Steve is a a former teacher and interpreter for the hearing impaired and has been in EMS for over 37 years and is currently a working paramedic and instructor for Southwest Teller County EMS in Colorado. Believing humor is an essential amino acid in surviving prehospital care, Steve has written over 140 humor articles for JEMS along with cartoon illustrations for JEMS and EMS World magazines. He is the author of the cartoon book series, “I’m Not An Ambulance Driver”. As both a national and international speaker for emergency health care providers, Steve seeks world peace and frequent flyer mileage.

In a recent interview, he shared -- I would add that this kind of humor must be “earned and learned” by those entering the field. Many tears may have to be shed before this kind of humor can be appreciated and integrated. There is a balance, and laughing does not negate the need for crying. Not everything is a joke. Timing is everything. Most important, one should not apologize for their tears. It’s proof that you’re emotionally alive, and not just in it for the tubes and IVs.

Dan was born in Alberta, Canada. After taking up global residency as an English language teacher in Egypt, Mexico, Indonesia and Japan, he became a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Leduc. His love of photography began on his travels, and as his technique developed, he started to produce a blend of photography and graphic art, which he calls Photo Art. The majority of Daniel’s work involves emergency services photography and an emotional connection to the artist as most of his pieces are based on actual emergency calls he has attended as a paramedic and firefighter.

He is passionate about reducing the stigma of PTSD for first responders and he uses his art to raise awareness of occupational stress injuries worldwide. He is a published artist/writer and has two art books produced of his works. Articles of his work have been features in Canadian Paramedicine, JEMS Fire Rescue Magazine in Greece and WMS World Magazine. His art is recognized worldwide and he travels internationally speaking on his art and personal experiences with occupational stress injuries.