Life as a Volunteer EMT

If you live in a decent size community, chances are you've come across an ambulance or two at some point, either going the other direction with lights spinning and siren screaming. Maybe you've even had to call for an ambulance for a friend or loved one, or been taken by one yourself. Ever wonder who the patient was and what happened, or if it was you or a loved one, think that those EMTs or Paramedics were the closest person to God when there was a serious problem?

I have been a volunteer EMT for three years now. My wife, for 6 years. We all put our pants on the same way as you do, and yes, at times we too do stupid things that most people would shake their heads over. For myself, and I know my wife too, being an EMT through the years has been a very rewarding and eye opening experience. Sometimes it just kills me (no pun intended) how people hurt themselves and how we lecture them, even though we KNOW that sometimes we make the same mistakes as they just did! Some EMTs have no manners at all. Others are very compassionate, or OVERLY friendly which can be a little sickening for the rest of the crew.

You may wonder why someone would want to be in the emergency medical field, or how they cope with that stress. I wasn't born and raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, so donating to needy people or families was nearly impossible for me, though I really would if I could. I thought that the next best thing as a compassionate person wanting to help people was to get right in there and be the first one to get out of a warm bed at 3am when it's 20 below to help some poor fat guy who was having a heart attack. Nuts? Well, it's sort of a rush. It does have an excitement factor in there. I spent several years in law enforcement working a rural community. Incidentally, that's how I met my wife. On a law enforcement assisted ambulance call. She stalked me after that! HaHa! Who would've guessed. She was already an EMT, and after we started dating, she encouraged me to give it a try. Everybody, well, almost everybody seems to hate cops. Hearing someone say "Thank you" usually warranted a "WHAT?" in response. Yes I loved the work, but felt more fulfilled as an EMT.