good, healthy moment.

My love for the job didn’t end and I can say the day-to-day calls were greatly missed. During my career, I did many outreach groups as well and Critical Incident Stress Management to help my co-workers and other first responders. When the opportunity to rejoin the paramedics as the coordinator for community outreach, I didn’t hesitate to know that was where I belonged.

As much as I missed my job as a paramedic, I love being the voice to the community, teaching CPR, sharing the Vial of Life, recruiting for new hires, but most importantly singing the praises of our everyday heroes ... the New Castle County Paramedics.