Bridget Derrick | Behind the Mask Employee Spotlight

6/10/2021

Bridget Derrick | Behind the Mask Employee Spotlight

Behind the Mask with Bridget Derrick

Emergency Medical Services

 

In honor of National Safety Month, we’re going #BehindtheMask with one of our EMTs who keeps our community safe every day!

Bridget Derrick has been with Newberry Hospital EMS for three years and is currently studying to become a paramedic at Upstate EMS! We can’t wait to see her continue to grow and thrive as a valued member of the Newberry team!

Learn more about the important role Bridget plays here at NCMH below!

 What does your job entail?

My job is to make sure everything that’s supposed to be on our trucks is there and working as it should be. We clean our stations and trucks, make sure all supplies are stocked, and help out with keeping everything as organized as possible. We organize and attend community events to help educate the communities in Newberry County on CPR and first aid. Most importantly, we ensure everyone who calls 911 in their time of need gets the best care possible and is treated with care and compassion.

 What is your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy working together with an amazing group of EMTs and paramedics to help people in their time of need. I also enjoy showing kids in the community our ambulances and having conversations with people who just need someone to talk with.

 What do you like about working at Newberry Hospital?

At Newberry Hospital, you aren’t just another employee; you are family. Most people know everyone by name and will greet you with a smile. We all work together to ensure our patients and their families are given the best care they can possibly get from the time they walk in until they go home.

 What do you like to do when you are not working?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 17 years and our daughters, who are 16 and 14. We enjoy hunting, fishing, and just being together. My youngest daughter enjoys spending time with her friends and helping others when she can. My oldest is a Mid-Carolina High School Varsity Competition Cheerleader and enjoys spending time in the gym tumbling with her friends.

 What is a fun fact about you that many people may not know?

I am currently in Paramedic School at Upstate EMS. I am a member of Prosperity Rescue Squad, where I serve as the Lieutenant of EMS. Being able to serve in the community that I grew up in is a wonderful honor and is especially special to me because I can help those in our community alongside my daddy, who has been a member for 18 years.

 What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, I learned that in a time of need, people still pull together and look out for each other. It was such a blessing to see people helping others.

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to be able to help deliver food and necessity care packages to the elderly that were advised to stay in during the pandemic or were unable to get out. They were so grateful for the packages and the few minutes we could spend with them.

The biggest lesson of all for me was that at the end of the day, people just want to be loved and know that there will always be someone who cares about and loves them, even if they are complete strangers.