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As most of the frequent flyers around here I have a very long military family history, for that matter my last years post concerning the most holy of days 11 day/11 month/11 hour was a message to my children. It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty or freedom to practice any religion of our choosing. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag. This year I received a story that I would like to share from a friend who served as a Physicians Assistant in Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years this is what she replied to my email in red above and red for good reason. Within minutes of receiving PA CAF email and now feeling very, very angry and crushed that some one would even say this to a Veteran, thinking to myself IS that this attitude taught in the schools ? I believe in Karma next click of "send receive" my little sister an ex RCMP sent me this story do I have to say I forwared this story to my friend and now all friends of EMT City. http://www.snopes.com/glurge/nodesks.asp TRUE.

My own words would just seem so grossly inadequate, I hope these words would be more fitting ~Author Unknown~ maybe even help in the days to come, a poem in support of your family is my most sincerest prayer. Herbie: I and am very pleased that you would honour we as an EMT City brotherhood and share your pain, I know we ALL support you in this I have already said a prayer to my Great Spirit and my Guide. I most sincerely weep unmanly tears, but I am now making a toast to yet another fallen HERO. I now lift my glass ... it is time for final inspection SIR !

Mazrin, to start off with, great first post ! Stick around the City, you should find it invaluable during your tenure in EMS. Although there are some great posts on this thread, I would like to give you a perspective from more of a mental standpoint coming from a young age. I am a 23 year old Paramedic. I am in eastern NC, and my EMS experience is limited to this area. With that in mind, anything said following this is not necessarily how things are on the national level. As a young person entering the EMS field, it can be quite a challenge. Being this young, we still have a lot in life to figure out. I have noticed (personal experience) that between the ages of 18 and 23, we are learning how to be "our own person". The mentality changes from being a follower (do what your teacher says, do what your parents say, etc...) to being an independent young adult really leaves us with quite different advantages and disadvantages. We learn to maintain discipline to do what is good and right, in light of not having consequences placed by authority figures (such as parents/teachers). We are still developing the skills necessary to stand up for ourselves as to not be taken advantage of by others. We are learning to better interact as an adult with other adults who can outrank us greatly with life experience. EMS can have a great impact on the young adult’s development. With that being said, the negativity in EMS, without having that life experience, can be overwhelming and bring out characteristics that you may not be proud of. It is important for you to be open minded with your new experiences, as you need to be able to decipher the good from the bad, and to think independently, and not follow the closed minded views you are certain to face. Without being touchy-feely, but rather quite honest, EMS experiences can create quite a roller coaster ride in your life. For me, I have reflected and noticed many changes that I contribute to my EMS experience. It really forced me to be a more confident person (although that is still changing to this day for me). Others typically will look down towards a fresh and young looking face, chalking us up to being hormonal and inexperienced, not really belonging in a high stress medical career. It taught me that I had to improve my confidence skills, which has been a positive impact on me being "my own person". The confidence shows others that you are ready to embark on the EMS journey. At the same time, it is important to be humble and realize that there is still a lot more for us to learn. As others have mentioned, separating work and personal life has also been another lesson. Although not limited to the young adults, I think for young adults, it where the skill is best learned. It was quite easy for me to succumb to bringing my stress from work to home. Starting out with good habits and practices can define how your whole EMS experience is. Although you are still in the learning phase, remember to learn what is right. The best learning you can do is to question and find out for yourself, not relying on Joe Blow’s opinion. On a financial level, many people find EMS to be inadequate. Being young and unmarried, it is more money than I probably need. It is nice to see a paycheck and know that I have plenty of money to do pretty much what I like to do. Now applying that to a family would be different. While I believe it is doable, with an EMS salary, to support a family, more money is always better, right? Many families live off of less money than an EMT makes, so, it should be doable. Will it be easy, though, probably not. When I get married and have three kids popped out, I’ll come back and let you know how it worked out. I like my job though. I enjoy the nature of the work, the environment, challenges, and learning aspects of the job. That isn’t to say that it is the mother lode of all jobs. I am quite sure there are other jobs out there where I could be just as happy, if not happier, and better off. Why do I stay you ask? Well, probably complacency. But, it is not uncommon to stay where one feels safe and secure. Changes can be scary and that probably has a bit to do why people feel stuck in the profession. As far as careers to transition into, most feel that EMS should not be a transition career, although most think it is. I say transition into whatever you will be happiest with. A lot of folks transition into nursing, some move on to PA and the like. Others though, remain in the profession. There are also opportunities to work in a hospital or clinic setting as a paramedic, so there are some options for you. At our age, there is so much to do, I wouldn’t recommend making up your mind, but rather being flexible. Realize that in a year from now, your thinking and mindset will be different, and as such, your decisions for changes need to be made accordingly. My successes are not based on buying a house or raising a family working EMS. Rather I consider the success to be personal in nature, in that I am happy with the decisions and directions my life has endured. I think that is the key reason you find such negativity in EMS. Many people are unable to be a generally happy person. I am sure you are familiar with the saying ‘misery loves company’. Make any sense? Good luck Marzin, I hope this helps. If you wish anymore information from the ‘kids’ perspective, just ask ! Matt.

