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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 19, 2009 - 10:56pm PT
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Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster here. I've always enjoyed the discussions here a great deal, but this is the first time I've felt compelled to initiate a thread.
I'm an EMT-B student a little over halfway through the program. I went on my first ride-along yesterday, and predictably, a couple issues surfaced. I'm really curious how you guys deal with the emotional, and dare I say, spiritual stress of dealing with such things.
Most of the calls were pretty tame, but there was one call that really left me thinking. We entered the patient's house and there on the floor was an unresponsive woman, bleeding out of her mouth and generally looking near dead, with a shocking amount of blood smeared over the walls and floor... however her family/friends (also covered with blood) were hysterical and just absolutely losing it. This I found deeply stressful and when I first walked in the house the horror struck me like a bad mushroom trip starting to wash over me... that only lasted a couple seconds and I was able to conduct myself in a professional manner (easy to do since I didn't have any real responsibilities), but it left me wondering if I'm cut out for this sort of thing.
I will certainly chat about this with my instructor, but I'm truly interested in what you all have to say. You've seen much, and I could really use some feedback!
Take care everyone.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
Monrovia, CA
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Mar 19, 2009 - 11:29pm PT
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Guernica,
Nice handle! I've seen the original, very moving.
I've done quite a bit of SAR. Like many things you do get hardened to it. That said I think most people have only so much 'in the tank' so I would encourage you to plan ahead. I saw a lot of people in SAR who seemed to be only in it for the thrill. The fact that you obviously care and are thinking about it tells me you'll be fine.
I would make one distinction between 'our' SAR and your urban duties. That is most people who come acropper in the hills are there because they want to be. Though the sad results may be the same I found it somewhat more palatable than people on people mayhem.
Best of luck!
Reilly
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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 19, 2009 - 11:58pm PT
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Thanks for the feedback Reilly! Perhaps someday I'll get to see the original Guernica as well. Anyway, that's a great point about wilderness vs. urban stuff... the plight of people going about their daily lives, maybe even in their own homes, and having a tragedy occur is very different from people who go on an adventure knowing the risks. I'll be doing my ride-alongs in a violent and drug-steeped little town (somewhere south of the colorado border is probably all I should write) so I can be exposed to harsh things quicker and hopefully, trail-by-fire style, learn quicker too.
Thanks again for the wisdom.
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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 20, 2009 - 01:01am PT
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Others?
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WBraun
climber
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:12am PT
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The body is the vehicle and the owner is the driver.
You are the tow truck driver bringing in the broken vehicles.
The driver never dies, nor was he ever born. It just looks like that to our conditioned materially defective senses.
Doctors are just mechanics, they can't save the soul, they just try and fix the complex incredible created machines.
Bring em in and do your best ......
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:17am PT
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I dont really know what to say here as I think we all develop our own way of dealing with the emotional stress. I have a little voice that tells me when its okay to cry, and i listen to it. I have cried on a scene with a grandmother whose 9 year old grandchild had just passed from away from a terrible respritory illness. I cried with her and we both appreciated it.
If your asking what happens to me when I get to a scene like yours, I kind of turn off the emotions that are not going to help me help other people. I am lucky, it just happens for me. When i get to a place where i can cry I do, and i talk with the others involved in the call.
Im still new to the EMT thing as well. If you really want some good answers I would PM TanSlacks, hes a real life hero, has dealt with the worst, and until proven otherwise is the golden model of what an EMT-P should be.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:24am PT
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Werner hits a homer!!!
I have no idea about this stuff, just put into a very good context for people who do this stuff.
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Jaybro
Social climber
wuz real!
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:25am PT
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Welcome Guernica
The EMT stuff is scary sh#t, that's why I gave it up and became school teacher.
Good luck!
I have never seen the original either, nor have I been to Spain.
I wonder if Cilley has seen it..
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Social climber
valley center, ca
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:30am PT
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maintain composure, listen to your heart, do what yo been trained to do to the best of your ability, pray and try not to get too indifferent over the years. Balance.
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:42am PT
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You actually made a factual mistatement, although unintentionally. When you said that it was easy to maintain professional composure, because you actually didn't have anything to do, that is wrong.
In reality, it is FAR easier to deal with things, when you actually do have responsibility. Many of us refer to it being like "throwing a switch" or "changing into our professional clothes". As time goes on, and we gain more experience, it becomes easier, and second-nature to make the switch back and forth.
