Emergency Response Portraits
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The Paramedic
Where I’m from the average career span for a paramedic is 7 years. At that point we usually move on to something else in a similar field or take advantage of the many doors that have opened up for us. Many of us just quit and move onto something completely different. I’ve been a paramedic for 14 years and looking back on my time I’ve noticed I’ve gone through distinct stages as I’ve moved through the years.
As a new graduate medic I had a huge sense of accomplishment and along with that came an arrogant sense of superiority. That quickly vanished after a few hot calls where I had no idea what to do, this is where I learned to appreciate an experienced EMT partner, they have saved my butt on several occasions. For the next two years I lived in a state of fear as I cringed every time the tones went off. Eventually by years 3 – 7 I felt comfortable in my responsibilities of being the paramedic on my ambulance. After year 7 even hot calls became mundane and it seemed nothing could get me excited about my job anymore.
As the years went by my ‘know it all’ attitude began being replaced with ‘the more you know the more you realize you don’t know’ mindset. The tragedy and hardship started building up to point where I fear I’m on the doorstep of becoming an old burned out medic. My question to all the EMT’s and Medics who have over 15 – 20 years under their belt is what happens now? How did you get past the burned out stage of this job. How do you still recognize the fun and excitement after doing this for so many years? I would really like to know.
DanSun
Mike Tarbox
on October 25, 2019I've been serving since 1993. Went to Paramedic school in 1995. My mantra is learn something new, everyday. Whether looking up a medication while completing QA/QI, taking a new course, CME's, what have you. I thoroughly enjoy my job, my partners and co-workers, and the company I currently work for. And while I no longer get excited about the tones for the call, I think that comes with maturity in this career path that we have chosen.
Kevin Jay Kennedy
on February 22, 2016To last for the long haul which in my case is 36 years and running, you must believe in a power greater than yourself. Avoid judgment. Remember you're trained, the majority of the public we serve are not. Many that call us may not really need us, but were just afraid. Help them and be glad you were able. Work for the people you serve and work beside. Know, and genuinely believe what your doing is still worthwhile despite what the misinformed may say. Take pride in what you do, and encourage those around you. Never miss an opportunity to praise good work, and avoid unnecessary criticism. Remember that the dynamics of the job are more often about accidents, mistakes and bad decisions, and no one who has spent any length of time doing it can lay claim to perfection. Finally, Thank God everyday you still have the ability to serve.