Thanks for sharing! I was sent the same story at the start of the school year and made sure to send it along to others. I wish all teachers understood the responsibility that they hold and took it as seriously. That is a potent lesson and one that every child should be taught. Freedom is a concept that is highly taken for granted in our society today and those who serve are rarely given much thought. Our modern warrior culture, brought about by an all-volunteer military of professional warriors, experiences a deep chasm of separation from the rest of society. They don't understand us and we have trouble understanding them. People forget that we're still out there, putting our lives on the line every day, until they hear about some tragedy or mistake on the news. And even then, the thought is gone with the next story on the latest exploits of Lindsey Lohan. I don't mean to sound bitter, as I am not. It's a life we all chose and I for one am extremely proud to have served and will do so again if I am called. But the above story, the actions and thought behind it, is more poignant today than in any other time in our history. Veterans used to be a part of everyone's life in some way or another, everyone was vested one way or another in previous major conflicts. Being a veteran automatically came with a certain degree of respect and shared experience. Today's veterans tend to live in on the outskirts, in the shadows, many returning again and again to the field of battle without a second thought by the average citizen. Those of us who are no longer fighting, we struggle with the gap that exists between us and "civilians", unable to ever truly put our service behind us, nor wanting to. So this week, take time to really consider not only the sacrifices and valor of those who served before us, but also those modern vets and those who serve now. Remind yourselves, and your children, that you "sleep safe in [y]our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." Happy Veterans Week. quote by George Orwell

Hi, everyone. Little bit of background: I recently graduated from college with a degree I'm not really interested in using. Not interested in an office job (23 year old male). Police / Fire / EMS was always something that sort of sat in the back of my mind as something I'd really like to do. I first decided on police. I got hired by the State Police and went to the academy. It was there that my first naive mistake was made. I went into police hoping to be someone that helps people, does something meaningful and rewarding, etc. Turns out the profession and the people in it are too aggressive for my personality (not saying anything bad, it seems like you need it to do what they do, it just wasn't a good fit for me). I left that. No longer interested in pursing a law enforcement job. So, I took up a job doing security (Was easy to get. Needed something to not be stagnant). living back home again for a bit to recoup, figure out what I want to do. I toyed with a number of things, and eventually decide to go for EMT-B, and then after some experience, get my Medic. Taking the (emt- class and loving it. This stuff is really, really interesting. Instructors are cool, I'm currently #1 in the class, and feel I have a talent for it. I don't just memorize answers, I actually really like learning all the "why's" and "hows" behind all the signs and symptoms and stuff. Even if I did nothing with this certification, I'm having fun getting it. Then I find these forums, and read some pretty discouraging posts about how awful this job is, how you can't possibly make a living off the pay, relationships are doomed, etc etc. In my state EMT-Bs avg out at about $16/hr, P's start around $20 avg at about $24+/hour. Maybe that's >average? Seems like enough money for a 23 year old who tends to live modestly. If I go for medic, the $20+/hour seems like enough as well. I'm not looking to make big bucks, just looking to live comfortably and be content in my work. To make a ling story short, what's your take? Think the job is awful? -Then why are you still doing it? Good but pay sucks when you're starting a family / trying to buy a house, etc? -What's a good career to transition into? Any success stories? Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you do, the time to respond. Feeling a little discouraged. Believe me, after the police thing, I certainly have more realistic expectations of what I'm getting into. I know it's not all excitement and glory and teary eyed "thank you"s. But man, the way some people here talk about it can be a real downer.

