I've walked away from this 3 times by just letting my certifcation lapse but now I feel this renewed spirit to get back into the field again , take the good and the bad and stick with it . I got a lot of work to to do like becoming an associate instructor at the college's EMS training program and becoming a field supervisor or administrator .
It is very hard. when going through class to get my EMT basic certs they would never stop talking about burn out. i have been a EMT for a year now and i can see why they never do. They are preparing us for the long hours and little sleep we get. All for doing what we love and love helping other people. I have days i dont get to sleep before i run to the full time job from a night of running EMS.
@decked06 ditto. When it sucks is the day you realize there is stranger you've never seen before staring back at you in the mirror or that you've spent the last month being a jerk to your wife and kids for what to them seems like no reason at all
This October marks two years in EMS and three years in Fire for me. I love it more and more as I go on. But I can't help but notice the Medics with bad attitudes at 2am for the obese cancer patient that is semi-responsive. Or the irritation brought forth by the upset pet on the other side of the room. EMS isn't for everyone, you have to have a strong back and even stronger heart to do it. I applaud you and thank you for the years you put forth.
I was an EMT in NJ for two years while getting my paramedic and the more i get into the job the more i love it. I have now been in EMS for about three years and it is extremely hard. The worst thing is when someone asks so what is the worst thing you've seen. I have seen people burn alive in front of me. I have seen 20 year old guys i went to high school with get into car accidents and i had to do trauma CPR (Which is extremely futile). Its all emotionally hard and there is no sugar coating it.
I have said it before, and I will say it again here, Emergency Medical Service, paid or volunteer, is not a profession...it is a way of life. It takes a special person to do the job, to ride the roller coaster of the highs and lows associated with the job, the frustrations and excitement. Is it easy, well, that depends on the person you are. For me, it has been 15 fantastically fun filled, rewarding, often taxing years of true contentment in the job I do. Not who I work for, but the job I do
I provide medical aid in public events and for sports teams.
I can only say that what I deal, even stuff people would consider bad, isn't close to what the professional EMS providers go through. I have great respect for these first responders.
I provide medical aid in public events and for sports teams.
I can only say that what I deal, even stuff people would consider bad, isn't close to what the professional EMS providers go through. I have great respect for them
The fact is that most medics, firefighters, and EMS personel could qualify for food stamps.... Yet they are in charge of saving your life. They see things that movies can not even compare to in real life. Puke, blood, and amputations, sometimes on a daily basis. Death, old and young, and many things that make you say "WHY?" Yet we keep moving on because we "love it," we feel great pride in what we are doing for you and our community, and we love helping others out above ourselves.
hard to explain but i do my job the best i can even on the most bullshit call. But people dont know what we go through its rlly hard. And we dont do it for the money look at all the vols out there. great vid
This video is incredible! I'm going to school to be a paramedic and its amazing how underrated and unnoticed they are. I still can't wait to help save people though!
I've been a medic for 12 years now & there are days where all i wanna do is close my eyes & forgot all the pain & suffering that my eyes have seen, but than my shift rolls around & i put on my uniform, go out & do my best for every patient & family with whom i cross paths & i think of how lucky i am to have had the opportunity to touch peoples' lives. I think it takes true guts to walk away from something that u love, i wish u all the best with wherever life has taken you. Jenn
Great video editing! I'm a dispatcher in Canada and don't envy what my medics see and go through, its hard enough dealing with all the politics in a comm centre and then only "hearing" the scene! I'm 23 (have been doing this going on 5years) and won't be doing it my whole life ! I wish you well with wherever life takes you, it takes a lot of balls to walk away from something even if you know its not right!
Our knees hurt, our backs hurt...everything hurts...just to get up again and do it all over again to be told we were too slow, we didn't do something right and that in general we weren't good enough no matter if the outcome was good or bad. I question if there is any good out there anymore. Poor pay, poor management, no social life, no real family time. I'm starting year five...I question it everyday if it's worth it. Then you look at your patient and somehow it matters.
