Working as a paramedic can be tough, mentally and physically. The number of medics that have left the road due to injury is outstanding. As many as 40% can be on modified/light duties due to injuries at one time.
Most medics can retire after 30 years of service as long as they've reached age 55 (it's actually a combination of age plus years service). Not too many go past 30 years unless it is to reach 55. We do have one medic though that is finally going to retire shortly after 41 years! This video shows him and others doing what we do best. After all these years he can still be caring and compassionate. It's just too bad he's a Habs fan.
Video is slightly graphic due to blood.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's
Well, it's the start of a new year. Everyone that worked last night is getting ready to start their shift. They are probably hoping for a quieter night. New Year's Eve is usually busy. A lot of people are out partying, drinking, romancing and fighting.
Personally I like to work New Year's Eve. All though I'm busy, it can be entertaining as well. Almost everyone is in a good mood. And why not, it's the traditional end of the bad in our lives. We all enter the night knowing that the next day will be a clean start to our messed up lives. Gym memberships will be bought, cigarettes thrown out, and diets started. We may wake up feeling hung over but we think we'll never be back to having that smoke after our big mac super sized meal deal.
Dealing with drunk people can be a chore at the best of times. They come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes: happy drunks, angry drunks, drunks that can't keep their hands to themselves. Everyone has had to deal with them in their lives. Usually though, not all in the same night. Being New Year's, don't forget to add in the amateur drinkers, you know, they only drink on the one night.
When working I can handle them all except the sub-category of the drunk teenage girl. Well below the legal drinking age, she has consumed more than a seasoned drinker would. Not happy to just quietly pass out, she cries, flails, yells, and then vomits on herself. This is promptly followed by a repeat performance. More than likely her friend is with her. Almost as inebriated, the friend is concerned that there is something seriously medically wrong with her friend and we should be doing something to help her. Hmm, maybe I'm glad I was off this one.
As for resolutions, I will try and write here more often, right after I get back from the gym.
Personally I like to work New Year's Eve. All though I'm busy, it can be entertaining as well. Almost everyone is in a good mood. And why not, it's the traditional end of the bad in our lives. We all enter the night knowing that the next day will be a clean start to our messed up lives. Gym memberships will be bought, cigarettes thrown out, and diets started. We may wake up feeling hung over but we think we'll never be back to having that smoke after our big mac super sized meal deal.
Dealing with drunk people can be a chore at the best of times. They come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes: happy drunks, angry drunks, drunks that can't keep their hands to themselves. Everyone has had to deal with them in their lives. Usually though, not all in the same night. Being New Year's, don't forget to add in the amateur drinkers, you know, they only drink on the one night.
When working I can handle them all except the sub-category of the drunk teenage girl. Well below the legal drinking age, she has consumed more than a seasoned drinker would. Not happy to just quietly pass out, she cries, flails, yells, and then vomits on herself. This is promptly followed by a repeat performance. More than likely her friend is with her. Almost as inebriated, the friend is concerned that there is something seriously medically wrong with her friend and we should be doing something to help her. Hmm, maybe I'm glad I was off this one.
As for resolutions, I will try and write here more often, right after I get back from the gym.
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