EMS: My Observations

As I've called myself a trauma junkie from time to time, many of you have probably wondered why I chose Respiratory Therapy as opposed to Paramedicine. The answer? I honestly don't know.

Nothing is more gratifying to me than managing a patient's airway. It has been said a time or two that, "If you aren't breathing, you aren't doing anything else." I love what I do as a student RT, but I have another love, a new found love, and that is EMS.

Recently, I had the pleasure of doing two separate 3rd rides with a well-known blogger, Epijunky. For those of you who don't know much about EMS, a third ride is basically where you ride along for a day on a truck with two certified Emergency Medical Technicians and observe for a certain amount of time.

Let me tell you-- my experiences on these two separate days were amazing. The first day I rode was basically uneventful. We were working a racetrack and posted outfield in case anything went wrong in the stands. There were no emergencies and no accidents this day, but it allowed me to see what EMS is like on "slower" days. Through working at a hospital for the past 5 years, I've come to realize that slow days can sometimes be just as rough as the busy days-- and if you can handle the slow days where you want to shoot yourself, you know you can do the job.

The second day I rode with Epi and her partner went a little something like this:

1040: Arrived at the station 20 minutes early for the shift.
1045: Truck inspection. We made sure the truck was stocked properly to handle any variety of runs we could take. Checked mileage, fuel level, and made sure the battery and lights were working. Realized we were out of nasal cannulas and C-collars. This would mean a trip to the main station to grab some supplies.
1100: Called dispatch to tell them the truck was in service, but that we'd be swinging by to pick up a few supplies before they gave us a run.
1110: Arrived at main station to restock. Epi and I run upstairs to talk to the boss for some reason, while her partner for the day heads to the supply room. Before she could tell them anything, they blurt out an address. "1157 Main Street. County run. " We run out the door, her partner with supplies in hand. He tosses them into the back of the truck and the doors slam. Trauma Junkie was on his way to his first run ever.
1118: We arrive at the scene, a private residence. The patient is already outside on a stretcher, and the local fire department proceeds to give us report on an elderly patient who fell in his bedroom. He feels dizzy. No history of CVA or TIA, but has chronic back pain. He is boarded and collared. We get him transferred to our stretcher and into the back of the ambulance.
1127: We drop the patient off at the ER. Give report to the nurses, grab a facesheet, and I learn how to make a stretcher. (P.S.- Never unfold the sheet all the way. This complicates things. Don't try to pretend like you know what you're doing to impress a certain girl EMT.)
1130: We're sitting out in the ambulance bay of the ER. Epi's partner is finishing his run report, and I'm drinking a soda. Epi proceeds to make towel rolls. I tell her that looks easy, try to do one, and fail. She laughs at me. "Let me do that." I can't do anything but agree at this point.
1140ish: Back in service. Head back to the station where we first started for the day. I listen as Epi and partner try to make sure they have everything done. Run report? Check. Facesheet? Check. Signatures? Check. Sunglasses? Check. You know...
1150: Arrive back at our station for the day. There's absolutely nothing to do at this point but wait to be called for a run. We turn on the TV and some guy is cooking bacon. They don't get many channels.
1230: Still nothing interesting on TV. I'm tired due to not much sleep the night before, but in no way am I brave enough to try to nap right now. (Yes, you can nap in EMS. Good luck finding time, but you can.)
1315: Spend some time walking around outside the station and checking the TV again. I play on my cell phone for a while. Quiet partner guy is on Facebook and checking prices for Macs. Epi and I both decide we'd like a Mac, but we're broke students, so we will stay Windows people for now. I try to crack a Macintosh joke, but it's really not all that funny. Silence ensues.
1400: I know they run their asses off most days and they're probably enjoying the slow pace of the day, but are we EVER gonna get another run? I think this in my head. I'm wise enough not to say it out loud, because that is when all hell breaks loose.
1430ish: We decide to grab a bite to eat. Before doing this, Epijunky has to call dispatch to ask if they have anything scheduled for us or if it is okay if we go "mobile" for a while. We find out there is a transfer scheduled for 1530, and decide to do it early. We'll eat later...maybe.
1500: Arrive at the hospital. Patient is being taken to a nursing home nearby. We come across your typical, run of the mill, type situation. The family wants to keep the patient alive and in the hospital although there is no medical reason for the patient to remain in the hospital. Etc, etc, etc.
1540: A decision is finally reached and we arrive at the nursing home with the patient.
1545: Back in service. Another transfer-- this time hospital to a hospice facility.
The next two hours and a half hours are spent without returning to the station. All of the runs are transfers, and we keep getting the runs the second we jump back in the truck after dropping the patient off. It's all kind of a blur, but I'd say we did about six runs in this time period.
1800: We finally catch a break. The shift ends at 1900 and we're about 30 minutes from the station. Can it be? Will we get to leave on time?
1802: A dispatcher calls on the radio. They have another transfer and it's out of district for our truck. The other trucks are on runs and are going to be for a while. The transfer is actually scheduled for 1830, but dispatch begs. "If you can get there early, I'm sure you'll still get off on time." I laugh. I've worked in healthcare long enough to know that means we will be getting off late.
1810: We arrive at the patient's home. She's to be transferred to hospice for comfort care. Her daughter is on the phone. The patient is resting in bed, wearing O2. She has a lot of belongings and things. Family wasn't expecting us early, so they are still sorta trying to ready her for her trip.
1845: The patient is in the truck. We proceed to the hospice home. We find construction, rain, and rush hour traffic. A family member is following behind us in their vehicle.
1900: At Hospice. We get the patient situated in bed, find her nurse, and say our goodbyes. Epi and I are both exhausted at this point, and I'm pretty sure her partner is too. We sprint to the truck. It's about 25 minutes back to the station.
1930ish: There are no more runs. We check to make sure everything is in order and that all the paperwork is done. FREEDOM!