I hope you find peace. I am only 24 and realize I most likely will not be able to spend my life working in EMS. It has tested every ounce of faith I have. Highly rewarding, severely under appreciated.
Have some respect for people who spend sometimes their entire lives doing this job to protect people like you. Honestly, until something happens to you, I doubt you will show appreciation for the people who do this job.
I know what you're feeling brother. I'm a RN-CCEMT-P on a MedEvac in NC. Don't ever forget all of us paramedics are there for each other. Stay safe always.
Although I am not an official medically trained staff person, or whatever, most of my family are somewhere in the medical career, and I've been part of st john ambulance for so many years; I know what it's like to get pissed off, stressed out and think " i quit."
Respect, great vid! Showing quite good the reason why it is that tough to be an EMT. Respect! With greetings from Germany, hope you had some good moments as an EMT too ;)
and seeing that flag hanging by an aerial is one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through especially if it's someone from your crew, then you think why wasn't I at work that day, could I have saved them or would I be with them right now
i am one of the trained first responder in our town and it is very stressful because of what you see and do. however i was relieved because my family is there to support me.
God bless you brother, friend. I really hope you reconsider but as a fellow EMT, I stand behind you 100%. We are a family and must stand behind each other. Smcner, thank you for your service.
I know the video is a year and a half old, and you more than likely let your license lapse... But for those of you who are on the job, really reconsider before you do anything drastic... Think of the time that you put into this job. Yeah, it sucks at times, pay sucks, you get fat, theres a lot of ass time... But when push turns to shove, you are making a difference...
Dramatic? Don't do anything dramatic? Way to come off like an asshole. Stress is nothing to push off. I ignored it for a long time. I was actually watching videos of flash flooding when I came upon this, and something about firefighters drinking tea. I've been known to take long breaks from EMS. My body tells me when it's too much, usually by bleeding out. Even a positive attitude can't outdo stress.
Dramatic? Who said dramatic? How about you read before you respond... I said drastic. Lets face it, yes EMS is hard. It changes who you are but look at the good you are doing. Stress, yes I know about it... I have taken breaks from EMS as well, but I returned. I knew what I needed to do. As far as me being an asshole, your not the first to call me that, you won't be the last.
Please refresh your license. Take a break but refresh. We've lost too many experienced people between burnout & LODD. I let my license lapse in '05' & after 3 yrs of deluding myself I realize there's nothing else I want to do.I'm now retaking basic course.Yeah this job sucks sometime but there's ) like it. Please reconsider.
Does any one want my P-number and card? im kinda over it, 1:40 is what i look like when i used to get called for 300 lbs CPR at shift change! lol. Joking aside, very nice video and made me kinda miss the penalty box, thanks for the memories!!!! best time of my life was cruising the streets of san diego at the age of 21 with a medic card, it was sorrel!
CONT. and overall stress of the job, that after so many years of doing it,if noone if going to properly take care of yoiu,why should you be requiredto take care of others.He basically said once you realize this,its hard to care for others when so much is being demanded out of you and whenyou cant even pay your bills(even beforethis recession)with your check,the thought of doing good wears thin real quick andits time to leave EMS before you hurt yourself or get in trouble.Ive heard this alltomuch
He is all to right about that. As most of the people that have commented on this video know, the demands from this profession are almost unworldy, and the price we all pay to do it is high. The one thing that gives me comfort in all of this is a conversation I had with my 11 yr old son after a day of bad calls. He knew I was upset, and asked why I do the job I do. The only response I could come up with was, "Because I can. Not everybody can do this." The price is high, but we keep going.
I will never forget this sayingfromi a paramedic i talked with while doing my Cardiac Monitoring unit shift for medic school.He was working their(medics can work at cardiac monitoring units) .He said he used to work a 911 EMS dept. but left a few years ago to work at the CMU.I asked why.He said>>>'I got sick of patient contact".I was struck by this so i ask him to clarify,and he said between the low paying stressful jobs with no benefits,horrible supervisors,ungodly hours,awful fellow"EMTS"
It is a hard job, and it is easy to get burned out. I never even smoked a cigarette til I started this job. It's hard, physically and mentaly. Dealing with death every week, being away from family and friends. You've nailed what it's like to come home after work. My family and friends say they don't know me anymore. They say I'm angry and tired all the time. Maybe I am, and I don't see it. Don't get me wrong, I love my job.
