T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY - Longtime UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown paramedic Kim Younge, a Class of 1979 MHS alum, will retire after over 43 years as an EMT and paramedic in the community on Monday.

After Kim Younge graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1979, she wasn’t entirely sure what her future would hold. She enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and initially took some classes in broadcast journalism — until she realized she had to approach random people on the street and ask them for interviews.

With that dream out the window, she spent about a year working for a company in Des Moines before her stepfather called and inquired about whether she’d ever considered becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). She didn’t even know what it was, but once he described it, she thought it “sounded like fun.” She moved back to Marshalltown, completed a class and trained at the old downtown hospital, loved it and started working for the Marshalltown Area Community Hospital in 1981. Over 43 years later, Younge is finally calling it quits, with her last day scheduled for Monday.

She honed her skills with additional training and certifications like the advanced EMT class and eventually became a paramedic in 1985. While the terms are often used interchangeably among those who aren’t actively involved in the profession, Younge explained some of the key differences.

“You have your first responders, and now they’ve got different initials. But it just involves skills, the things that you can do. Paramedics can interpret rhythms and give medications. A lot of our advanced (EMTs) can do those things now. Not the cardiac part of it, but they can give meds for certain things, and there’s certain airway adjuncts we can use vs. (what) they can’t,” she said.

To this day, there are still a few calls for service Younge can remember vividly, and in her case, they all had good outcomes.

“Not because I did anything but just because the care was what they needed, and I saw them through. And I’ve actually become friends with a lot of those people, so it’s kind of nice,” she said.

When she first started, Younge said ambulance employees worked more closely with the police department than the fire department, but that has shifted over the years. She now works closely with the MFD and has enjoyed strong relationships with its members.

As for what called her to retire, it was a simple calculation for Younge. Her first grandchild was born last summer, and she’ll be moving to Scottsdale, Ariz. to help out her daughter. Additionally, she said her body may have been telling her she needed to lay off the heavy lifting and moving associated with her job.

Although she still considers herself shy, Younge said her career has helped her to gain confidence in herself.

“You charge into someone’s house that you don’t know, and you ask some personal questions of people. Over the years, I’ve gotten really used to doing that and feel comfortable doing that and trying to make my patients feel comfortable with me asking questions and trying to put them at ease,” she said. “At the same time, they may be going through the worst day of their life. And just, I have found an affinity for the older folks now, probably because I am one, but I like taking care of the older people now.”

After over four decades in the field, Younge said she would still enthusiastically recommend EMT/paramedic work to high school graduates trying to find their path in life, and she has enjoyed mentoring the younger generation.

“My advice to them is to look beyond being an EMT/paramedic and (think about) what you can do with that. Use that as a stepping stone. If you like the medical field, and you obviously do if you’re going through the ranks, use that as a stepping stone to maybe look into being a nurse or a doctor or a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant or something more,” she said. “A lot of people that we have now have aspirations of that, and I highly recommend it. I think they would be happier because they’re always wanting to do more.”

Tonya Lemire, an advanced EMT with UPH-Marshalltown, has worked with Younge for the last seven years, and Gabriela Gonzalez, who started three months ago, said she wished they had more time together.

“She’s been great. She’s always there when you need to talk. She gives great advice,” Lemire said.

Several other colleagues, including UPH Regional Director of Ground Ambulance Nicholas Heintz, sang Younge’s praises as she prepares to transition into retirement.

“Kim is a provider who treats every patient as if they were a family member or friend, and you soon realize they actually are! She treats them with compassion, advocates for their care, and communicates with them throughout the event,” he said.

EMT-P Jenna White described her “warm heart” that shows both in her patient care and interactions with coworkers.

“Kim treats everyone as if they are her own family, and it shows everywhere you go, as everyone always greets Kim with a smile. She is truly an amazing person to work with, and we have been lucky to have her,” she said.

NREMT Tanner Jones called her both an extraordinary paramedic and a remarkable person in every sense of the word.

“Her talent, compassion and unwavering dedication have made her an invaluable part of our family. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have someone like her serving our community, and the impact she has made will never be forgotten,” he said.

NRP McLain Swauger remarked on how she took the time to meet and acquaint herself with every new employee who walked through the door.

“She’s friendly, kind and wants to learn something new from everyone. No matter how busy she is, she will always make time to talk to you if you need someone to listen to you,” Swauger said.

And EMT Olivia Smith recalled how Younge would light up a room and put a smile on anyone’s face, even if the individual didn’t want to.

“She is so genuine and caring to everyone, and she will be missed,” she said.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.