… Lost one roll of backboard tape at the worst possible time.
… Visited one Airport twice.
… Feared for my life three times.
… Was hailed on once.
… Was rained on at least five times.
… Used two backboards.
… Visited one Hospice facility five times.
… Visited another Hospice facility twice.
… Carried a stretcher with a patient on it up or down 27 steps.
… Put sheets on ten stretchers.
… Rolled my eyes at incompetence at least five times.
… Saved zero lives.
That being said, I also…
… Held six hands.
… Calmed some fears.
… Distracted five family members.
… Visited one former patient.
… Made a difference in someone’s life. I know that for a fact.
And ultimately, that is why I do this job.
…and that is why you are also my hero.
Kim
You forgot:
…added one more great post
You’re a hero. I’m glad you are able to put things into perspective.
What made you fear for your life ? (and three times no less !!)
Maybe you don’t see it that way. However, it is eminent through your caring nature and you’re ability to this sort of thing day in and day out that you truly are amazing.
Awesome post. Holding hands is so much more commonplace, impacting, even perhaps more important than saving lives.
While I get a rush on the rare occasion I can actually say that I saved a life, my satisfaction is much greater when I can can say that I calmed somebody, eased their pain, even put a smile back on their face, just by holding their hand, giving them a bear (I’ve given more out to geriatrics than to pediatrics, BTW) or just listening.
Keep it up!
Thanks for being there Epi… You DO make a difference!
And that is why we keep going back to work.. even after the tough calls, We do it to make a difference in some ones life! JS
The new look is so VERY classy.
You and those who share your vocation are amazing people.
Um, did I just leave out the H in my own surname?
DUH
Thank you for this one, Epi. I agree with JS on this one – you remind the rest of us (or just me, at least) why we do the job in the first place.
Great post! Most of the time my paperwork isn’t even started because I’d rather sit beside my patient and talk and laugh with them. I do ask them the pertinent questions about their current condition, but it fits into the conversation. I hate looking like the paperwork is more important and I hate sitting behind them in the captain’s seat.
That was a really nice read. Probably something you’ve heard a million times but I really couldn’t do your job, I’m too squeemish for a start! You obviously have a lot of patience.
Great interview at Davids, btw.
CJ xx
I’m sorry when I hit the publish button my comment just didn’t read right!
It should have said:
I popped over from David’s after reading your Sunday Roast Interview.
You say you ’saved zero lives’ but then go on with
… Calmed some fears.
… Distracted five family members.
… Visited one former patient.
… Made a difference in someone’s life. I know that for a fact.
In my book those are just as important! You’re doing a fantastic job that I know I just couldn’t do.
Nice to meet you.
The reward of being an EMT and making a difference… priceless.
Came over from David’s blog and as I had seen you name scattered on many blogs I visit, thought I’d pop over.
Lovely blog and a great job that you do too.
Everyone must be so grateful for what you do and holding a hand in comfort is a wonderful act of kindness.
Aww, I adore you Kim.
Can’t wait until this weekend!!!
Gawd, thank you, Happy Medic! I needed it.
I’m no hero, TJ… You know that!
VTEMT,
My partner’s driving mostly :)
Epi