Paramedic | Firefighter | Problem Solver

COOPER CARDENAS, EMT-P

I am a dedicated and professional Paramedic with operational experience in the field and as an administrator. I also serve as a local volunteer Firefighter and EMT. I always seek challenging positions where I can leverage my experience and desire to serve. I enjoy solving problems, and I approach emergency services as the ultimate opprotunity to do so.

Outside of work and volunteer service I am an avid DIY'er, maker, and computer nerd. I have experience using computer design and coding programs, fixing cars and small engines, working with mechanical and electrical systems, doing basic construction and landscaping, and creating decals and signage. I can do a little bit of everything, and I am always eager to learn new skills.

EXPERIENCE - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

I became an EMT-B in 2017 at Dutchess Community College. After serving in multiple agencies for over three years I completed Westchester Community College's Paramedic Program, becoming fully certified in early 2020, right as the CoV-19 pandemic began. Since then I have served as a Putnam County Paramedic, working for the multiple companies that have served Putnam's ALS contract. I worked for the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services, serving as an advisor, educator, and clinical coordinator. In 2021 I filled the role of Lead Paramedic Supervisor during the county's transition to a new ALS service provider. During my time in that position I helped procure, design, and outfit six EMS vehciles, onboard new employees from around the country, and address issues as they came up. During my time as a supervisor I dedicated myself to the needs of the employees, the concerns of our community partners, and the overall success of the program. Since leaving that role I have been working as a Paramedic for Westchester EMS doing critical care transport and serving as a flycar medic northeastern Westchester and Mount Pleasant. I have experience training new eployees and enjoy working with EMT & Paramedic students.

Westchester EMS

Mid 2023 - Present

Primarily works as Fly-Car Paramedic in the Northern Westchester (45) Medic System. Fills in when needed in the Mount Pleasant (37) Fly-Car system. Provides ALS interfacility transport and 911 mutual-aid response services throughout northern Westchester County and surrounding areas when assigned to transport units. Occasionaly provides logistics, technical, and graphic design services when requested.

Ambulnz - Putnam County EMS

Late 2021 - Early 2023

Served as Lead Supervisor during the launch of a revamped county-wide ALS service in Putnam County. Served in this role for most of 2022, after which I worked as a field paramedic throughout the County.

Empress EMS North Div.

Mid 2021 - Late 2021

Became an employee through Empress' aquisition of EMStar Ambulance. Continued to serve as a Putnam County Paramedic until the county changed vendors at the end of 2021.

Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services

Early 2020 - Mid 2022

Served as a logistics assistant during the CoV-19 pandemic, helping track and distribute PPE and other critical supplies to those in need throughout Putnam County. Worked as an EMS Educator and managed the student clinical experience program. I also served in various clerical, administrative, and advisory roles working directly with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and the EMS Director

EMStar EMS

Early 2017 - Mid 2021

Hired as an EMT upon completing the NYS certification program. Worked in Transport Division before being cleared to work in Putnam County. Primarily worked in Putnam while I completed the Paramedic Program at WCC. Upgraded to a full-time paramedic upon certification.

Town of Patterson EMS

Late 2017 - Early 2019

Served as an EMT for the Town of Patterson Municipal Ambulance Service.

Philipstown EMS

Mid 2017 - Late 2020

Served as a staff EMT for the Philipstown Ambulance Corps. Assisted with various IT and logistics related duties

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EXPERIENCE - VOLUNTEER

Since I was 14 years old I have been a dedicated volunteer first responder for various local agencies. I have served as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, and Fire Company Officer. I also briefly served with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Continental Village Fire Department

Responds to fires, car accidents, and other local emergencies on an "as-needed/on-call" basis. Served as a company officer and managed the research and development of new projects and policy initiatives. Actively involved in administrative duties including inventory tracking, data logging, mapping, and special projects. Assists with website content management and spearheaded creation of social media pages across multiple platforms.

Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Served as a Youth Corps. member for 3 years. Held the rank of Youth Corps. Captain upon aging out of the program.

Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Serves as a certified EMT and Driver, responding to local medical emergencies on a "as-needed/on-call" basis.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Served as a member my local USCGA Flotilla for 2 years, becoming a certified Vessel Safety Inspector and eventually leaving the organization at the rank of Flotilla Staff Officer.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Educational Background:

Regents Diploma - Walter Panas High School
A.S. Fire Science and Occupational Health - SUNY Dutchess CC (In Progress)
Paramedic Program Certificate - SUNY Westchester CC

Total College Credits: 96

Emergency Medical Certifications:

NYS Paramedic #448138
- Westchester REMAC #P448138
- Hudson Valley REMAC #6579 (currently inactive)
Current ACLS, PALS, AMLS, PHTLS, BLS
AHA BLS, ACLS, PALS Instructor
AHA Heartsaver CPR, First Aid, AED Instructor
Stop the Bleed Instructor
TECC/TCCC
Transport Blood Infusion

Fire/Rescue Certifications:

ProBoard National Firefighter 1
NYS Firefighter 1 with HAZMAT Ops and Firefighter Survival
NYS Firefighter 2
NYS Fire Officer 1
NYS Fire Police
NYS Rescue Tech Basic
NYS Rope Rescue Operations
NYS Water Rescue Awareness
NYS Principles of Building Construction
NYS Fire Behavior and Arson Awareness
Firefighter Self-Rescue (Bailout) Instructor