So when I go and think about what made me choose the path I'm on right now a lot of things come to mind. Firstly why I joined the Fire Service. I grew up in the service, my father has been a Firefighter for near 20 years now. I remember late at night hearing the pager going off and my dad running out the door, not really knowing what was going on or truly what my dad was risking to keep us safe and everyone around me. I remember trips down to the fire station and seeing the engines and all the guys and this tight knit family. When I got older my focus drifted from the department to other things such as school, and trying to succeed in life. My parents telling me get high grades so you can get into college. After many years now I have graduated high school, and am one of the working class. Then one of my friends says he has just joined the sister station to my fathers. The Fire Department has come back to me, as my friend says that I should join up (knowing of my dad and the fact he is in the department as well). Well I sat back for a few weeks thinking it over and thinking about what a Firefighter does. It was then that I realized all the passion I have had for the department never died, or went away. Some people believe in destiny and I'm not sure about it, what I am sure of is that I found my calling. One year later I was a certified firefighter and had a new respect for my father and what he put up with over the past 15 years in order to keep my mom, brother, sister, and me safe.
Another 2 years go by, among which I toss the idea of joining a squad and becoming a certified EMT. There were several reasons I thought about becoming an EMT. Originally I thought it would be an excellent skill to have and use as a career firefighter, which is one of my goals in life. Then I found something, while searching the internet for facts and info on becoming an EMT I found this blog http://happymedic.com. I began reading the stories, and learning about these ideas of EMS 2.0 and the Chronicles of EMS (from what I heard from people I know some crazy idea of a Geordie coming from across the ocean, to learn from a Firefighter/Paramedic about his system, and vice-versa (while recording the interactions and making a TV show from the experience). Reading Marks blog http://999medic.com and seeing the experiences that he has as well as being directed to other EMS related sites such as http://ambulancedriverfiles.com/, http://www.msparamedic.com, http://jeramedic.com/, and there are many others that I subscribe to but seeing as I'm writing this while at my friends house with no internet I don't have the links to them at the moment (no one think I forgot about you). From these blogs I realized another passion and that is to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. So I joined a volunteer squad and will work my way up from there. So now I am soon going to be going to school for my EMT-B and then spending time perfecting my BLS skills. Once I feel I am ready I will then work on becoming a paramedic.
Yes I know this is a long post and I may have been rambling but I think I owe a thank you to all of you (as well as my dad) already in the field making changes so that I can become a proficient EMT. Hopefully I can do something to inspire someone like this myself one day, as well as become good friends with most of you that I follow and message on twitter. So as it gets late and I have to get up early tomorrow for a physical for my new job. I will bid you guys good night and stay safe.
Thank you all
-Andrew
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we're so excited that you're now a part of our community! I am humbled that someone actually reads what I ramble about. :) It's been great getting to know you so far, and I can't wait to read more about your journey in EMS. Whenever you need help, just let us know! We're here for ya! :)
ReplyDeleteWell sir, you are very welcome. I am happy that all of us (the EMS blog community) helped you to find your passion. But I'd argue that "passions, life callings", or whatever you want to call them tend to make them selves known in one way or another. If it wasn't you friend and the blogs, it would have been something else.
ReplyDeleteYou have great goals, and I don't doubt you'll accomplish them. As I said in my last comment "be patient." There are things that I wanted to do a few years ago that has only come about recently. But as much as I wanted it then, I wasn't ready. When the time is right, the right things happen.
To repeat MsP "Whenever you need help, just let us know" We are always happy to help. (maybe it's our hero complex ;-)