ASL Radio with Keith Wann - First Deaf EMT

Amber Tansey- 28 born and raised in Santa Rosa.  Went to California School for the Deaf, Fremont for 4 years. Graduated from Santa Rosa High school- 2003.

Took a basic first aid responder class few years ago and fell in love with the dream EMT job. Just completed my EMT program at Santa Rosa Public Safety Training Center at the Junior College. Basically I'm like the first profoundly Deaf EMT in California as far as I know.
Plan on getting a job as EMT, just haven't decided which field- on the ambulance, in the emergency room or with the fire department just yet. Been doing a lot of ride alongs.  Just spent my 28th birthday with the SFFD for a ride along which was a blast. And brought a lot of attention of how I would work in the 'hearing world' as an Deaf EMT. So I was given the opportunity to show what I could do, as I took blood pressure, help move patients and spot a firefighter downstairs while carrying patient down. It was nice.

I'm prepared for a lot of various kind of comments from people who learns that a Deaf EMT has come this far. I've already seen some not so nice ones like its impossible for me to be an EMT. Or as if I'm putting my crew into risks based on my deafness. Nothing's stopping me from doing what I love to do, and that's helping people.