Relish

As a vertically challenged (5'3'', 115lbs) female, how much should I be concerned with the standard Calgary stair test? I work in the hospital and do nothing but run the unit for 8 hours, so I'm not out of shape. I also lift and transfer patients daily, but as for a regular gym routine, I have none! Should I be concerned about passing the stair test in my condition, should i be looking at "bulking up"? Thoughts? Thanks!

I have one that was included in my course for Nursing Assistant. It's a "Prestige Medical" whatever and whoever the heck they are, dual tubing and dual headed. The thing KILLS my ears and hurts like hell. I've always had trouble hearing with it, but always wrote it off as inexperience. Then the thing got wet, I can't even find MY heart beat on it. Would that have ruined it for good? Not sure how far the water got into it, but if it's that bad, could that be the problem? I would love to spend money on one that's worth it, but that's just not the financial world that I live in right now(!)....what would be recommended for half the price of a Littman? Of course it won't be as good, but as others have said, as long I can hear what I need to....

Simply, there is alot going on, it will take time to get used to it. When I worked in the ER, I thought i already had a tough skin for blood and weird situations. Turns out I didn't! I didn't pass out, but thought I was going to when I watched the doctor inserting a chest tube..(you have to rip the muscle, not cut it, so he was knuckle deep in this kids chest wrenching around like crazy.) Some things will get to you, others won't, it's only natural. As for the anxiety that has continued, as was mentioned, it becomes self-fulfilling , if you continue to tell yourself "don't pass out, don't pass out...."you will essentially...pass out! Yes, focus on the situation and on the patients condition, not your own, then you can't get all wrapped up in your own feelings. I hope it gets better for you!

I really don't know where to start on this one. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The part that is getting me the most are those that say anyone with an "unstable mental past" should avoid this profession like the plague. What caused that person to be "unstable" earlier will be a completely different scenario than what they are dealing with in their work. So yes, perhaps they became depressed maybe even suicidal over the death of a close family member or friend or were stuck in a spot in life where they just didn't know where to turn. If they are recovered why should they not be in EMS? How is dealing with death in the field or making a bad call on a medical situation going to lead them directly to suicide? Personally I think they are two totally seperate issues. These are not the issues that they were suicidal about in the past. You also mention that this job can lead some of the best EMS to suicide, so it's not for the weak at heart. SO, if someone so great can suddenly go wrong, why can't someone who was so lost become clear again? As for how to deal with these patients in your car, yes the girl with the webcam should have had it shoved down her throat,it's people like her that create the stereotype. But those who are seriously in a state of apparently unreturnable depression, NEED YOUR HELP. Yes, suicide is a selfish act, but not in the way we know selfish. Depression leads you to a seriously horrible place where the illness takes over and all you can see is the bad. It would be wonderful if they were able to see how it'd affect their family and friends, and they know their act is not likely to result in a party. However, these people can't stand life anymore-if not for themselves, then of course not for others! Suicidal Depression is a totally encompassing illness, you are a horse with the blinders on and all you see is darkness, there is no hope. Of course those of us outside know there is hope, that's why we have to deal with these people as human beings in pain who need a helping hand and someone to care. Once they are suicidal, they can't help themselves, as EMS we are there to help people, these are people who need help, just like everyone else.

I can understand the worry with an EMS worker who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or god-forbid actions, due to stress with the job. However, what is the opinion on someone who has had a suicide attempt prior to enterting the industry? Do you view this as a weakness or as a life experience that now helps you to deal with those you encounter in the same situation? I will spill the beans here, I have previously attempted suicide, damn near succeeded. It has been a few years since then and I now have my "crap" together so to speak. I am now just beginning my career in the EMS Industry and I see my experience as a benefit. Perhaps some of you would be afraid to work with me knowing my history, but should you be? I don't think so. I believe that anyone that makes it through an experience like that can only come out on top, you can't "NOT" learn from it. You re-evaluate you life inside and out and decide what is truly important. Hence why I am pursueing this career. I have worked in the ER and every shift we had at least one suicide attempt, and am now working in a Neuro-Rehab unit where a few of the patients are trying to recover what's left of their brains from their attempt. I personally think that my own experience with suicide and how it feels to "be in that state of mind" gives me a huge advantage over the other staff who don't understand this fragile state. I'm no psychiatrist, but I have been able to connect with many of these patients and have been able to be there for them and know what to say and what not to say to be most beneficial. Sorry, I start to ramble, bottom line, brushes with suicide are looked at as such a horrible thing that no one wants to discuss or get involved with, but the reality of it is, life is difficult. And to come out on top of a situation like that doesn't come without a higher sense of being and purpose in life. Don't look down on these people, they may have had a glimpse into a world you have no idea about.