You need to quit if it is changing you. Jobs not for you! I have worked EMS and now Fire! Go fire if you are burning out. The Ambulance will kill you! 20 years on a box is dog years like 100 years being on a engine company
Working part time in a skilled nursing facility and putting in 36 hours a week there, and then working part time in EMS doesn't help anything. I put in over 100 hours last week in both departments. We are short staffed in our EMS Service, and I'm always getting called in for transfers and covering calls and shifts for someone. I really need to quit working as a CNA and just focus on EMS, but I need more money in the bank before I can afford to do that.
Oh, one more thing - we all work in the same field, deal with the same shit and definitely don't get paid enough. We will never get the respect of fire or PD - people will never wave at the passing ambulance and we will never get recognition. That is not why we are here - I dont know about you, but I could care less about medals or parades. But, as someone said earlier, we are a family of bastard child - what good does it do to fight each other, seriously?
LOL - though I don't feel it is necessary to defend myself, I was a medic, LA Fire guy. 4 years in upstate NY as a CC (though then again, you may consider that to be a glorified Intermediate) we were the only ALS in a county of high crime rates and infant mortality - gotta love upstate NY. And though the paramedic ego may get the best of you, its the same ego that screwed me in the end when I moved to the city to find out I couldn't be a medic anymore. Anyway, first time I got the Bobby Caffey..
Being a basic is whatdrives some people to burn out more so because depending on where they work they are the ones intubating,shocking,checking sugar levels,monitoring pulse ox ,bagging splinting,bandagingand doing all theEKG& IV stuff except the actual stickand interpretation while the medic does paperwork and takes credit.Not the medic I strive to be.Some areas run only basic crews w/no als backup.Remember medics,take away what a basic knows from a medic and you willbe one useless paramedic.
Something to consider for those who get burned out >>always remember that there is sometimes a distinct difference between the company/dept. you work for and your job.Dont hesitate to distinguish the two when you start feeling the wrong kind of burn.And LAfireguy,your comment about basics shouldnt be able to burn out makes little sense.They should wait spend1-2 years in school then wait to get burned out?
Its OK man, I was wondering what I did to piss you off, lol. I have been doing this for a few years now and I made a few salty joke, sorry if I made you upset!
I just had a very bad day. I want to quit, but your film has made me want to keep going! I don't know what happend to make you burn out, but I know it is hard. From one EMT to another "Do No Harm". We do the best we can, and that's all we can do. Don't give up, move on, do something else, but don't give up the chance to come back to it if you want to. We do make a diffrence. "You go we go".
You are a EMT-Basic and you are burned out? If you are a Basic and burned out already, you need to find another career. You should be amp up to run calls and get slammed with cpr, shootings, cp, sob, MVA, all of that!
Funny thing is, LA, head over to NYC - 98% of jobs go BLS - arrests - BLS, all trauma - BLS, stroke - BLS, abdominal pain - BLS, etc. When i put time on a City ALS unit we did 5 calls in 8 hours in the Bronx. Sure, some get a dual response, but with 100 something medic trucks and double or triple that BLS your gonna be extended or canceled. We all start out as Techs...dont forget where you came from - i know it can be hard from that warm bed and cozy station...
I'm not knocking anyone. Firefighters get more than enough recognition, respect and compensation. But lets make no mistake about it - who is dropping tubes, administrating life saving medications, recognizing an ST elevation and calling in the alert, etc., etc.? The point is we should and need to be on par with FD and PD in terms of compensation, respect and recognition. Right now, there is no incentive to go to school for 2 years to be a medic or even go to tech school.
