Today we’d like to introduce you to Naija Thornton.
Hi Naija, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first became interested in EMS after finishing medical assisting school while doing my externship at an urgent care clinic. One day, a patient’s vital signs became unstable and we had to call an ambulance. That moment really made me curious about what happens on the other side of emergency care.
When I started looking for jobs, I came across Acadian Ambulance’s “earn while you learn” EMT program, and it felt like the right fit. Since then, I’ve been working on an ambulance as an EMT for almost two years.
One of the things I value most is the variety of growth opportunities available. In my time with Acadian, I’ve assisted with organ transport through LifeGift, supported critical care patients, responded to 911 emergency calls, and even worked with the Houston recruiting team to help bring in the next generation of medics. Each experience has helped shape me both professionally and personally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, my journey into EMS has been a positive one, though it has certainly come with challenges. I still remember how nervous I felt hearing the sirens for my very first 911 clinical call—it was a moment that made everything feel very real.
During EMT school, I worked hard and spent a lot of late nights studying until I felt confident in the material. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. What really helped was the support system around me. The instructors and experienced medics were always there to guide us, so I never felt like I was doing it alone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping people feel safe and cared for during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I really enjoy connecting with my patients and bringing them some comfort, whether that’s through a conversation, a smile, or a little humor to help ease the stress.
In EMS, we see people on some of their worst days, so it’s important to me to create a space where they feel heard and respected. I take pride in treating every patient with compassion.
What sets me apart is how easily I connect with people. I’m naturally outgoing and can talk to just about anyone, which helps build trust quickly. I also try to stay open-minded and handle situations with patience, especially in high-stress moments. I bring a positive attitude to every shift and do my best to make people feel comfortable.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A positive mindset is really important in this field. We take care of people all day, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too, so you can show up the right way for your patients.
I also think compassion and empathy are huge. You have to genuinely care about people and treat everyone the same, no matter what. That’s something I try to bring with me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acadianambulance.com/
