It has been quite some time since my last post. This is not for lack of wanting to, it is merely an issue of rediscovering what the blog is all about. I stopped posting mostly because I have been going through a difficult time with EMS. Working in EMS, in one way or another for the past five years, has led me through a roller coaster of ups, down, twists and turns. Alas, what job does not offer these topsy turvy times?
I have recently been inspired to write a little more frequently. My first inspiration came from Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase, my second from White Coat, Black Art. These are both fantastic podcasts if you are interested in hearing the thrills, laughs and silliness of flight attendant life or the inspiring and sobering tales of an ER doc in Canada. When dealing with life, often times it is worth sharing with others and I hope I can bring some of you a little deeper into the world of an EMT-Basic.
I have learned some amazing things over these several long months. I know how to be tougher (like a Sabra), wiser, conscientious, and yes...burned out. Being tough is part of the culture in EMS, fire etc. When they say that certain substances flow down hill, they are not kidding...EMS is the trough at the bottom of the hill; However, respect is not given, it is earned and I am working on the earning part harder than ever.
Internal toughness is one of the most challenging pieces to the puzzle of human nature. We all want to be tough, but what does that word even mean? I love the Hebrew word "Sabra" which means cactus. Sabra is often used to describe an Israeli with many past generations of ancestors in the country, a native Israeli more or less. What intrigues me about a Sabra is the connotation that Israelis are tough and prickly on the outside, but sweet and full of life on the inside. This word does not just apply to Israelis, it applies to EMS as well. The challenge with EMS Sabras lies in how easily a patient or hospital staff can reach the sweetness that lies inside of all of us who are partially closed off to the world at work, yet required to engage it in every way. Communicating with nurses starts, for me, with apprehension over whether or not my report will be good enough for the RN or if I make a mistake how I will be treated. I have learned to just go with the flow. Those who criticize and come down hard on you do it because, in most cases, they are insecure themselves or maybe they had an insecure MD give them a hard time and you present an easy target. The way I see it is this: you can let them tear you apart inside while giving them the sharp needles on the outside; you can show them embarrassment from the outside while staying strong internally or you can do both. The point is, remember that being tough is not about putting other people down, it is about holding yourself to a higher standard than those around you. Remember, this is only for now. Respect is another aspect of toughness that can be easily overlooked, but most of the issues with toughness through respect lie in how one presents him/herself to other people.
TO BE CONTINUED...