Maybe it's different over here in LA, but the only reason anyone becomes an EMT is to become a firefighter or a firefighter/paramedic in the long run.
your wrong my friend I'm in training to be an EMT because I want the chance to help make someones life better. So saying people only become firefighters is a typical response from a "high and mighty" firefighter. I've got a few in my class I know your kind. I've proven them wrong on more then one instance
I'm going to continue school not for the "rewards" but simply because I want the chance to make a difference even if at the end of the day its given to police or firefighters.
I love this video. As a Jr. Firefighter, I know how it is to have the stress that come with this job. I know how he fells about losing some one important. We went to a fire and we lost 4 men during the fire. This song to me is like a tributie to all of our fall and never forgoten firefighter & paramedics.
Does any one want my P-number and card? im kinda over it, 1:40 is what i look like when i used to get called for 300 lbs CPR at shift change! lol. Joking aside, very nice video and made me kinda miss the penalty box, thanks for the memories!!!! best time of my life was cruising the streets of san diego at the age of 21 with a medic card, it was sorrel!
Very good video. I liked it alot. Im a Jr. Firefighter at the moment and every medical call i go on makes me feel sick, from people trapped in totaled cars, to people wanting to end their lives. I can handle this, but I'm worried for every one else, for the guys who cant take it. I under stand your position and i just want to thank you for serving in a service some people feel they dont need. Thank you.
Thank you, I went to casual status at the ems service I work with this summer, after 8 years I couldn't take one more dead baby or broken body, I'm still working through all I've seen and done, and I don't feel whole, not yet at least, but I still love being an EMT, but I have forgotten why I wanted to be one in the first place. Thanks again, I wept, but I felt better afterwards.
Awesome but true. Always remember we are a part of a brother/sisterhood that sticks together. Its very hard to do what we do, it takes a special person. We all worry about helping other people before helping ourselves. Its a life that not everyone can live. Your own sanity is pushed to its limits everyday. We just have to remember "we're living the dream" , and hope to hell we don't wake up!!! My heart is with all of us in this world of life and death. Keep your head up and the paddles down!
Cool Video - sorry to hear you are leaving EMS. Burnout is bad... and I've seen it happen to many people. I just left a job that I hated and found one I liked a few months ago. It is amazing to walk into work with a smile on my face, excited about being there... rather than rolling up 5 minutes late because I dreaded walking out of my front door.
this is to anyone Im about to get EMT-Paramedic certified, and planning on going RN after that, how long should i wait before i go RN, is burnout in a high paced EMS System like MedStar Fort Worth really a major factor?
This video is amazing. You did a great job. I am a newbie paramedic, just got hired in my county. I am scared to death of burnout, because right now I am on such a high when I am there and it just feels right, like I'm in my element. So many people say burnout is a definite, but until then I will live in the moment and love what we do. Take care and thank you for sharing your story.
Can anyone hit the nail on the head more squarely than you have with this video what burnout can do to someone?5 yrs. on the Fd and 2 and a half with private ambulance saw burnout mix with personal life tragedies.Lethal mix and ungodly timing cost me my partner @the private ambulance ,nearly my family and some friends,and nearly ended my career and still I literally had to be pulled off theroad and given forced vacation before I ground myself to ashes.Now Im just itching to get back to work.
Brother, I feel you, yet we still get up at 3am and bitch behind the radio. I have been in the same spot you were in. Only another medic can empathize with you. I dont want to do anything else. Its the fourth of july and I am off duty sitting at home because if I go somewhere I'll ruin the night first responding or becoming a pt due to a drunk driver. The frustrating part of the job is you dont have a name to your pt but they will never forget you. Not many can do what we do.
good vid sorry u had so many bad calls im trying to become a emt/firefighter and know how great of a job its gonna be and all these tribute videos and life of emt firefighter videos just make me want to be a life saver more thanks for the job u have done and dont let the bad calls get to u good luck
I've been in EMS for 5 years now, FD for 3 1/2. They both can be rewarding yet hard. You've gotta learn how to deal with things and manage the best you can. Great video and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do.
I'm the guy that made the video. I left EMS a month and some days ago and I have been working for an insurance company for the past few weeks. I have had a lot of time to think about my decision and what it really meant.
