First Day

I did my first shift as an EMT and I survived it. Other people survived also. More importantly, I think I love doing this work. And I don't use the term 'love' very often. Ok, so I've only done one shift... But based on that one shift, that's how I feel. Love.

The shift began at 7:15 am at the police precinct. I met the crew there: Maggie, an EMT and an ambulance driver who has worked in the field for the past 6 years, and PJ who has 1 year experience. We picked up our radios from the cops and headed out to the ambulance.

The most serious call we got throughout the day was an MVA, motor vehicle accident, on the upper west side. The driver was hurt and we had to assess him for trauma injuries, and of course, we followed New York state protocols... We stabilized his spine by putting a c-collar around his neck and strapping him onto the long board. We lifted the longboard up onto the stretcher (heavy, heavy, heavy) and wheeled the patient over to our ambulance.

Cops controlled traffic and tourists took our picture as we rushed by. I felt like a total rock star. How cool is this?? And I love wearing the stethoscope around my neck too. Back to the story. In the ambulance we continued with standard protocol, taking vitals etc and we gave him high concentration oxygen via non-rebreather mask. His vital signs improved as we approached the hospital where we dropped him off with more trained medical personnel - doctors and nurses and such.

Yeay, I want to learn more. My partners were great coaches for me throughout the whole day since the first day (on any job) I feel completely clueless. But I started to get the hang of it! For real. And I love wearing the uniform and all the equipment. Ok I'll stop now.