When I thought about writing this article initially I had so much to say that I feared this would become a novel instead of a succinct blog piece; maybe it should be. Ultimately, as I work on finishing my writings, looking at the clock sneak past 7am, I realized I just didn’t have the energy or desire to put more into writing this right now which is coincidental cause that sounds similar to how my career in EMS went over the years lol. Some would call it burnout while the rest of us call it par for the course. Over two decades in, I have placed myself in a semi-retired state for years although as we emergency providers know, your life as an EMT-Medic never stops, and you only fully retire when it’s your “last call” and you’re on your way to the next spiritual realm that you spent your career trying so hard to keep people away from. Light, darkness, it’s all relative.
From saving countless lives to fixing boo boo’s, wiping tears, listening intently, driving an ambulance like you stole it, and everything in between. Or the worst outcome, failing miserably, losing someone’s life and having to tell family there was nothing more you could do, even though likely, you kept pushing and pushing hoping for a miracle that would never come. It has been a widely known fact among many in the profession and unknown among many on the outside, the harsh realities, the sacrifice, the stress, the exhaustion in every way imaginable and so much more that go unseen and forgotten by damn near everyone.
Not PD, Not FD but EMS!
Many would be shocked to realize just how it really is. Any opportunity I have gotten over the years to educate others in a brutally honest fashion I have taken so they know the truth; after all it will set you free. Many are usually stunned silent, as they should be, they had no idea. The 24+hrs shifts sometimes on zero sleep, eating junk if eating at all, the time away from home that rips apart lives, relationships, families, etc. The minimum wage pay, the hurt back and knees, the shot nerves, continuing education, the bulletproof vests in more recent years and ungrateful attitudes abound from so many that you eventually spend your days wondering why you decided on this career path/lifestyle in the first place and what the fuck you were thinking just trying to help strangers in need.
Well, you didn’t think, you just do; that’s what we do.
First responders choose every day to dive into the unknown, the unsafe, scary, stress-filled situations all for the greater good. It’s a calling, but whether from a higher power or demons below lol one would still not be entirely sure. But what we can be sure about is it definitely takes a special person to work in this field and thankfully there have been many and still are many nowadays that have chosen to be public servants and continue to do so every day, even those just starting out; bless their hearts & souls lol. From PD responses, shootings, accidents, etc; we are there! Fires, wildfires; we are there! Disasters, terror events, etc; we are there! We are everywhere, and working just as hard and tirelessly yet where’s the thanks? Better forget that like your next raise! It’s okay though, we really aren’t complaining too much, I mean we got plenty sarcasm, sadistic jokes and rhetoric to last us at least another day’s sanity and rightfully so; we’ll make it, how bout you? 😉
Now every year, we are one of many career endeavors that get “celebrated” for an entire week… (can you sense my sarcasm again cause it’s there, kinda like stepping in a pile of shit). The celebration, while a lovely gesture that is slightly appreciated, honestly IMHO feels more like a slap in the face and yet a joke in the grand scheme of things where everyone once again pretends to give a damn and/or we get lumped in with everyone else who gets praise on the daily. Hey, newsflash; we are out own separate entity. Yes, there are FF’s, even LEO’s who are also EMT’s, but reality is, most never wanted that extra title and sadly they are not always thrilled that they were forced by states, governments to be dual responders but… that’s a story for another time. Little old us, the ones making scraps, taking crap and busting ass like no other… Who are you again? Easier to just dismiss like the other 358 days of the year and thanks for the gracious thought but really, you can keep it and just toss me an ice pack for my bruised ass and ego. But on the flip side, we also know there are people out there who do care. The brothers and sisters we made family, have never been just co-workers or partners, they became blood. The children we’ve delivered or saved, the hearts we were able to help regain beating, the overdose reversed, the suicide prevented, and the hundreds of other things we are skilled & called to do and perform at a moment’s notice all to assist you, your loved ones and whomever else no matter your race, religion, criminal background or other… We know some of your heartfelt, sincere thanks whether spoken or by letter. Or in the looks on your faces, the squeeze of your hugs that meant something to us that we have never forgotten and take with us on each and every call just to make it through another shift, another year and beyond; always make us proud, cause it’s not all for nothing.
While I may eventually spill more of my deepest thoughts and feelings about EMS as a whole and my career in it, I think for now this article rant sums it up best by reminding everyone just what 911 truly costs and your respect, gratitude and compassion go a long way and should always be a two-way street, one in which an ambulance has surely traveled time and time again. All the best to you and stay safe out there! But, if you do manage to fall down and go boom, don’t worry, we got you!
EMS Week 5/15/2022-5/21/2022
To all my EMS family near and far, active, retired or onto other career paths… My love to you.
This year I am also going to give a big thanks to myself for all my hard work too; gotta start somewhere! 💙
© 05/15/22 Renee Lopez
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