Do not be discouraged from this job, it is the best job I have ever had; the bad calls will get to you and the skells will make you wonder why we even exist. I had lost reasoning for being on the street so I left, but what I really needed was time off to think and I remembered
This; I was working in Binghamton, one of my last nights upstate as a Critical Care tech, graduating from college and moving to NYC. My girlfriend had left me, I was moving away from a place I had known for four years and I had a string of extremely bad calls. It was about 3 am and I was outside smoking, wondering what the hell I was going to do when the call came over for a 7 year old asthmatic. When we arrived on scene I found a little girl, cyanosis around the lips and audible wheezes
She was moving air, but it was bad enough for me to prepare the tube kit and BVM just in case. Her mother was screaming, barking orders and telling me that I was an idiot and that I didnt know what I was doing. I told my partner to put her up front. I looked down at the little girl, assured her everything would be alright and started her on albuterol. I got the order for solumedrol and was getting ready to give it to her when she grabbed my had, told me that she was scared and not to let go
I held her hand while I gave the med IM, not easy with one hand. She asked me to keep talking to her so I asked her questions about school, her favorite classes, etc, and she answered slowly and the gasping was becoming less and less. By the time we had arrived at the hospital, the cyanosis was gone and she was laughing and giggling in the back of the ambulance. The mother saw her child and began crying and thanking us for helping her little girl. During the transport I had told the girl that I
Very good! Just a shame that you worked so hard to get you license and are going to let it lapse. I am an instructor in MI and I a have students come back after letting their license lapse, its harder the 2nd time around. Good luck in what ever you decide
burn out is the worst thing can happen to EMT, paramedic, ER nurses and phisicians. I understand you completely, but I'll never left my ambulance...maybe a year of "holiday" but after that I'll start again riding in siren...i can't live without EMS.
I always said that How to save a life was the EMS anthem. Great video. I've been looking for a video like this forever. It wasn't cheesy or anything, I like how you matched the video and emotion with the words of the song. FIVE STARS! and a favorite
Your movie has inspired me to become an EMT, on 03/13/07 I will take state written exam to be qualified as an EMT-B. I love enjoying the study. On my point of view, every jobs has their own risks and consequences. Hopefully, I would be able to love the job and improve the skills. Thank you for sharing :) Good luck 4 U
I've walked away from this 3 times by just letting my certifcation lapse but now I feel this renewed spirit to get back into the field again , take the good and the bad and stick with it . I got a lot of work to to do like becoming an associate instructor at the college's EMS training program and becoming a field supervisor or administrator .
Medic83301 1 week ago
respect
TheBoixo 2 weeks ago
It is very hard. when going through class to get my EMT basic certs they would never stop talking about burn out. i have been a EMT for a year now and i can see why they never do. They are preparing us for the long hours and little sleep we get. All for doing what we love and love helping other people. I have days i dont get to sleep before i run to the full time job from a night of running EMS.
chialphaty27 3 weeks ago
0:37, been there.
decked06 1 month ago
@decked06 ditto. When it sucks is the day you realize there is stranger you've never seen before staring back at you in the mirror or that you've spent the last month being a jerk to your wife and kids for what to them seems like no reason at all
tommykur1 2 weeks ago
This October marks two years in EMS and three years in Fire for me. I love it more and more as I go on. But I can't help but notice the Medics with bad attitudes at 2am for the obese cancer patient that is semi-responsive. Or the irritation brought forth by the upset pet on the other side of the room. EMS isn't for everyone, you have to have a strong back and even stronger heart to do it. I applaud you and thank you for the years you put forth.
bmacjr62 4 months ago
I was an EMT in NJ for two years while getting my paramedic and the more i get into the job the more i love it. I have now been in EMS for about three years and it is extremely hard. The worst thing is when someone asks so what is the worst thing you've seen. I have seen people burn alive in front of me. I have seen 20 year old guys i went to high school with get into car accidents and i had to do trauma CPR (Which is extremely futile). Its all emotionally hard and there is no sugar coating it.
