EMTing It Up

I finally started working as an EMT and I think I am done with my training. We had a long week and a half of orientation where we mostly sat in a classroom and learned about the company and other stuff. Then we each had to do at least 40 hours of training on the road. So, over the past week I worked 5 shifts as a third rider in an ambulance. They were all on paramedic ambulances so we responded almost exclusively to 911 calls, but none were too serious. I didn't get to see any cool things done, but it was good experience because I won't be on paramedic trucks when I'm working on my own so I will be mostly responding to minor calls anyway. We responded to a couple of car crashes where people didn't get hurt badly, some chest pain calls, a couple diabetic crises, some psych calls, and other random stuff. I was incredibly nervous at first and didn't really talk to the patients and messed up getting vital signs and pretty much looked like I needed a lot more training. Then, it started to click and I got more comfortable, stopped messing up, and now I think I'm ready to be on my own. I even got to drive fast with the lights and sirens to a couple of calls, that's pretty fun except that people don't move out of the way for ambulances and even cut us off sometimes. So, now that I am officially working on ambulances, watch out if you have an emergency in Springfield! Maybe you'd get lucky and David and I would both respond, haha.

I also started my internship at Tapestry Health, but I just started this week so I am still not sure exactly what I'll be doing. I know I'll be working with their case manager who helps HIV positive people in Springfield find primary care physicians, money for their meds, food pantries, and other things they might need. I'll probably help him with some administrative stuff and hopefully end up helping with his clients a bit. I'll also be helping out with outreach events when I can. Everyone I've met there so far is really nice and its pretty laid back. I think I'll like working there.

So that's the update on my life. I can't wait to see everyone for Christmas!