I didn’t get hired at my fire department, but I am #1 on the list.
The decided NOT to hire a medic, even though we’re short a medic and we’re calling in per diem guys and racking up overtime like nobody’s business.
Eh. Oh well.
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I’m a new medic. I’m still learning.
I learned that, contrary to what they taught us in medic school, you CAN push Adenosine through a 20g in a patients hand and convert SVT with only 6mg. Crazy stuff. My instructor told us that 6mg “never works”.
Guess what? It worked like a champ.
I also learned that I should be a little more aggressive with sedation when I manage vented patients. The 3mg/hr of Versed that was dripping into my patient when I picked him up at the ED to transfer him to another hospital wasn’t enough to keep him comfortable. Once I bolused him with another 2.5, he stopped bucking the tube. His son thanked me over and over at the ICU. “He’s been fighting that tube for hours. Thanks for giving him something.”
I learned that just having a Paramedic patch on my uniform doesn’t mean I know anything, even though people think I do.
I learned that really sick patients can scare me, and I need to be on my game.
My education is just beginning. The paramedic course was only scratching the surface. I will continue to learn.
I’ll never stop.
After a month or so, I think I’m getting back into the swing of things. It’s been a little unsettled in my world, but I’m feeling much better.
My fire department is hiring, looks like it’ll be a medic and I have a good shot at landing that spot. I’m still not sure I want the job, but having the option sure is nice.
I just started as a medic with a company that does ALS interfacility and it’s been GREAT! Lots of training, lots of opportunity and they treat the medics like gold. I’ve seen some really sick people and it’s an awesome learning experience for me. Next on the list for me is CCEMT-P. I’m fascinated by the Critical Care transports.
I got a new dog, and she’s great. Having a hound around really improves my mood.
Antidepressants. Awesome. ‘Nuff said.
There are still some downsides. I’m really working on getting in shape. The fire stuff just continues to kick my ass. Unlike some of the guys that can do this job like it was nothing, I’m not a great fireman. I’m still slow as hell when it comes to throwing packs and an afternoon of hose evolutions leaves me wiped out. But, I’ll get there.
My personal life is getting better. Lots of stuff to think about and work through. Good friends help with the bad days.
I’ve missed writing here, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the horse.