metallicacliff 6 months ago
I have said it before, and I will say it again here, Emergency Medical Service, paid or volunteer, is not a profession...it is a way of life. It takes a special person to do the job, to ride the roller coaster of the highs and lows associated with the job, the frustrations and excitement. Is it easy, well, that depends on the person you are. For me, it has been 15 fantastically fun filled, rewarding, often taxing years of true contentment in the job I do. Not who I work for, but the job I do
n4ems 9 months ago
part 2:19
83995pedro 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i like that part 3:48
83995pedro 10 months ago
i like that part 3:48
83995pedro 10 months ago
i like that part 0:19
83995pedro 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I provide medical aid in public events and for sports teams.
I can only say that what I deal, even stuff people would consider bad, isn't close to what the professional EMS providers go through. I have great respect for these first responders.
Great video!
Marty32 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I provide medical aid in public events and for sports teams.
I can only say that what I deal, even stuff people would consider bad, isn't close to what the professional EMS providers go through. I have great respect for them
Great video!
Marty32 1 year ago
Comment removed
Marty32 1 year ago
The fact is that most medics, firefighters, and EMS personel could qualify for food stamps.... Yet they are in charge of saving your life. They see things that movies can not even compare to in real life. Puke, blood, and amputations, sometimes on a daily basis. Death, old and young, and many things that make you say "WHY?" Yet we keep moving on because we "love it," we feel great pride in what we are doing for you and our community, and we love helping others out above ourselves.
snyder3219 1 year ago
hard to explain but i do my job the best i can even on the most bullshit call. But people dont know what we go through its rlly hard. And we dont do it for the money look at all the vols out there. great vid
timberland1108 1 year ago
sad and yet great video. Im very proud of ems, amts, police, and firemen. You do us all a great service!!!
DelaynaNicole 1 year ago
awesome Video! - im also a EMT-CC. NY =D
emt328 1 year ago
This video is incredible! I'm going to school to be a paramedic and its amazing how underrated and unnoticed they are. I still can't wait to help save people though!
shilohsxe 1 year ago
I love this video. This year i am going to medical school to train to be a paramedic.
Greetings from Slovenia
mymyPikiCa 1 year ago
I've been a medic for 12 years now & there are days where all i wanna do is close my eyes & forgot all the pain & suffering that my eyes have seen, but than my shift rolls around & i put on my uniform, go out & do my best for every patient & family with whom i cross paths & i think of how lucky i am to have had the opportunity to touch peoples' lives. I think it takes true guts to walk away from something that u love, i wish u all the best with wherever life has taken you. Jenn
medperson1 2 years ago
ha, i just realized that i've actually been in EMS for 15 year, a medic for 13. the years are all blurring together, lol.
medperson1 2 years ago
Great video editing! I'm a dispatcher in Canada and don't envy what my medics see and go through, its hard enough dealing with all the politics in a comm centre and then only "hearing" the scene! I'm 23 (have been doing this going on 5years) and won't be doing it my whole life ! I wish you well with wherever life takes you, it takes a lot of balls to walk away from something even if you know its not right!
proud86 2 years ago
u ems, u guys never give up, there are people out there that care about what u guys do:) keep ur head up
dellynnhowe 2 years ago 2
Our knees hurt, our backs hurt...everything hurts...just to get up again and do it all over again to be told we were too slow, we didn't do something right and that in general we weren't good enough no matter if the outcome was good or bad. I question if there is any good out there anymore. Poor pay, poor management, no social life, no real family time. I'm starting year five...I question it everyday if it's worth it. Then you look at your patient and somehow it matters.
mel53652 2 years ago 2
Yeah, it's a rough line of work...but in between all the bullshit there's that one patient that makes you realize exactly why you do what you do.
jamster114 2 years ago 2
this job is hard. i have had time i was wanted to give it up. but it's my calling on life. but also i feek your pain bro
medic1561 2 years ago
I hope you find peace. I am only 24 and realize I most likely will not be able to spend my life working in EMS. It has tested every ounce of faith I have. Highly rewarding, severely under appreciated.
