Jesse Edwards

EMS REACH: Jesse Edwards, Paramedic
Years with the County: 22

Briefly describe your job. What do you do? 
I respond to overdose calls and assist not only with the overdose itself but help after the immediate crisis is over.  The intent is to help the patient get to long term care for their addiction.

What is a typical workday like for you? 
Making phone calls to clients, detox centers, long term treatment facilities. Any of these things can be interrupted by an overdose.
 
What is your favorite aspect of your job – what do you enjoy doing most?
Being able to help people that don’t know there is help out there for them.

What is the County core value you believe most relates to the work you do, and why? 
Doing what matters most.  We meet people wherever they are and help them get into a better situation.  Sometimes that may take days or weeks and we stay involved the whole time.

What do you like best about working for Catawba County? 
The community and family atmosphere.

Where did you grow up?
Florida

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Baking and spending time with family.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to cure addiction.  I struggled with addiction and I know what it feels like to struggle with it.  

Jesse is an active member of the Tactical Medic Team, Bike Team, SMAT team.