These are all good questions and answers, young grasshoppers! LOL

I actually did have awesome instructors, and I remember them talking about it .I probably was studying while they were talking or I comprehended what they said and just forgot about it since, I didn't take the NREMT, for a long time after. So it's more of a FAIL at me for not being a good student and not paying attention.=]

Well, since it's under "Funny Stuff", why take it seriously? This is simple humor with some ironic truths; copied and pasted.. Over and over, again.

I debated as to whether or not to post anything here, but oh well. On November 1, my nephew/godson was killed in Afghanistan. His platoon was returning from a patrol when a suicide bomber rode up on a motorcycle and detonated an IED, killing Andy and his buddy Jonathon. Apparently they took the brunt of the explosion, so although the rest of his platoon was also badly injured, they all should survive. Andy was 21 and he was my sister's only child. He arrives back home from Dover AFB tomorrow, wake is Wednesday, funeral Thursday. I will be a mess for the next few days. Please say a prayer for all the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those still in harms way.

Simply ask my friend, and you shall recieve!

As a veteran, it's stories like that that touch the heart. All too often, we tend to forget those that have stood up to defend our countries. We forget the sacrifices that the soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors have made to provide the very freedoms that we take for granted every day. I've noticed (at least in the United States) that there is a big show of support for those that served in WW I, WW II and the Gulf War; but there is NOTHING to really show support for the troops that served in between those eras. ANY person who enlisted and stood ready to lay their life down for their country should be treated as a hero, not just select groups. While the Veteran will tell you that we were 'just doing our job', we all know that 'just doing our job' could very well cost us our life. No, not all of us faced the 'Red Menace', the 'Axis Powers' or the 'Axis of Evil'; but we ALL stood ready to defend you and our country from what ever was on the other side of that door. I don't expect a parade or other celebration for each and every veteran individually, but if you're going to honor some of us, honor ALL of us, we deserve it just as much as the other groups do!

FDNY EMS uses dual Paramedic teams, and dual EMT teams, for, respectively, ALS and BLS. The union prefers having 2 Paramedics, as having them provides a built in backup of knowledge, and skill. I have witnessed this many times, where one Paramedic is having a bad day and is unable to establish a line, and the partner gets it on try #1. If the Paramedics go with the patient in the back of the BLS ambulance, at least in my system, the EMTs assist to the best of ability, and scope of practice. In the cases where both Paramedics need to ride in with the patient, the EMT assigned as "shotgun" becomes the driver of the Paramedic's ambulance, as the assigned driver/EMT in the BLS ambulance maintains such status, as both go to the appropriate ER. We, in our union local, joke that it's a Pair-A-Medics. On a side note, sometimes due to personnel having to leave in the middle of a tour for personal illness or family emergency, they will team up an EMT with a Paramedic, to keep a unit in service. The unit is considered a BLS unit, even if the EMT is then aboard the vehicle usually equipped for ALS, and the Paramedic assumes an EMT role. If the combined team has a dual training level call, as in both a BLS and ALS unit responding, the Paramedic is then allowed to use their ALS skills while with the full ALS team and equipment. There have come times that the department agrees with 2 Paramedic teams, and times they bring up single Parqamedic units, or so-called "Mensa Medics" in contract negotiation times. So far, dual Paramedic teams have won out. That's how the FDNY EMS Command does it, but this may not be the procedures and/or protocols of other agencies around the country, or the world. I'd check with your supervisors and medical director to find out what is expected of you in these circumstances.

Wow that story was inspirational. Definatly passing it along! I just want to thank all of our veterans for their sacrifices, some the ultimate, for it's because of you I can type this, it's because of you we have this web site, its because of you I have the freedom to be an EMT. Thank You To others just a simple reminder THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

Herbie: May the good memories always remind you of your nephew. Don't let the bad overpower them. Prayers for you & your family.

Condolences to you, and your family, from both myself, and my mother, Past Commander Sara Berger, of the Queens County Council (New York) of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States. Richard Berger, Sara Berger.

Thanks, all. Dreading the next 3 days. Having coffee, getting ready, and steeling myself for what is to come. Based on all the media requests and calls we have received, this will be huge. I have been trying to prepare my family for what will happen- a line of duty death is a huge event, and sadly I have been through too many of those. A soldier KIA is exactly the same thing in terms of scope and interest. It's all been so abstract until now- it's been a week of plans, media interviews, making arrangements, family issues, and now he's finally coming home.

