Natasha Villaruel
ON THE RECORD · 8 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Within 20 seconds, you have to make a life decision.”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel describes the pressure of making life-saving decisions in the first few seconds.
“We have people that get vouchers. We have people that get food stamps.”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel says some EMS colleagues rely on vouchers and food stamps.
“You respond with lights and sirens safely. You try to get there as fast as you can,”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel describes the routine when responding to a 911 call for someone in respiratory distress.
“They tell you what you want to hear. And then when it’s time for the work to be put in, everyone is blind and deaf.”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel says politicians tell people what they want to hear but do not follow through.
“I feel like politicians are politicians,”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel expresses skepticism about politicians following through on promises to EMS workers.
“The first thing you want to know is if they can speak, because now if they can’t speak, you know this is very, very urgent.”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel describes the first assessment paramedics make of a patient's condition.
“We have people that live in shelters,”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel says some of her colleagues have struggled to make ends meet, with some living in shelters.
“You assess the patient from the door to see how they’re breathing, to see the color of their skin,”
Natasha Villaruel · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-10
Villaruel explains how paramedics assess a patient upon arriving at the scene.