"You" don't become affected by the experience, because "you" were not there. It is amazing how the human psyche is able to make this adaptation.
Even after years in ER's, I have no trouble with massive trauma....if I'm procedurally involved. However, if I'm just watching, it can turn my stomach.
You will know more about this as you go along, and it is amazing how adaptable most people are.
Good luck, and thanks for trying to help in this way!
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dirtineye
Trad climber
the south
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Mar 20, 2009 - 01:44am PT
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as a (now lapsed for obvious reasons) WFR, I would point out that you can easily become a WEMT, wich is a valuable person to have around when there is a climbing accident-- better than a city emt by far.
TO answer exactly what you asked, fortunately I have only had to deal with two angulated fractures, not compoundf thank god, and both were at a boulder field wiht real paramadics only 15 minutes away, so all I ahd to do was stabilize the injury by hand and try to keep the usual fools from doing something with good intent that would be very bad.
I had to hold an ankle that was snapped right at teh ends of the tib fib-- how it did not compound I really can't figure but the agony was bad enough for the victim as it was, and what we did was get a pad under her, whil holding the fracture imobile, and cut the shoe off ver y very carefully, find a pulse, check perfusion n the nails, and of coures absoultely the first words out of my mouth when it happened wee " call the paramedics". thank god for cell phones and boulder areas inside the city.
My reactions were, pretty much awe aaat tthe way the fracture looked, and trying to stay calme and keep the victim calm, and ward off the goofballs who wanted to move her. how I did this was to say, " look, 6 well trained guys who do this every day will be here in a few minutes wiht the proper equipment. we are not doing anything other than what we are doing now until they get here and take charge".
Afterwards of course it was different. once the paramedics had control I could let loose and realize the horror of what is a very serious and painful fracture, horrible to look at, ( I stared at it for a solid 20 minutes at least while imobilizing) and I felt pretty shaken.
Luckily this was the worst one I had to deal with. There was another accident at that boulder field that I am glad to have missed, that involved a lot of blood, brain damage, and kids witih no business on the rock 9not climbers, just kids goofing around at the park, took an easy way up to a 30 foot spot, were driking and smoking pot, and playing around) doing some really dumb things and paying a huge price, and I really am glad I was not there, because I was arriving as the paramedics were rolling him out into the ambulance, and he was totally unconcious and looked for all the world like he was a goner.
Like I said, I'm really glad I missed that one, cause it would have been at the limit of what a wfr can do, andwas much more dangerous than a fracture where the patient is still concious, with no head injury adn all that that adds to the fun.
Good luck, and I hope you are a climber who will become a WEMT along with your EMT.
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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 20, 2009 - 08:51pm PT
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Thanks for the heartfelt advice everyone. It is all absolutely helpful, and neat to have an image of the painting in the thread, thanks Jaybro. I knew you guys would have some perspective for me. And yes, WEMT is the next step I think... good call dirtineye. Thanks again and keep me apprised of any more thoughts on this.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Mar 20, 2009 - 09:22pm PT
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the post above is right. right now you have nothing to do so that's harder, once they trust you, you get in there swinging no problem, especially if there is a paramedic.
like a lot if things in life, the first step is a dusy. after that you'll be fine.
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Mar 20, 2009 - 09:57pm PT
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Rent the Nicolas Cage movie "Bringing Out The Dead" - if you feel a psychic connection to the main character - then being a Paramedic is probably not for you.*
*This advice from my brother, the paramedic in LA.
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TradIsGood
Chalkless climber
the Gunks end of the country
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Mar 20, 2009 - 10:01pm PT
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Expect to see a lot of calls of the diminished mental capacity type.
Depending on where you are, you may just be their taxi service.
Good luck with it.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Mar 20, 2009 - 10:08pm PT
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I loved bringing out the dead, good flick, not understood by a lot of people.
With your new, job, you'll get it, hooray.
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TimH
Trad climber
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Mar 20, 2009 - 10:38pm PT
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To paraphase something from an old episode of M*A*S*H:
"The thing they taught me in command school was that Rule #1 is people die. Rule #2 is you can't always change Rule #1."
