ISU Professor Balances Helicopter Paramedic Work, Teaching, and Family Life

Dallen Farmer, an ISU professor, has been a helicopter paramedic at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) since 2011. In October, he began teaching paramedic courses at Idaho State University (ISU). Recently, he can also add "graduate" to his list of accomplishments, having completed his Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM) degree in just 18 months.

As a helicopter paramedic, Farmer spends two full 24-hour shifts on call each week, which allows him the flexibility to teach and attend classes. Despite his demanding schedule, he also manages to be a husband and father of four. "It’s astonishing that I have any time left in the week," he admits. However, Farmer explains that the paramedic profession is one extreme—either you’re waiting for the next call or you're in a rush to save someone's life. There's rarely any middle ground.

This high-stress lifestyle led Farmer to pursue the HSEM program. Realizing that the paramedic profession is physically demanding and may not be sustainable into later years, he sought a path that would bridge the gap between the adrenaline-filled life of a paramedic and something less physically taxing. Once he began the program, faculty members were impressed by the wealth of knowledge he brought from his years in the field, and they saw in him the potential to be an excellent educator. In October 2024, he was invited to teach in ISU's paramedic program.

When asked about his thoughts on the Homeland Security Emergency Management program, Farmer shared insights about the career trajectory of a paramedic. "There aren’t many clerical options for aging paramedics," he said. "You either do the job for life or change careers. Fortunately, I've been able to find a balance and transition into another stage of my career."

For many aspiring paramedics, the appeal of the profession lies in the relatively high pay for the time spent on the job. However, by adding a Homeland Security Emergency Management degree, the career can reach new heights, opening doors to broader opportunities in both healthcare and emergency management fields.

The paramedic program at ISU offers two pathways: an Associate of Science in Paramedic Science or a Paramedic Science Certificate. In the classroom, students are challenged with hands-on experience, helping them understand the stress and challenges of the job. Real-world scenarios prepare them for what they will encounter in the field, giving them the knowledge and skills to respond effectively. With his years of experience and new expertise, Farmer is a valuable asset to the program, offering students an added depth of insight that can help them take their careers to the next level—should they choose to pursue further opportunities.