EMS Week 2023 Recognitions - Christie Poteat of Ringgold Volunteer Fire and Rescue

1.   What is your current role?

EMS Captain

2.   What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

When I was twelve years old my sister was diagnosed with cancer. She was in and out of Duke hospital for three years before she passed. I wanted to know all I could to help her. It gave me a desire to help others unselfishly as the nurses had cared for my sister during her battle with cancer. They took care of all the family and for that I will forever be grateful. You don’t forget those that are there for you in your weakest, most vulnerable moments.

3.   What is a typical day like for you working in this field?

I work full time as an LPN. After work, several days a week I go to Ringgold Volunteer Fire and Rescue and am there sometimes until bedtime. It takes a village, and I am just a small part of it, but I enjoy it.

4.   How long have you volunteered/been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?

I started volunteering with Laurel Grove Fire and Rescue in 1991. I was a Basic Emergency Medical Technician and was certified to also drive ambulances and perform vehicle extrication. Shortly after that, I joined Danville Life Saving Crew and volunteered with at least four eight-hour duties per month. Initially, I held the same certification, but then decided to continue my training and obtained my Cardiac Technician certification. In 1997, I became pregnant and decided that I needed to be in a safer environment and left “the crew”. I had a healthy baby boy and after time all my certifications expired. When my son was old enough to join the local fire and rescue department he began volunteering. He knew that I once was a volunteer and asked me to come back to it and get my certification and “run calls with him”. Needless to say, that is what I did. As a nurse I was able to challenge the EMT exam and passed. I joined Ringgold Volunteer Fire and Rescue right away and have been there since. I continued my training and obtained my certification in vehicle extrication, Prehospital Trauma Life Support and most recent, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician which allowed me to be able to perform more skills in the field and offer my patients a higher level of care. I became EMS Captain two years ago and became enlightened on the more administrative aspect of EMS.

5.   What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?

Outside of my full-time job and volunteering at Ringgold Fire and Rescue, I enjoy sewing, drawing, planting flowers and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy puzzles, canning and cooking and racing. I am also a member of the Ruritan Club Dan River District. I am not sure if you are familiar with that, but it focuses on serving the community in various ways and supporting various organizations including God's Pit Crew, Salvation Army and several volunteer fire and rescue organizations. Community involvement on another level. 

6.   What do you enjoy most about your organization?

Ringgold Fire and Rescue was established in 1958. I enjoy most the fact that it has been a family legacy. Our current Chief, Mike Neal’s father, was the initial chief in 1958. Mike has been chief for a multitude of years since his father. I appreciate the heritage that is represented there. By the time I was thirty-eight years old, I had lost my only sibling and both my parents. I respect what it means to be part of an organization that possesses a multitude of roots in its foundation. Some of the elders of this department are some of the most giving, caring and supportive souls. It’s a family to me, one I am proud to be a part of.