UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Paramedic Alex DeNeef
May 24, 2024
What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a paramedic for UP Health System – Marquette.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I started by doing a lot of training for disaster response, and the training we did in emergency medicine seemed to be the most widely applicable. This led me to a career in fire and paramedicine, and I found personal fulfillment in utilizing my training and acquired skills.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
I work 12-hour shifts, 3-4 days a week, running emergency calls (911 traffic) and doing patient transfers or discharges as necessary. I like that every day is different and unpredictable. Even though my job responsibilities stay the same, you never know what you will get called on to help in the community.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been working as a paramedic for our hospital for almost four years.
What are some of the significant changes you have experienced in this position?
I have not experienced any major changes. There are, at times, new emergency protocols our team needs to learn and sometimes we will have shift changes where we may be placed with a different partner.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I am a single parent to my daughter—we love being outside together. Her favorite spots are any of the beaches along Lake Superior. I also enjoy doing disaster responses.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
I enjoy working in a town close to where I grew up and being able to care for my community.