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MARYSVALE, Piute County — The Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday a new division director of Utah’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services: Darin J. Bushman.
“With an impressive background in leadership, public service and diverse industries, Mr. Bushman brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success and development of the Emergency Medical Services sector in Utah,” the DPS press release said.
Bushman is eager to use his new role to help EMS agencies retain emergency medical technicians and help improve the program across the state.
Bushman, of Marysvale, in Piute County, is aware of the needs in rural communities, and said all of Piute County has a total of seven EMTs — meaning they are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bushman’s “driving force” for becoming EMT certified in 2004 came from his then-infant son. “He had the ability to stop his own heart. At one point, we found him unconscious, and I was able to revive him. I realized I didn’t really know what to do, so the next thing you know, I found myself going and certifying as an EMT,” Bushman said.
Since 2004, Bushman went from newly certified to becoming an advanced EMT, to course coordinator and instructor, to his new position as EMS director. “Bushman’s journey into public service has been marked by his commitment to making a difference in his community,” the statement from DPS says.
His progression happened all while shifting his career through manufacture engineering, e-commerce and becoming county commissioner for Piute County — supported by his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Utah State University.
Through it all, Bushman never saw himself being appointed the director of state emergency medical systems.
As he considered applying for the role, Bushman said, “I think I could bring a lot to the state and I think I have a different perspective, coming from (a) rural (area). I openly admit, I don’t know as much about the urban side as some may, but I do have a good perspective on the challenges that are going on in the rural parts of the state.”
You’ve never had a feeling like … someone tapping you on the shoulder at the county fair and saying, ‘Remember me? … I’m here today because of you.’ There’s no better feeling than knowing you helped your fellow mankind.
–Darin Bushman, director of Utah’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
EMTs see a lot of grim scenes, but when they have the chance to save lives, Bushman says it’s worth it.
“You’ve never had a feeling like … someone tapping you on the shoulder at the county fair and saying, ‘Remember me? … I’m here today because of you.’ There’s no better feeling than knowing you helped your fellow mankind,” Bushman said.
The biggest advice Bushman has for EMTs who see difficult things is to call back their training. If an EMT can remember they didn’t cause the incident but are there to help, and then implement their training, they are on the right path.
Bushman has three children, one of whom is finishing a nursing degree after being EMT-trained. A son works in e-commerce with him, and another son works in construction. His wife is a special education teacher in Piute County, marking the couple’s efforts to serve the community and those who need their help.
