Adventures in the Ambulance...

Joined
Nov 15, 2000
Messages
3,708
Well last night I did my first ride-along with a local Fire Department's rescue. I have to do 5 patient assessments to get my EMT B. I was there all of 10 minutes when a call came in "49 year old woman with chest pain".

So, we transported her to the hospital. EKG normal, pain was gone by the time we arrived, but better safe than sorry... Very nice lady. She was patient enough to let me bungle around with taking her vitals (couldnt' get a damn blood pressure to save my life:o It's alot harder out of the classroom!), and asking lots of questions.

Meanwhile across town...they responded to a pedestrian who had been hit by a truck. Killed instantly. They were worried that the driver (who was unhurt) might have a heart attack because he was so upset. The man who died was crossing the street while his wife watched...not a good night for that family.:(

I gave my wife and kids a lot of hugs when I got home.
 
A job like that would be a constant reminder of how easily our lives are snuffed out. We just have a little time to take care of our business.
 
A job like that would be a constant reminder of how easily our lives are snuffed out. We just have a little time to take care of our business.

Indeed.

To be honest I need to finish my ride alongs and then think carefully about this before jumping in. I need to make sure I can handle this and still keep my sanity. We'll see...
 
In the places I've been, they don't pay EMT's or Nurses Aides squat and that is not right.



munk
 
Man thats tough. My father in law can go on and on with stories as such. You're a tough guy. I'd be hugging my wimins too. Best of luck to you.
 
Rob, I think you'll do fine if that's what's in store for you. That is frontline help- not fancy, famous, or well paid; but God and The Angels watch.



munk
 
Wow, that was quite a night. I think I could handle a job like that, but honestly I know that my humanity would suffer. We all want our last days to be on a big pillowy bed surrounded by our kids and grandkids while doling out pearls of wisdom and drying their tears. However, that is not the fate for all of us. I don't know if I could watch person after person having the worst day of their lives, and then knowing that one day this could be the fate of someone I love.
You're tough, Rob. But beyond that you are compassionate. I know you can handle it, and I know you are going to comfort and care for everyone you encounter.

Jake
 
You're tough, Rob. But beyond that you are compassionate. I know you can handle it, and I know you are going to comfort and care for everyone you encounter.

I don't know about the tough part. but thank you for the rest--I originally enrolled in the EMT class to try and get on the "big city' fire dept around here but I am not really planning on that anymore. I may just be a volunteer EMT for awhile...Who knows?
 
I am trying to do a wilderness EMT course this summer that will include EMT-B certification. Then, I'd possibly like to volunteer. This is a heads-up, I guess. Thanks, and it gives me food for thought.

Chris
 
Back
Top