by Samantha Hilker
Elizabeth "Ela" Rybczyk (pronounced rib-chick) is the new Region 4 & 5 Coordinator for the Wisconsin EMS Office. She officially started the role on May 14th, 2018, and has been hard at work learning the EMS system, building relationships and responding to questions. I had the opportunity to speak with her over the phone about her history in EMS and her vision for EMS in Wisconsin.
S: Ela, can you share a bit about your history in EMS?
E: I started in EMS in 2008 as an EMT Basic for an urban commercial agency in Rochester, New York, and became a paramedic in 2010. I have worked in a variety of different settings including both urban and rural I have had the opportunity to treat a diverse population of patients. In 2012I became a critical care paramedic and began to focus on inter-facility transports. I have also worked as a training director for my agency.
S: What brought you to make a move to Wisconsin?
E: I was looking around at different job opportunities when I found the job posting for this role. Honestly, it just felt right. I have always loved Madison, and everyone in Wisconsin is so outdoorsy; I enjoy being outdoors, too. The EMS system in Wisconsin is quite progressive, and I enjoy that as well. EMS is my passion, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to come here and work in a different arena of EMS.
S: What are your goals for EMS in Wisconsin?
E: My immediate goal is to learn the region, state, and EMS system as a whole. There are a lot of similarities between New York State and Wisconsin, but a lot of differences as well. My long-term goal is to be supportive of the EMS community and to see the system succeed. I’m going to do my best to be here to answer questions and support services and providers as best as I can. I am still learning, but Ray and Mark have been great at leading me through the process and getting me trained up.
I have to say that Ela’s energy and excitement for EMS came through even on the phone. PAAW looks forward to working with her over the years to come. She also shared that she loves mountain climbing and, with Wisconsin being quite flat, she’s open to suggestions on great climbing spots. If you have any recommendations (or questions) for Ela, you can find her at Elizabeth.Rybczyk@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