Okay, so we didn't get to ride Code 3. There were no traumas. We never flipped the lights or sirens on. There were no chest compressions, no splinting of extremities, no bandaging wounds. So what made it so great?

Well, EMS is like family. In the short period of time that I got to work with Epi's partner, we became good friends. We talked about life, school, relationships, and other things. We were relaxed. Epi made me feel at home. There wasn't a lot I could do as a 3rd rider, basically nothing, but I did get the chance to do a few things, which only further convinced me that I love EMS.

Even when the day began to get stressful, we all kept each other grounded. If short partner guy wasn't cracking a joke when things got tense, I was. If Epi wasn't doing something goofy to keep us from becoming stressed, her partner was. I left my shift that day knowing that I made a difference.

I held hands with an elderly lady who was afraid. I made small talk with an older man who needed the distraction. I spoke to a guy who couldn't speak back, but I knew he could hear what I was saying. I made friends with a few nurses at a few hospitals. I reassured a patient that she was in good hands. I made people smile.

I'm attracted to EMS for the adrenaline rush that comes with coding a patient at 80 miles an hour on the freeway. I'm addicted to trauma. I absolutely love the fact that a 911 run can and sometimes will, challenge everything you know. I love being forced with making a split second decision that could save a life. I love the entire idea of this.

But, you know what? Sometimes it's not about blood and guts. Sometimes, it is about holding hands and reassuring your patient. Sometimes its about talking about the weather. It takes skills to perform during a trauma, but it takes a certain kind of person to have compassion and people skills.

I know that one day I will ride again and I'll see my fair share of emergencies. But, for now, I have seen a different side of EMS. A side I love almost as much.

There are a lot of things I want to do in my future. But after RT school, medic school is next. Maybe I'll work as an RT for a while before I go for my paramedic cert. Or maybe I'll go straight into school for medic after I graduate respiratory school. I may work as both, or I may do one or the other.