Whiteyw12 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
CrispyCosmicBacon 2 years ago
Have some respect for people who spend sometimes their entire lives doing this job to protect people like you. Honestly, until something happens to you, I doubt you will show appreciation for the people who do this job.
nick1005 2 years ago
my father has been in ems for 23 years and he hasnt stopped
MrWonka12 2 years ago
I know what you're feeling brother. I'm a RN-CCEMT-P on a MedEvac in NC. Don't ever forget all of us paramedics are there for each other. Stay safe always.
CarolinaParamedic 2 years ago
Although I am not an official medically trained staff person, or whatever, most of my family are somewhere in the medical career, and I've been part of st john ambulance for so many years; I know what it's like to get pissed off, stressed out and think " i quit."
enchantified 2 years ago
perfect music... perfect video... im a rescuer and i understand what about is this video.. Perfect... :)
patulicek04 2 years ago
Comment removed
ckcrook 2 years ago
Wow...great video, way to capture your thoughts! Hate to hear/read you gave it up, but no one can judge you for that...
OFDUnit23 2 years ago
Respect, great vid! Showing quite good the reason why it is that tough to be an EMT. Respect! With greetings from Germany, hope you had some good moments as an EMT too ;)
GermanEMR 2 years ago
and seeing that flag hanging by an aerial is one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through especially if it's someone from your crew, then you think why wasn't I at work that day, could I have saved them or would I be with them right now
philpottmgnmxl 2 years ago
i am one of the trained first responder in our town and it is very stressful because of what you see and do. however i was relieved because my family is there to support me.
bibotm106 2 years ago
God bless you brother, friend. I really hope you reconsider but as a fellow EMT, I stand behind you 100%. We are a family and must stand behind each other. Smcner, thank you for your service.
texanpride2007 2 years ago
I been an emt-b for 1yr now and so far is the job ever from TX
intruderz2889 2 years ago
I know the video is a year and a half old, and you more than likely let your license lapse... But for those of you who are on the job, really reconsider before you do anything drastic... Think of the time that you put into this job. Yeah, it sucks at times, pay sucks, you get fat, theres a lot of ass time... But when push turns to shove, you are making a difference...
EMS - 8 years, 7 as medic.... Still going strong
hohohehe123456 2 years ago
Dramatic? Don't do anything dramatic? Way to come off like an asshole. Stress is nothing to push off. I ignored it for a long time. I was actually watching videos of flash flooding when I came upon this, and something about firefighters drinking tea. I've been known to take long breaks from EMS. My body tells me when it's too much, usually by bleeding out. Even a positive attitude can't outdo stress.
CraftyOffRoadAmb 2 years ago
Dramatic? Who said dramatic? How about you read before you respond... I said drastic. Lets face it, yes EMS is hard. It changes who you are but look at the good you are doing. Stress, yes I know about it... I have taken breaks from EMS as well, but I returned. I knew what I needed to do. As far as me being an asshole, your not the first to call me that, you won't be the last.
hohohehe123456 2 years ago 5
Fuck off cock sucker. You're probably a Jolly Volly anyway.
CraftyOffRoadAmb 2 years ago
Please refresh your license. Take a break but refresh. We've lost too many experienced people between burnout & LODD. I let my license lapse in '05' & after 3 yrs of deluding myself I realize there's nothing else I want to do.I'm now retaking basic course.Yeah this job sucks sometime but there's ) like it. Please reconsider.
paragoddesschick 2 years ago
dude thats acutally a very very good video,. firefighter from PA 1200 calls under my belt you done good man
metuberocks68 2 years ago
Refresh it!
Kind regards from DE
loescheimer 2 years ago
The life of a paramedic is very difficult, but it is full of grateful people.
Regards from SPAIN
Very good video
glucosmon 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hang in there buddy
crazyjak87 2 years ago 3
refresh your license. Take a break though, you'll miss it.
