Eric Martinez
USDA Forest Service, National Incident Management Organization
Position: National Critical Incident Stress Management Coordinator
I have had the pleasure of knowing Rick Baker for two years. During the years of our acquaintance, I have known Rick to go far beyond his responsibilities while assignments. Rick is one of the trauma clinicians I have used with responses to critical incidents within my agency and he has been instrumental in several successful responses. During this time I have been impressed with the flexibility and adaptability while on assignment. Rick continues to support our National Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program and provides quick response availability when needed. His impressive professionalism and empathy to those in need during crisis is of great value to the CISM community.
During one assignment, Rick provided excellent insight and compassion to employees effected by hurricanes and quickly assessed the crisis, provided effective guidance that was effective to employees, leadership and family members. Rick is an intelligent, capable, dedicated, and personable clinician. He is always quick to respond, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I've seen him in. I feel confident in saying that he is capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness, empathy and professionalism.