Whatever happens, I know that EMS has touched me. And I will touch EMS one day.

Thank you, Epijunky.

Survey Saturday

Yes, it's that bad. I'm bored, was going through a serious spell of blogger's block, combined with a ton of drama lately that has kept me from blogging. So, without further adeu, a meme--



Have I:

Gone on a blind date: Depends. I knew the person through IMs, pictures, and phone calls for about six months before we ever met. But as far as going on a date with someone I've never seen or spoken to, nope.

Skipped school: I skipped way more days than I should have my senior year of high school. In college, it's a different story. I have intentionally skipped a few times, but only if I knew it wasn't an important lecture or a test day or anything. I am really way more responsible with college than I was in HS.

Watched someone die: Yes. My grandpa and more patients than I can count. There were several moments growing up that got me interested in health care, but watching the hospice nurses and aides take care of my grandfather was one of the more defining moments.

Been to Canada: No, but I would love to one day. Hopefully soon.

Been on a plane: I have, and I prefer it to driving if the place I'm going to is more than say, 8 hours away. I hate to stop overnight on a drive, so I usually end up very sleep deprived by the time I get there.

Been lost: All the damn time. I'm directionally challenged and I'll be the first to admit it!

Been on the opposite side of the country: Yes. Minnesota and Ohio on separate occasions. I absolutely loved Minnesota. I'd like to visit and hopefully make a home in Seattle one day.

Swam in the ocean: I've been out in the Atlantic on a boat, but the closest I've come to swimming in an ocean was in the Gulf of Mexico, about five miles from the Texas coastline.

Had your booze taken away by the cops: Nope, to my surprise a few times.

Cried yourself to sleep: Not that I can remember.

Recently colored with crayons: Yep. There was downtime at work yesterday and I was just bored enough to do it. :)

Sang Karaoke: Quite a few times. My dad has a complete karaoke setup at home with over 15, 000 songs.

Paid for a meal with coins only: Every now and then when I forget my wallet or it's close to payday I've been known to use the ashtray change for dollar menu stuff. Lol.

Cheated on an exam: I’ve never cheated on an exam.

Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose: I honestly can't say I ever have...

Caught a snowflake on your tongue: Yes.

Danced in the rain: Nope. But it's something I'd like to do.

Written a letter to Santa Claus: Yup.

Been kissed under the mistletoe: Hmmm. No, actually.

Watched the sunrise with someone you care about: Well I thought I cared about her at the time.

Been arrested: Like handcuffed and put in a cop car? Negative. But I have came extremely close a *few* times. That's another post for another day.

Blown bubbles: All the time when I was younger and now all the time with my little girl. She loves it!

Gone ice-skating: It’s been awhile… But I can count how many times on two hands. I loved it, but there isn't really a place to do it around where I live. Have to drive to Dallas.

Been skinny dipping outdoors: I have.

Favorite drink? Diet Pepsi or coffee

Tattoos? One on my right upper arm. I want several more, but am still trying to decide what I want to get.

Piercings? Right now just my ears. At one time I had my lip pierced, but I had to take it out for a job interview and it closed up.

How much do you love your job? There are those days and those patients that make it worthwhile. There are also those days and those patients that make you feel you should do something different with your life. But for the most part, I love it.

Birthplace? Waco, Texas

Favorite vacation spot? That’s a tough one. Orlando, FL or St Paul, Minnesota.

Ever been to Africa? Nope, but I have a few friends who are nurses on mission trips there right now.

Ever been on TV? In the background of a few news stories.

Ever been in a car accident? Uhmmm. Yeah. More than I'd like to admit. But I've never been seriously hurt or hurt anyone else, and only one was my fault.

Favorite movie? Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile...too many to pick just one.

Favorite holiday? Christmas. Hands down.

Favorite food? Steak baby. T-Bone, Sirloin, NY Strip. Medium or medium rare.

Favorite flower? Never really thought about it, but I like to look at Easter Lillies.

