William Spaulding is a highly experienced emergency medical professional and educator whose foundational background in Exercise Physiology paved the way for a robust career in emergency medicine. They dedicated 25 years to the Bellingham Fire Department as a professional Firefighter and EMT, including 21 years serving as a Paramedic. Operating under rigorous Advanced Life Support protocols, Willy honed exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills in high-stress environments. Their passion for instruction is highlighted by seven years spent as a preceptor, guiding paramedic students in translating classroom theory into hands-on patient care. Prior to the fire service, Willy built a diverse clinical foundation working as an exercise rehabilitation specialist, a physical therapy assistant, and in specialized care facilities including juvenile rehabilitation and hemodialysis. Combining their medical expertise with their lifelong fitness background, they also served on the fire department's Peer Fitness committee, conducting fitness testing and designing exercise prescriptions for fellow firefighters. Today, Willy leverages this extensive clinical, field, and mentoring experience to deliver high-quality, practical medical education to their students.
The Journey to Remote Medicine
I am interested teaching for Remote Medical now that my retirement is on the horizon. I look forward to staying engaged in EMS through teaching and learning.
I believe EMS is about problem solving, sometimes with very specific tools but occasionally with your wits and whatever is at hand, teaching the full spectrum of courses for RMT from ACLS to WOFR is very appealing.
Specialized Industries
Urban and Rural Fire EMS
I still ride bikes as if I'm training for a race... but I don't race. I enjoying skiing, both nordic and alpine. My son and wife are paddlers, therefore, more time on the water is in my future. I like to paddle, I just end up swimming a lot.
Teaching Philosopy
My teaching philosophy has evolved over time; currently I approach teaching as a guide leading students to specific course objectives. Everybody has a slightly different perspective and may find their way to the end goal exploring different paths, I'm there to help keep students on track to the objectives at the end of the journey.
Why I Choose to Teach
I love to teach because it is the best way to learn. Preparing your topics always leads to a deeper dive into the material. The discussions with students challenges you seek out the way to the Aha! moments. Ultimately
Professional Certifications & Licensures
EMT-P
EMS Evaluator
Most Memorable Field Experience
I have had a long and rewarding career, but still my most memorable event was in my first year on the job. The fire captain heard a call come in and decided to "jump it" because we were closer than the first due engine. It was a CPR call, we initiated care; compressions, ventilations and the first AED analysis was a shockable rhythm. The paramedics arrived and continued leading the resuscitation and the patient achieved spontaneous circulation. Three weeks after the call, the patient, a young mother, came to the station, with her child perched on her hip, to say "thank you". That memory reminds me why I became a paramedic and why quality education in EMS matters.
