I’ve been training a brand spanking new EMT lately, the ink on his card isn’t even dry yet. The first shift he ever worked as an EMT was with me. As was his second, third, fourth and fifth.
When I tell most of my friends that they all seem to have the same reaction… Their head drops, their eyes roll, they sigh heavily. “I’m sorry, Epi,” they say.
But I’m not. I’m not sorry.
Sure, he’s sparky. And he’s green. But so am I. I’ve only been doing this four years. Most of the good Basics and Medics I know have forgotten more than what I know. I know that. It reared it’s ugly head today as I furiously texted all of my friends asking a question I should have known the answer to.
Here’s how I know he’s going to make a fantastic EMT.
He knows how to talk to a patient. He knows how to put family members at ease. And that is one of the hardest things to master, as far as I’m concerned. If you can keep a patient preoccupied and distracted enough to forget about the pain they are in, just by talking to them… Wow, you’re golden.
Just work on your handwriting, Probie. And remember to get that billing sheet.
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The Bonus? The first thing he said when he walked in to one of our stations was, “Wow, this place smells like ass and disappointment.”
And I thought that was my line.
I think he’s going to do just fine.
Of course you are not sorry…. Teaching is one of the most rewarding things we can do…. Don’t feel bad, nobody I talked to today about your question could really give me a straight answer either… What did you decide? JS
Sorry Epi. I just gotta steal that line.
“Ass and Disappointment” HA! Add Vomit to that and it describes my paramedic career to a “T”
I think I’ll use that tomorrow cuz I’m on a 48.
I do have to say though. A 4year medic may not be all that green. I’m a ten year medic. I use the standard that a paramedic that says that they are confident at any time before they’ve ran their 1000′th call is either a fool or a liar. Busier services with heavier responsibilities breed experienced medics.
He’s definitely lucky to have someone as welcoming as you – first jobs can be a nightmare if you’re landed with a defensive partner!
My FTO told me I’d do just fine when on my first night I asked a drunk flat out “did you just shit your pants?”
The best piece of advice I have for any new person: Admit when you don’t know. You might feel stupid for a split second, but it is far better than everyone thinking you’re a tool for being wrong. Plus… Someone will gladly tell you THEIR version of right.
You know, sounds a little bit like my newbie. I am his second FTO. I think because he is unique a lot of folks around here expected him to fail. He can put a patient as ease and relate to them with ease.
Around the fire house he can keep up with the banter and all, and takes the short jokes in stride and dishes out just as much as he takes.
I keep telling him “just keep doing what you’re doing and it will be fine”.
He should definitely be grateful to have such an amazing teacher/mentor!
Do good by him, Epi.
“Wow, this place smells like ass and disappointment.”
I want that on a plaque to put up in our quarters! Maybe I could have it done in cross stitch for that down home feeling!
Sounds like a natural to me.
Could be a good one! Good job Epi!
Definitely keeps you grounded.
Learn’em well Epi. Learn ‘em well.