Thanks for working here Thursday: Diana Shannon, EMT-I, CCH Emergency Medical Services

Campbell County Health is proud of its employees, and we want the CCH family and the Campbell County, Wyoming community to know about the good work that they do for this organization.

Meet Diana Shannon, EMT-I with CCH Emergency Medical Services in Gillette and Wright, Wyoming. Diana is also the department’s Safe Kids Campbell County Coordinator and a Child Passenger Safety Instructor and Technician. She’s been with CCH for 19 years; soon to be 20 in March 2019. A very visible part of our organization, EMS cares for the sick and injured in Northeastern Wyoming (and beyond) through prevention, response, intervention, and transport to a medical facility. Every day, our EMS crews are called upon to help others through one of what may be the most frightening times of their lives.

Diana says she joined EMS because she hit rough patch in life. “After some soul searching and what I believe was divine intervention as an EMT certification became my focus – the rest is history,” she says. When asked about her healthcare heroes, Diana answered these three: Tim McDonald, EMT-P, RN; CCH Legend Denny Bohne, EMT-P (who recently retired); and Gregg Mentzel, EMT-P.

“Tim was one of my initial EMT certification instructors. His passion and knowledge was amazing to observe as a student, and I wanted to be as amazing as he was. He became a nurse and is now working in Florida at a VA Facility in the ER, and still to this day is one of my best friends. Denny was one of my other initial EMT certification instructors. His demeanor and calmness in all settings, and his ease of teaching class as well as his knowledge taught me that I wanted to be just like him in my compassion and caring for patients and co-workers. And, finally, Gregg was very instrumental on my pursing an EMT certification—he actually brought me the application for the initial class. Gregg handled everything with calm and ease, his vast knowledge about the whole EMS system workings and patient care was awesome to observe. I appreciate every little shred of knowledge and integrity that he shared with me.”

When Diana isn’t at work, she loves spending time with her grandchildren. “My grandkids all call me Crazy Grandma because I love to bake and listen to music loud, and they have caught me at home doing just that and dancing away,” she says. She enjoys camping and riding her jet ski with her family, and loves to spend time on her Harley. “There is nothing better than the open road and good music! I am an old-time rock ‘n’ roll music groupie, so if there is a concert nearby, that is where I will be without a doubt,” she says.

We asked Diana what she likes most about CCH, and what excellence every day means to her. Check out her response:

“In the last few years, CCH has become a well-rounded system or one stop for all your health needs. It takes a team, and we have a good one in EMS. Chris (Beltz) has been a great addition as our leader and my immediate shift supervisor (Colleen Long) sets a wonderful example of doing things right and on time. CCH has given me a great opportunity to work and learn in an awesome environment for doing something that I really enjoy.

Excellence every day means doing the best you can do every time you have the opportunity and then going above that limit to achieve higher success.”

Thanks, Diana for being a member of our team. We appreciate you.

Is there a CCH employee who went the extra mile or shows you extraordinary service? Give them a pat on the back by completing an Excellence Every Day card.

Learn more about EMS at www.cchwyo.org/EMS.