I'm sorry brother for your loss. I can't imagine the horror of losing a child and with any luck, never will. You are in our thoughts daily for the contributions you make in knowledge and spirit here. Know that the Womacks from Colorado will be sending thoughts of peace and healing for your boy, and all who loved him. Keep your chin up...and shame on you for not knowing if you should tell us or not! But I'll take back that shame as you decided that we're more than just names on a computer screen... Love to your sister... Dwayne

Sorry for your loss and for all your family and his friends. He did a great thing for our country by protecting our freedom. He will always be remembered for that.

Not going into a potentially dangerous situation (be it in 'socioeconomic depressed sections of town or whether in affluent sections of town) isn't 'racist' it's called COMMON SENSE. In order to be considered 'racist' by any standards, one would have to compromise the level of care rendered based on race, color, creed, religion, gender or socio-economic criteria. We are not talking about oroviding 'compromised care' for the poor, black, white, purple, green or any other color. Nor are we talking about giving enhanced care to the affluent (again regardless of color). As far as your example (the wrecked flaming vehicle in the front yard), if we cannot get near the scene due to hazardous conditions, I don't see where there is anything we can do. Charging blindly into a situation without assessing the risks or a known unsafe scene is foolhardy at best. For the Councilman to even suggest it makes it clear that we are only 'public servants' and our safety means NOTHING to him. Remember, "the rescuer who needs to be rescued is of no use to anyone, and creates a drain on otherwise limited resources!". You stated that our job is hazardous to begin with. To not take steps to attempt to mitigate the hazards is insane. You're so quick to play the 'race card' in every thread you post to, that you seem to forget that not everybody lives or works in Suburbia, USA and lives next door to Ward and June Cleaver. There are some of us that have worked in some of the roughest neighborhoods in the most dangerous cities in the United States (based on FBI crime statistics). Until you can tell me that you've worked and lived in those areas, don't you DARE call ME a 'racist' or even IMPLY that I compromise the care given to ANYONE without concrete facts! Yes, I've worked some of the worst sections of Metro Detroit (which has topped the list of the most dangerous cities in the United States more than once. I have lived in Flint, Michigan; which is currently the fifth most dangerous city in the United States based on the FBI's 2009 Uniform Crime Reporting Program) With the frequency that you stir hell and havoc in this forum, I actually think you live to create strife. Your antagonisitc tendencies are what's labeled you a 'forum troll'. You're quick to blame EVERYONE for the problems faced by certain minorities, but what have you done to come up with a solution? Please explain to the rest of the class how it is that only WHITES can be 'racist', when your actions alone suggest the contrary?

My heart goes out to you and your family. 21 is far to young to go, and I can't imagine the pain you all must be feeling now. Take comfort in the good memories you have, and how appropriately to be buried on veterans day. Will there be any sort of memorial fund in his honor? My sincerest condolences, Katie

I wish I had the words that could take away loss and pain, but I know I have none. Please know that you and your family, and all who knew your nephew are in my thoughts and prayers today, and through the next difficult days.

Hey man sorry for your loss. Your nephew was a great guy and we should all look to him as a hero in our life. Standing out on the front line away from your friends and family to out your life on the line for people who you don't even know for our freedom. May I be th first to say thank you to you and your family for allowing him to serve but also let me say that I am deeply sorry for your loss. May he guard heavens gates with all our other brother and sisters who went before. May god bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. My wife and I are praying to give y'all stength and guidence. Harold Peace Ps need anything let me know will see what we can do.

That's pretty racist of you crotchity. I've responded to a few trailer parks in my days and have seen plenty of non-white people. So according to you, just because it is a trailer park means that it is inhabited by poor white people. Nope, not too racist. As for this asshat, does he really think that sending unarmed, unprotected, untrained people into a dangerous scene is a good idea? As others have said, instead of needing to treat 1 victim, it's better to treat 3 victims? That makes a lot of sense. The assailant was mad enough to shoot/stab/beat someone, do you really think he will think twice about taking out an EMS crew trying to help the person he was trying to kill? Hospitals go on lock-down or whatever their procedures are when a violence victim comes in because of the possibility of the assailants coming in to finish off the job and anyone that gets in the way. Assclown.

