Moral Support

I came across a wreck on the way home from medic school today. I pulled over and checked everyone out. No major injuries, just a mother and grandmother worried about the safety of their newborn. They were understandably nervous, but thank God that they actually had the little guy properly restrained. The grandmother was thanking me and gave me a hug before I had her sit down and keep still. Once local EMS arrived, I helped secure everyone and load ‘em onto the rig.

When I got home I started thinking, I always hear people talk about looking for the “big one.” That one crazy wreck or event when all hell breaks loose. I admit I have been guilty of hoping to see some bad stuff at times, but I realized today that I was even more happy just to be a guy there for what amounted to emotional support and reassurance. I know that time will do its best to strip this empathy from me as I have seen it do to others, and I hope it is not naïve to think I can avoid it.

Too often we see medics and EMTs render physical aide but withhold emotional support. I find that weird because a majority of calls are not major, and emotional support is probably the only thing the patient really needs. People are not used to being in/seeing the things we see, so it is understandably jarring to be involved in a wreck or have chest pain, etc. We know that it is minor, and far too often we do a poor job at relaying that information.

I know that there are many EMTs and medics that are supportive in a human way, but I also see those on the edge of burnout that are just plain mean. I guess what I am trying to say is that I hope I never become one.

P.S. My arms look like I have been shooting drugs for the last week from IV practice. My veins are seriously praying that my classmates and I get proficient enough to stop practicing on one another. =)