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Current literature refers to fall from standing height or greater in most cases. Every pt will be different in what constitutes a serious fall. I've fallen from 12 feet off roof edge and had nothing more than a sore butt . For a little old lady with osteoporosis a fall from standing height has a much greater probability of serious injury to legs, hip dislocation , pelvic fracture or compression fractures to the spinal column.

(So, Ter, I'm guessing when I said, "Don't let that call get to you" that it didn't take... :-) ) I love being challenged. And I love being part of the brotherhood that exists throughout those truly committed to emergency medicine in all of it's forms. I admit to sometimes liking the fact that I get way more credit than I deserve for doing the job that I do. The respect feels great, trying to figure out how to be deserving an impossible challenge. I truly hate the hero bullshit that comes with being a paramedic. Not only when it's bestowed undeserving, but even much more watching others take credit where none is deserved. I love being in the middle of nowhere with no immediate help available. The extra levels of concern and mental grinding that that evokes. I love that I get to/have to think emergent with a constant mix of 'the next few days' thrown in when I'm really not smart enough, or strong enough, or experienced enough to do either well. I then Love, Love, when everything turns out the way I expected despite my deficiencies. I hate being 36hrs from flying home at the end of a 7 week jag without an itinerary because the 9-5ers don't think it's a big deal when or how I get home as long as it happens 'some time within the next 10 days.' But easily my favorite part is being gifted with the friendship of those (of all levels, basic to docs) that believe that they love me by challenging me, that they respect me by making me prove myself, that they work to quell my fears by making me smart enough and strong enough to tackle issues that should be beyond me. Knowing that no matter how stupid I am, nor how bad I screw up, no matter how lost I get, that there are many just waiting to help me find my way as long as I make sure that my medic spirit morally/ethically/emotionally remains intact. A bunch of mushy bullshit, right? :-) Welcome to travel time countdown!! Introspection is kind of part of the process...