Thoughts on EMT

It’s now almost a month since I completed the EMT-B course and have been thinking about the experience and what I learned.

Over the years, I have taken CPR many times. And for diving I have take Emergency First Responder (EFR).

EMT was obviously much more intensive.

I highly recommended everyone having their CPR certification at a minimum. Preferably with EFR.

In fact, for those that have time, I think EMT is a good investment in understanding the human body and the skills that are necessary to help save a life. That could be a stranger or a loved one. Some communities offer free classes. And it may be available at low cost at your community college.

The experience taught me much about some common ailments for the young and old.

I’m much more appreciative of those with severe allergies. (If you have one, if you don’t have a current Epi-Pen, get it updated).

Likewise, I have a better understanding of diabetes and simple to ways to aid some one in diabetic distress.

As for chronic heart and lung illnesses, the training was a real eye opener. The ways we age and the conditions we find ourselves when we don’t take care of each other.

Which leads me to the philosophy of EMS services.

Essentially EMS is designed to give service to anyone with no questions asked, regardless of their ability to pay. A public service.

And that’s expensive. So in the end we end up paying lots of money for a select few that abusive themselves. Or the system. Or both.

I struggle with the system. Is there a way to incentivize behavior that leads people away from needing this type of service chronically? I don’t know. But I’m as equally horrified if the society or, worse, the government started picking who can receive treatment or not. I don’t know.

There is real cynicism in our EMS communities because it can be abused. I heard this cynicism first hand in the stories of repeat Overdoses being treated over a period of time before that person got someone else killed And cynicism from people that abuse their bodies with with alcohol and tobacco to the point where they are falling apart. Or from accidents from “stupid human tricks.”

And then there is the heart stopping fear that you see in the eyes of someone that thinks they are dying. That weight is heavy for these EMT/Paramedics.

I tip my hat to the police, firefighters and EMS services. It’s a low paying profession that is exposed to much risk, witness such waste and stupidity and unbelievable suffering. These professional practitioners deserve our thanks.