Favorite smells? This is a tough one. The smell of my significant other. The smell you get after it rains. My daughter's hair after a bath. Fresh brewed french vanilla coffee. Salty air near the beach. Clean sheets.

What do you do to relax? Read a good book, write, sit outdoors in a quiet place, or call a good friend.

How do you see yourself in 10 years? I honestly don't know for sure. Obviously, I'll be a Respiratory Therapist by then. But the next move? It's a toss up between paramedic, RN, and medical school. Hell, I may do all three.

Ever been given an engagement ring? Nope, actually. And I was married at one point.

Longest relationship? Just short of five years.

Last gift you received? Guinness pint glasses.

Ever dropped a cell phone? About three million times give or take a million.

When’s the last time you worked out? Yesterday.

First thing you notice about the opposite sex?
If she’s up close I notice her eyes (I’m a total sucker for brown eyes) and her smile. From a distance I notice how she carries herself. Also, I have a thing for tall girls.

One favorite song?
Anything but Mine by Kenny Chesney

Favorite mall store:
Depends on what I’m shopping for. I'm fond of Pac Sun and Journey.

Longest job you’ve had:
My current job, as a CNA/unit clerk, which I've had for about 5 years.

Biggest lie you’ve ever heard:
In response to “How much have you had to drink?” “Just a litttleee bit."

Favorite place to eat with friends?
Ninfa's or Applebees.

Can you cook?
I can cook. I've heard quite well.

Best kiss:
From that certain person...

Last time you cried?:
Sometime this past week.

Most disliked foods:
Artichoke, brussel sprouts, and tomatoes.

Thing you like most about yourself:
I'm a veritable plethora of knowledge, compassion, and determination. Pffffttt.

Thing you dislike most about yourself:
I’m an insomniac. And when I’m tired but can’t sleep, and it’s late my mind tends to run away on me.

Longest shift you’ve worked at a job?:
20 hours straight. NEVER EVER AGAIN, at least not in a hospital.

Can you sing?
Depends on who you ask. I don’t think I’m all that great but some of my biased friends say I am.

Last concert you attended?
Cruefest in Dallas around this time last year.

Last movie rented:
The Haunting

One thing you never leave the house without:
Cell phone(s).

Laptop or Desktop?
I prefer my laptop to my desktop.

Favorite comedian? Carlos Mencia. I LOVE Carlos Mencia.

Do long distance relationships work?:
I'd have to say they can. Forever? I don't think so. But for say...a year or so until both people can be in the same place, yes, it's possible.

How many times have you been pulled over by the police??
Five or six times

How do you like your eggs?
Over medium with wheat or sourdough toast.

Number of pillows?:
Three

Can you play pool?:
I think I can. People say I can. I can't honestly answer because I don't think I've ever played completely sober, but I know I've won quite a bit of money playing a time or two.

Favorite season?
Fall

Best thing about winter?
Cooler temperatures.

Name of your first pet?:
Red, a doberman.

Birthday?
March 8th

What do you want to be?
I’m not sure I know anymore.

Smiling right now?:
Sorta. I'm listening to a male coworker educate a female nurse about why she shouldn't get married...for the fifth time in like the last 6 years.

Do you miss somebody right now?
Very, very much so.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Definitely up north.

Are you in high school?:
Thank God no.

Do you have a harmless crush on anyone?
What's the chick's name from The Notebook? I was forced to watch it once.

Ever been on a cruise?:
Nope... would love to though!

What jewelry are you wearing?
Just my watch.

What are you going to do after this questionnaire??
Probably go take a break from work (LOL) or go find something to do.


Whew. I went there. A meme. Now you know a little bit more about me. I realize it's not the most interesting thing ever, and that most of you are here to read about RT school and other med-related stuff, but gimme a break. I'm exercising my poetic license, and trying to shift the focus of my blog off such serious topics 24/7.

If you're still out there and reading my blog, shoot me a comment and let me know.