I love this advice. And I'll tell you why. I think that there is every chance that the signs were there, and that possibly someone else might have seen them, but as LS said, that's just being human. Does it make you a bad human? I don't think so. As time goes on I believe that we don't necessarily ignore our mates, but we do begin to stop 'seeing' them. I've been with Babs a quarter of a century now. I've seen her laugh, walk, cry, sleep, watch TV, clean...everything for 25 years so I didn't necessarily 'see' them any more. I saw a study once that said that the reason people, 'specially men, are so bad at noticing that someone has changed their hair, or shaved their mustache, is that we don't look at them each time we meet. Our brain notices where we encountered them, how they walk, the sound of their voice (I'm just making shit up, but you see my point) and plugs in a picture of them that we're used to. I think we even do this with our mates, perhaps more so, on a regular basis. It's likely the signs were there, but you were unable to 'see' them. But I do believe that with some help you will be able to see them next time. I have a game I play in my head sometimes. I pretend that I've never seen Barbara before. I watch how she walks, how she moves, what she sounds like when she talks, the shape of her boobs and bottom, just like it's out first time meeting. I used to do it to see if I would still chase her as hard as I did in the beginning...(and I would) but I do it now because while I was doing that I discovered that she changes. The Babs of today will have many, many significant differences from the Babs of a year from now, and the one from a year ago. And it showed me that treating the Babs of 2010 the way the Babs of 2005 liked to be treated wasn't really working the way I thought it should... Anyway, I don't mean to preach. But I do believe in something I heard on a Dr. Phil commercial one time. "Today we do the best we know how. When we know better, we do better." Or something like that.. I know it hurts your heart to see that someone you love suffered and you didn't help. But you would have if you had known, right? So now is not the time to convince yourself that you're a cold hearted bitch. But it is the time to decide that tomorrow you will make sure that you know better, so that you can do better. See? And in a terribly long winded fashion, that takes back to the above advice Hugs to you girl. Give yourself a break. Being angry at yourself makes you unhealthy, and you can only really care for those that you love if you make sure that you're healthy first. (Wait..that sounds familiar for some reason....?) Dwayne

Those on the political left aren't going to like this one... The ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER This one is a little different ... Two Different Versions ... Two Different Morals OLD VERSION The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold. MORAL OF THE OLD STORY: Be responsible for yourself! MODERN VERSION The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving. CBS, NBC , PBS, CNN,and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing,'It's Not Easy Being Green...' ACORN stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, “We shall overcome.” Then Rev. Jeremiah Wright has the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake. President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight. Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share. Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government GreenCzar and given to the grasshopper. The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant’s food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it. The ant has disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again. The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackle, once prosperous and peaceful, neighborhood. The entire Nation collapses, bringing the rest of the free world with it. MORAL OF THE STORY: Be careful how you vote in 2010.

All I can say to our veterans past and present is thank you. Thank you for caring about our country enough to defend it. Thank you for placing the greater good above self knowing full well it could be your end. Thank you to the mothers and fathers who respected their sons and daughters decision to take up arms in times of need. You will not be forgotten. Ed

As well as working as an emt i also volunteer at the local childrens hospital. On this particular day i was in the room of an 11 year old boy with cancer. He knew he was about to get a shot and thus was giving the nurses, volunteers and his mother a very hard time by kicking and screaming. We tried very hard to calm him down to get the medication into him but he was moving to much.. then all of a sudden he stopped moving, stopped crying stopped screaming ect. everyone in the room went into first gear getting oxygen and checking vitals. After a thorough check we found nothing wrong with him and figured he was faking. I figured the nurses would use smelling salts and he would "wake up" but no, the nurse motioned for us to folllow her out of the room. She told us, go along with this and he will wake up. we walk back in the room and the nurse fooled around with the ekg moniter. The screen showed flat line. She then takes the bed sheet and covers the boy up and looks at the mon with a face that looked very serious and she says "ma'm i am so sorry but I think we have lost your son. The boy all of a sudden jumps up and screams, no mommy no I am alive mommy. After a stern talking to he promised he would never do it again and we were able to give the medication. I think he learned his lesson.

Ok, fine- I'll be the asshole. Why is it that the least experienced people always want to tell us what the "rules" of EMS are? Or the "you might be an EMT if..." crap, 90% of which they've only read about or seen on Turd Watch? Never understood it.