Austen Heider’s ultimate goal is to become a flight paramedic and one day hold a position overseeing EMS at the county, state, or even national level.
Heider is an Aiken Technical College alumnus. Currently, he has the opportunity to travel and provide paramedicine at various locations nationwide. He also acts as an adjunct EMT instructor at the college.
“EMS is my passion. It’s not a career aimed at wealth or recognition but one motivated by the desire to serve others and the community. I believe it is crucial for individuals in EMS to approach this profession with seriousness and ensure they are well-educated, as our work directly saves lives. As an instructor, I aim to encourage and mentor aspiring professionals, helping them build successful careers in EMS,” said Heider.
While studying and earning his EMT license, he balanced school and a full-time job in an ambulance with his academic and clinical duties. After graduating from Aiken Tech in 2022 with an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine and working as an adjunct instructor, his current career as an AEMT allows him to travel all over the country.
“I obtained my AEMT license and became a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Within four months of graduating, I was supervising a specific county and quickly progressed to a Lieutenant position. Currently, I have the opportunity to travel and provide paramedicine at various locations across the country,” Heider said.
“My experience there (Aiken Technical College) has opened numerous doors and enabled me to make a difference in ways I never anticipated. Beyond learning to be a paramedic, I gained invaluable life lessons that will stay with me forever,” Heider said.