(As I sit in the fire station, wondering how many more OD's, shootings, stabbings, MVC's, let alone the odd sick person, I'll be dealing with before shift change.)
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Robb
Social climber
It's like FoCo in NoCo Daddy-O!
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Mar 20, 2009 - 11:08pm PT
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You're going to see the worst that mankind has to offer and be elbows deep in it. Been in & out of it for almost 30 years now. Of the people I've known in the business, some don't seem to be the worse for wear & some are now AFU in the head from what they've been involved in. Hard to say until you're really in it for a while.
Like Werner & Rad said, when you're in "pro" mode, you just run through your abc's et al & don't think too much about it because you're busy doing your thing.
PS: ER humor can be a great help, but be careful who's around as it can be very offensive to some.
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pip the dog
Mountain climber
planet dogboy
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Mar 21, 2009 - 12:22am PT
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Guernica,
i think the simple fact you asked that question in this or any public place shows the beginning of a very good EMS head.
i much agree with Ken M that when one is truly focused and truly busy in the middle of a world of bloody chaos, there is little if any emotion. it's when you have nothing to do, or worse yet don't know what to do, that your guts churn and your thoughts torment you.
~~~
early in my training (not all that much, a bit past what you are working on now, that and many years ago) -- when i was just ballast along for the ride, i focused on watching every technical thing the best pros did, and precisely how they did it -- every teeny detail. that and how they talked to the patient, and everyone else at the scene. afterwards, at an appropriate moment, i would ask them about anything i didn't understand. the most and best of them are very generous teachers. the rest are easily identified and ignored.
when you can walk away afterwards knowing in your gut that you did the best that you could possibly do, peace comes easy. OTOH, if you walk away thrashing in your head "if only i had..." peace comes very slowly, sometimes not at all.
~~~
as such i worked very hard to "become a machine" -- a machine that could do the right things (within my skills) fast and without a hiccup of emotion. true, on occasion i'd walk off alone afterwards and puke and shake and cry. but only afterwards. and even those moments inspired me to work even harder at becoming a better "machine". understand that by 'machine' i don't mean less human, i mean more effectively human when on the spot.
~~~
finally, i myself have this theory, developed over years, that much of how one responds when the poop really hits the prop is wiring, genetics. i've many times seen very cool headed, mature, and focused people collapse when things got really ugly. i've also seen quite a few people with relatively little experience or training focus like a laser and get things done fast and right without so much as a gasp or a shudder. i can't explain why that is. but i have seen the pattern enough to be certain it is so.
and that is ok too. none of us choose our genetic wiring. some i trained with choose to move easily into related fields like hospice care or MRI tech work or the like. others are now the kind of 'LAS' wizards that i hope show up if i ever end up suddenly very broken.
stay with it. keep asking the right questions. and remember you will forever have a world of excellent options if you decide that the front line is not for you. you might also find that the front line is precisely the right place for you. give it time.
all good things,
^,,^ (michael)
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
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Mar 21, 2009 - 12:43am PT
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Do you like a challenge?
Some of the better ones I've worked with just rise to the task at hand, the nuances and visual aspects are mentally pushed aside and the job at hand takes priority. Its afterward that the morbid details take a reality grip. That is also when the numbness to whats just unfolded is conveyed. Getting hardened with time is unavoidable and inevitable.
In the long haul, trauma in infants or people I know well are my hardest runs to deal with.
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pip the dog
Mountain climber
planet dogboy
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Mar 21, 2009 - 01:13am PT
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johnboy,
i liked your post. and it brought two things to mind.
> Getting hardened with time is unavoidable and inevitable.
would you define "hardened" as fried emotional synapses -- or as a growing sense of what can, and cannot, be done by even very skilled first responders. i suspect it is the latter. a form of wisdom, albeit hard earned.
i have a brother who is an ER MD and after an especially ugly and in the end entirely unsuccessful SAR event, as i ripped holes in his liquor cabinet, he recounted to me what an ancient emeritus professor where he did his residency had told him: "it is almost impossible to kill someone destined to live, and almost impossible to save someone destined to die." i much appreciated hearing that. seems especially valid in wilderness SAR.
