From Music to Medicine

For more than two decades, Van Halen, one of the legendary rock and roll bands of our time, provided entertainment to fans all over the world. The driving vocal force behind the music of Van Halen for most of that time was David Lee Roth. Recently, I had the opportunity to teach at the 91-Whiskey Combat Medic Conference in San Antonio, TX, where David was also speaking as a member of the faculty. You might be asking, why would a rock star be speaking at an EMS conference? Actually, that’s a good question, and the simple answer is that, while David still makes music, he has now joined the ranks of EMS as an EMT-Basic in New York City.

Between presentations at the conference, David was kind enough to make some time available to visit with me about his new vocation. Read on to find out about David Lee Roth’s move from music to medicine.

Mike: After a long and successful career in the music industry, you have entered the field of prehospital care and are working as an EMT-Basic. I believe that would be termed a quantum leap. Why EMS?

David: My dad was a physician—an eye surgeon in a prison, to be specific—so I have been exposed to medicine for most of my life. I like challenges, and I think EMS is challenging. I also like being depended on. That’s important to me.

Every single day in the vocation of EMS, I get to take the emotional roller coaster rides that everyday people go to the movies and pay good money for.

Plus, I really enjoy working with the oldsters…you know, the folks who are over 80. They are such a gas! They are like the keepers of the tribal knowledge.

Mike: I can’t help but notice that you are entering the field of EMS at a point in your life (i.e., 53 years of age) when most providers are getting out. What’s up with that?

David: To be honest, my age never was a real consideration, even though some might say I’m in selective denial. I knew that EMS would be a physical pursuit, but I started studying the martial art of kendo as a young man, and that’s real physical. I have always worked out regularly and I try to keep myself in great shape. Also, I really wanted to be part of a team, and EMS is all about teamwork.

Mike: Of all the places you could begin your career in EMS, why did you choose New York City?

David: I’m from Indiana, but I grew up in California. Compared to both of those places, New York City is the most diverse, colorful, bombastic collection of people I’ve ever seen. It’s like God tilted the world and shook it, and all the people who came loose fell and landed in New York City.

I just worked a call where nine people got shot over some deal in a pickup basketball game in the ghetto. Where else is that gonna happen, except in New York?

Mike: In the short time you’ve been in the fast lane in New York City EMS, what aspect of the job has touched you the most?

David: Without a doubt, it’s the diligence and enthusiasm of my teammates. From the dispatchers to my supervisors to the people on the crews, they are just great people to work with. Man, I just love being part of their team.

Mike: How did you feel about being asked to speak at the Army’s 91-Whiskey Combat Medic Conference?

David: I was excited! Lots of my family did military service, and, when I was young, I loved watching Bob Hope do his military tours for the troops, especially his Christmas gig. I’m even thinking about maybe taking the band to do some military shows in the future.

Mike: Is there anything else that you’d like to share with our readers?

David: As time goes by, I think we are going to see more and more folks involved in service jobs like EMS. People talk and complain about this and that, but it’s time for people to get out and do something instead of just talking it up.

I also think that about 30% of what I learned going to school to become an EMT-Basic ought to be taught in high school. This is just real practical stuff that could save a life at any time.

In the short time I had to visit with David, I was impressed by his enthusiasm and his desire to help others. He truly is one motivated guy, and he seems to really enjoy his work in EMS. Best I can tell, his EMS experience looks to be a real fit for him. With his unique views and opinions, and his great sense of humor, I think he’s going to do just fine as an EMSer.

Until next month…