Founder and CEO of NDP EMS Ed Murray has been leading the company with heart and humility since its inception in 1994. We caught up with him recently to learn more about his background; enjoy the read:
Ed, tell us about the decision to shift from the advertising industry to a career as a Paramedic/EMT?
It happened accidentally, actually. After leaving the City and working at Ramapo for Children, I became an EMT to satisfy a Health Department requirement.
How did you develop the idea for NDP EMS?
As an EMT for Ramapo, I decided to also volunteer my time with the Rhinebeck Fire Department Rescue Squad. Upon doing so, I witnessed numerous times with critical calls that advanced life support (Paramedics) were not available. That gave me the idea and concept for NDP.
What is your favorite part about your work?
Easy! The people! At NDP, our staff are one big family; we interact with each other that way, for better or worse.
What has it meant to you to be a part of a team that cares for people throughout the community?
It is very rewarding and satisfying work. Caring for our community members when we are most needed is extremely gratifying.
What kept you going throughout the pandemic?
Watching the strength and courage of the staff here going about their shifts fearlessly.
If you could give advice to someone exploring this field, what would it be?
Be certain that you can be a very compassionate person under very difficult circumstances.
And, on a personal note - what do you like to do with your free time?
I like to read and watch baseball and football.
What do you most love about living and working in the Hudson Valley?
We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country so just being here is enough for me. However, with the river and all the lakes, streams, hiking trails there is never a shortage of things to do.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Edward (“Ed”) was raised in Wantagh, then moved to Manhattan for a 10-year career in Advertising. By 1988, he felt compelled to leave the city, so made his way 90 miles north to bucolic Rhinebeck where he became the Operations Director for Ramapo for Children, a residential camp for special needs children. Driven by a desire to serve his community, Ed joined the Rhinebeck Fire Department Rescue Squad as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and began learning the ropes on all things EMS. Ed quickly enrolled as a student of Dutchess Community College’s Paramedic Program, where he ended up giving birth to an idea for a company that could provide Advanced Life Support in the Mid-Hudson Valley (and eventually, nearby Connecticut as well). Thus, Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP EMS) was born. The company was incorporated in July of 1994, and on October 25, 1995, Ed fully launched and began operations.