~~~
> trauma in infants or people I know well are my hardest runs to
> deal with.
i once volunteered with this SAR outfit that had as the centerpiece of their application wad the question "What are you especially good at?" umm, OK. but in time i convinced them to add another question "What are you especially not good at?"
i was always most interested in reading that answer. for me the answer is "instances of child abuse and sexual abuse" tough stuff for anyone, surely. but real pros handle it. me, it cracked my machine mode and rendered me at best useless, if not worse.
i myself kinda leaned towards anyone willing to write more than a single sentance in response to that other question.
^,,^
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johnboy
Trad climber
Can't get here from there
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Mar 21, 2009 - 10:03am PT
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Pip
Hardened is a conditioning that makes a person somewhat immune to what would be an otherwise shocking experience. Its automatic over time and gives you a buffer from the morbid aspects of a severe situation. More of a defense to something offensive.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Mar 21, 2009 - 10:42am PT
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"it is almost impossible to kill someone destined to live, and almost impossible to save someone destined to die."
This is a good way to say something, I've learned over the years, they are either dead or stable (in SAR) you rarely get anywhere fast enough to "save" someone. It does happen though, that a person can hang on ten hours, but would otherwise die with out the help.
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luggi
Trad climber
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Mar 21, 2009 - 10:44am PT
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Guernica, Werner and Ken have very good points. The only thing I would add looking back 30 years..started young, would be don't be the one that thinks I can handle it. Your mind can handle I believe only so much. For me even after all those years and so many incidents I can remember my first fatality. Make sure your company has some type of Critical incident de-briefing. If you bosses scoff...they are not professionals in the business. Use the service. The EMS field is not for the faint of heart any longer. The Mother Jugs and Speed stuff is long gone. After field medics came back from Viet Nam, they transformed how medics make a difference in the field...after all that is why that are called para magics>>>>
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whatmeworry
Mountain climber
Pasadena, CA
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Mar 21, 2009 - 01:17pm PT
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Quite a few good comments from knowledgeable people.
Don't hesitate to seek out employee assistance program (EAP) resources if your company has them. Talking through things can be just what you need. Most of the SAR teams are volunteer but their sponsoring agency usually makes their support staff available to team members.
I make it a point to follow-up with new people just coming off their first incidents regardless of the nature of the call, but particularly if the situation was difficult. Good colleagues will be looking out for you as well as the victim.
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Knave
climber
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Mar 21, 2009 - 01:48pm PT
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I'm tired of being a paramedic after 20 years and I still hate being submersed in other peoples misery. However the pay is good in urban fire service and I get 20 days off a month. I'll be retired in my early 50's. For the level of education required it's unbeatable. In a large nutshell from my perspective: It is mercenary work, it is paramilitary (red), it is working through a lot of birthdays and holidays, it is being able to climb on weekdays, it has taken a toll on this soul but I am thankful for my lessons and my thick skin, gallows humor works, stress needs an outlet climbing and running work for me, purposefulness is felt when helping people in their greatest need. street medicine is often futile, they have to pay me to show up, no one ever offered me money to repeat moderates so a fireman am I.
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luggi
Trad climber
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Mar 21, 2009 - 02:58pm PT
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Knave...330 days left...yahoo...I agree with ya
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Tan Slacks
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Mar 21, 2009 - 03:00pm PT
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First, Steve thanks for the very kind words, after so long doing this work it's easy to forget that people notice what you do. As to the OP.. The drama can be like a movie, some you like and some you don't.
After thousands of scenes and patients, it still surprises me what gets through and what does not. Being in EMS can be very mechanical or emotional and almost always creative. It is the creative part that keeps me in it. Over the years I have been pretty burnt, but it is a cycle. Continuing education often can turn the "burn out" around. I have been very lucky so far in that I have changed my arena so many times. Ten years on the ground, ten in the air, and now I am contracted with the Marines flying all their injured off the training ranges.
By far ten years on the ground was the most difficult for me. Entering peoples homes and dealing with the injured along with all the crap that often led up to the injuries can be draining to say the least. Partners, humor, drugs, family and friends will get you through it. I could list so many instances where certain calls that were haunting. For me, the "bad" call goes by and a few weeks later I will start to get angry. That's my clue a call has gotten to me. It took me years to figure this out. Don't take so long to find your "sign" Before I got in touch with my clues I was dangerous at times. I beat the hell out of a spouse that had beaten his wife, I screamed and screamed at a mother who OD'd her baby and I became a nightmare to live with plus much more. Just a few examples of how things can start to unwind.
