In memory:

It was one year ago today.  Quiet monday morning and my partner on the ambulance just waiting for that call for assistance.  Tones go out and my ambulance crew were dispatch to a Motor Vehicle accident on Rt95 North .  While enroute we always talk about what it could be (bad or good).  When we pulled up on the scene, we turned to each other and said holy shit did a plane crash.  Jump out of the ambulance and started to assist as we were trained.  5 people all thrown from the vehicle all serious injuries.  I called for more help and continued to do what we could do.  Fire trucks, more ambulance, police and bystanders all kicked in to help.  4 Survived and unfortunately 1 passed away.  Why I tell this story and please it is done in all respect for friends and family of the victims.

     The mental attitude you have to have for this type of job is not for everyone.  Yes we go to some calls where I can't believe you called me for this, broken bones, heart attacks, strokes and much more.  To us is all routine most of the time to the person who is having the emergency it can be life changing. Not only is it life changing for  the patient it also for the family and friends of that patient. Us as EMT deal with the stress of the emergency in many different ways.  Some we will never forget.

    When I was in charge on the EMS end of this call I was not only thinking of the patients I had to get to the hospital.  I have to think about my personnel and their needs physically and mentally, knowing which hospital are receiving these patients, what assistance do I have coming in to get this these jobs accomplished.  Do I have other emergencies going on for my ambulance company.  The heaviest thought is can I bring all these patients home to their families.

   I have been master of ceremony for about 10 yrs for the ambulance company I work and volunteer for.  I always set up the schedule of the night and go through the motion, this year this call meant so much to me I stopped in the middle of the program and "talked from the heart"  there is another angel in heaven.  I talked about how you think I am trained in this but what if it really happens can I handle it.  I have never been so proud of myself, my team, local emergency department (fire, ambulance, hospitals, police) and the many citizens who stopped and asked Can I help?  This called went like clock work.  I can do and you know what I do it well (not tooting my own horn) I now want to thank the angels on earth. I thanked each and everyone one who was on that scene and all the services and citizens that assisted.  I spoke of how thankful I am for all of them.  There was a standing ovation.  I had many people who said I have never seen you shoot from the hip like that and it meant alot that I would talk to them without reading off the paper.
 
     The mental condition of emergency services personnel is of strength, courage, and pride.  Go into chaos while others run from it. Next time you see a EMT, Firefighter, police officer or any other emergency worker, thank them for what they do.