Growing up on a farm near Kaplan, Laina Vincent was taught from an early age how to pitch in and help others on a daily basis.

Even as a child she found the work rewarding, often receiving awards declaring her the “best helper,” and so she said it was no great leap when she realized her calling in life was to become a paramedic.

“Once I became an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), I became more aware of what it was like to make a difference in someone’s life, even on their worst possible day,” Vincent said.

After beginning her career as an EMT, Vincent was driven to do even more. She began by setting goals for herself within the emergency medical field, earning her Paramedic degree and then moving on to become specially trained in critical care transport. She just recently accepted a position as an Airmed Flight Medic for 2022.

Her drive and passion is what has made Vincent stand out from her peers at Acadian Ambulance, and led to her selection as the Southwest Louisiana regional paramedic of the year. She was also a finalist for the overall Paramedic of the Year.

“Laina has a remarkable work ethic and exemplary paramedic skills, and is respected by her peers for her positive attitude and leadership,” Acadian Ambulance spokesperson Caitlin Russo said.

“Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in her great patient care. She inspires others around her to want to do better, leads by example and challenges her colleagues to always do the right thing,” Russo said.

Vincent said being selected as regional paramedic of the year was a great honor, and that it has allowed her to fully appreciate how far she has come in her career in only a handful of years.

“It gives me a sense of gratification to be part of such a great company and to have co-workers that I can call my family. I have been working for this company for over five years now and I would not trade this humbling lifestyle for anything else,” Vincent said.

Vincent and other finalists will be honored this week with a virtual medic of the year celebration.