Someone mentioned the EAP stuff that are common now. Years ago that did not exist, but I was lucky to find some stress place that chills me out when ever I need it. I should even mention here because this is a climbing forum that I had one of my worst falls while consumed with work stress. So my advice, don't be the tough guy. It did not work for, instead I have to take my "temperature" often.
Ten years in the air covering an extremly high volume area is different. The gore is un-describable, but for me, landing, scooping, and dropping off without all the other stuff suits me. Don't get me wrong. There are still those calls that get to me... andd the anger will follow, but it is less often. Perhaps it is because working in helicopters is so dangerous that the patient can become secondary. Lets not forget the stress of losing friends. 6 in the last two years drove me back to the debrief place. This new gig I have with the Marines is again differnet and I find very rewarding. I have been exposed to some very incredible young men and their sacrifice keeps me grounded. I hoep to finish my career here.
I am starting to lose my focus with this post. You pm'd me to post, so here it is. I doubt it will help, but here's the deal. Find people to be open with. If you do choose EMS, always continue learning... don't find a comfortable place and treat each patient like the last. Keep going to classes, it will make you more confident and in the end it wil affect the reason you are there...., the patient.
In a selfish moment I would like to thank those on this site who have been there for me over the years, helping me cope with this confusing profession and a special thank you to Locker, who really carried me through some pretty tough years and he doesn't even know it.
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dirtineye
Trad climber
the south
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Mar 21, 2009 - 04:34pm PT
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first, what a good thread to have on ST. wish we had more like this.
Second, skitp, nice post! see, I do give credit when due, even to a scumbag rethuglican whacko, ROTFLMAO!
THird, a bump for a solid thread. Could be this thread will encourage some of you to do the WRF deal, which I might mention can be upgraded to WEMT (I may be confused here-- is EMT higher or lower than EMT-B? I seriously foreget) with a really short course if you do it within the first year of the WFR course. And you can upgrade to the next one from there too at any rate.
And then for you EMTs and EMT-B's, it is very reasonable to get a W in front of your title and you will learn a few things about wilderness medicine that city EMTs are not even allowed to do.
I really whsh I were not about to kick the bucket, cause I would certainly keep my WFR current and definately up it to WEMT.
The dead ot stable idea may be right, and of course some injuries are just fatal no matter what training you have, adn the victim won't live unless they are IN the emergency room and possibly not even then, but SO MANY things can be treated very easily that without correct and timely treatment woudl be a disaster, that I hope nobody will take the attitued of what's the use?..
Being WFR of WEMT trained is a great advantage for climbers. One good side effect is that along with self and leader rescue training, your safety attitude and persoective is MUCH improved, and that's almost priceless.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 21, 2009 - 05:01pm PT
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hey there dirtineye... nice to see you sharing...
say, all, as tami said (think it was)....
many thanks for doing what you feel you were called to do... if not, who would do it?
may god continually bless the work of your hands and minds, and give light and where needed...
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Jaybro
Social climber
wuz real!
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Mar 21, 2009 - 06:31pm PT
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It would be cool if Manny added a few tales to this thread.
Pablo Picasso stayed in Paris during WWII. At one point he was visited by the gestapo.
"Oh, so you are the man who did Guernica?" asked the officer clicking his heels, at least in my imagination.
"No," said Pablo from his formidable 5'2" stature, looking up into the Nazi's eyes, "you did."
Sometimes you just gotta be tough!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Mar 21, 2009 - 06:42pm PT
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hey there all... say, after seeing jaybro's war note... i just remembered a nice thing to share here...
dont know if any of you knew this... but a very well known house-hold visitor, by tv, to many, as we were growing up, was:
an ambulance driver...
IT WAS:
walt disney....
from wikipedia, teen years:
Disney became the cartoonist for the school newspaper. His cartoons were very patriotic, focusing on World War I. Disney dropped out of high school at the age of sixteen to join the Army, but the army rejected him because he was underage.[13]
After his rejection from the army, Walt and one of his friends decided to join the Red Cross.[14] Soon after he joined The Red Cross, Walt was sent to France for a year, where he drove an ambulance.[15]
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Evel
Trad climber
Nederland
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Mar 21, 2009 - 06:55pm PT
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First, I'd have to say that tan slacks is right on the money with his advice. After 20 years I have found that it's way important to keep an eye on your "temp". Still, there will be calls that slap ya upside the head. Con-ed and occasional self reevaluation are very helpful. Gallows humor, drugs, etc. all help, but can be detrimental in the long run. Having a good friend to talk to helps, but take care of patient confidetiality. The fact that you're asking about this so early in your career is a very good sign. Also, I'm a firm beliver that those of us drawn to EMS seem to have a natural bent for dealing with it.
Positivly
Another
Retarded
Asshole
Making
Every
Day
Incredibly
Chaotic!
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Stephan
Trad climber
Zephyer Cove, NV
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Mar 21, 2009 - 08:55pm PT
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The goal of every BLS provider is to become an ALS provider.
The goal of every ALS provider is to become a BLS provider.
Works on many levels of your question G....
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dirtineye
Trad climber
the south
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Mar 22, 2009 - 02:35am PT
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shameless bump for a worthy thread.
You are welcome skipt, and remember, offending people is one of my best attributes, ROTFLMAO!
One day MOST of you porr deluded misguided rethugs will see the light, just like bacevich did, ( read his book the limits of power, adn don't worry, he takes em ALL to task, dem and repub alike, going all the wya back to Kennedy)
OOPS, sorry, ranting.
no hijack intended. We now return you to the main focus of this thread. do not adjust your set. do not change the channel...
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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 22, 2009 - 09:02pm PT
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Dirtineye, to answer your question, "EMT" is sort of a general term that includes EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic. So an Emergency Medical Technician could be any of these different levels of training.
And thanks once again for the excellent advice! I knew this would be the place to turn to... it really is all very helpful.
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Mar 22, 2009 - 11:47pm PT
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Just went on my first really bad call
Self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Family running around in tears.
It was a f*#kin mess.
I didnt have a problem doing what I could for the patient which wasn't much, it's the family that always gets me, their hurt is real. It sucks because you want to tell them everything is going to be okay but you cant and everyone knows it's not.
Its definatley sobering watching a rythym on a monitor slowly diminsh to nothing.
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Mar 23, 2009 - 12:06am PT
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"Do NOT become involved with what came before you arrived on scene . . . unless you suddenly become a detective"
I do both ends of it.
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Mar 23, 2009 - 12:13am PT
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GS-5...
I volunteer with the local Fire Department this was one of their calls, so luckily I wont be investigating this one.
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S.Powers
Social climber
Jtree, now in Alaska
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Mar 23, 2009 - 12:53am PT
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thanks Kath.
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Tan Slacks
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Mar 23, 2009 - 01:12am PT
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ekat... two something an hour reminded me of a funny story...
Years ago, and I mean YEARS,, there was a meeting held with all the different transporting agencies in southern california. It was some sort of big deal to organize everyone for the next big earhtquake. If you can imagine some large auditorium in Los angeles filled with EMS providers. The person hosting the meeting asked everyone to stand and say their name and what agency they represented. One by one people stood and "Peter Smith, Paramedic from Ontario fire" It was going on like this for ever and then a paramedic I knew who worked for Joshua tree ambulance stood and said "Rick Smith, paramedic and I work for PEANUTS!" The whole place erupted in laughter.
Those were the days
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Robb
Social climber
It's like FoCo in NoCo Daddy-O!
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Mar 23, 2009 - 01:55am PT
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OK, I'll be the devil's advocate here,
GET THE F OUT BEFORE YOU'RE F'ED UP IN THE HEAD FROM ALL THAT YOU'VE SEEN OVER THE YEARS IN EMS.
or; use it as a stepping stone to a more livable art such as LN, or PA, etc.
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Guernica
climber
s x sw
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2009 - 01:58am PT
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Create places for them... I like that. Sounds like solid advice eKat.
Thanks for sharing that call S.Powers, sounds like a mess alright. Thinking about you guys doing your job well is inspiring and something to draw on when I'm on a bad call (wow, that's pretty hoaky sounding isn't it... ) I probably won't be able to do any more ride-alongs for another week or two, but when I do, if anything dramatic happens I'll post up.
I have an autopsy viewing scheduled for april 3rd... I'm really looking forward to it. I think checking out all the anatomy in a non-emergency situation will be a tremendous learning opportunity.
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