SCfirefighter34 2 years ago
As the saying goes, 'All men are created equal, but few become an EMT.',...and only the dedicated one stays.
sdmalupeng 2 years ago
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LAcoFIREguy 2 years ago
LMFAO LAcoFireGuy lol.......I do not know why you would want to be a paramedic in the first place. lol
RalphFDNY4life 2 years ago
This Video is amazing!
Staccato87 2 years ago
Does any one want my P-number and card? im kinda over it, 1:40 is what i look like when i used to get called for 300 lbs CPR at shift change! lol. Joking aside, very nice video and made me kinda miss the penalty box, thanks for the memories!!!! best time of my life was cruising the streets of san diego at the age of 21 with a medic card, it was sorrel!
LAcoFIREguy 2 years ago 2
my dad has been a medic for about 22 years now and hes seen many young/new ppl come in and doin lask a year... the job just isnt for some ppl
ionforlife101 3 years ago
CONT. and overall stress of the job, that after so many years of doing it,if noone if going to properly take care of yoiu,why should you be requiredto take care of others.He basically said once you realize this,its hard to care for others when so much is being demanded out of you and whenyou cant even pay your bills(even beforethis recession)with your check,the thought of doing good wears thin real quick andits time to leave EMS before you hurt yourself or get in trouble.Ive heard this alltomuch
CyanoticFuture 3 years ago
He is all to right about that. As most of the people that have commented on this video know, the demands from this profession are almost unworldy, and the price we all pay to do it is high. The one thing that gives me comfort in all of this is a conversation I had with my 11 yr old son after a day of bad calls. He knew I was upset, and asked why I do the job I do. The only response I could come up with was, "Because I can. Not everybody can do this." The price is high, but we keep going.
rokofar 3 years ago 9
I will never forget this sayingfromi a paramedic i talked with while doing my Cardiac Monitoring unit shift for medic school.He was working their(medics can work at cardiac monitoring units) .He said he used to work a 911 EMS dept. but left a few years ago to work at the CMU.I asked why.He said>>>'I got sick of patient contact".I was struck by this so i ask him to clarify,and he said between the low paying stressful jobs with no benefits,horrible supervisors,ungodly hours,awful fellow"EMTS"
CyanoticFuture 3 years ago
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KCGLOWWORM 3 years ago
FD-The Bravest
PD-The Finest
EMS-The Forgotten
It is a hard job, and it is easy to get burned out. I never even smoked a cigarette til I started this job. It's hard, physically and mentaly. Dealing with death every week, being away from family and friends. You've nailed what it's like to come home after work. My family and friends say they don't know me anymore. They say I'm angry and tired all the time. Maybe I am, and I don't see it. Don't get me wrong, I love my job.
Andi M., EMT-B
EMSChick0432 3 years ago 2
You need to quit if it is changing you. Jobs not for you! I have worked EMS and now Fire! Go fire if you are burning out. The Ambulance will kill you! 20 years on a box is dog years like 100 years being on a engine company
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
I know you love your job, we all do, but from what your describing, you're burning out. I think it's time for a break.
ISAFSoldier 3 years ago
Working part time in a skilled nursing facility and putting in 36 hours a week there, and then working part time in EMS doesn't help anything. I put in over 100 hours last week in both departments. We are short staffed in our EMS Service, and I'm always getting called in for transfers and covering calls and shifts for someone. I really need to quit working as a CNA and just focus on EMS, but I need more money in the bank before I can afford to do that.
EMSChick0432 3 years ago
....All I can say is, you're going to have to cut back on one. At this rate, it's going to kill you.
I wish you the best.
Alex, EMT-B Sterling, VA
ISAFSoldier 3 years ago
That is what I said! I have been in that same boat. I got wise and got on the Fire Department. Good Luck!!!!
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
Oh, one more thing - we all work in the same field, deal with the same shit and definitely don't get paid enough. We will never get the respect of fire or PD - people will never wave at the passing ambulance and we will never get recognition. That is not why we are here - I dont know about you, but I could care less about medals or parades. But, as someone said earlier, we are a family of bastard child - what good does it do to fight each other, seriously?
Smcner12 3 years ago
LOL - though I don't feel it is necessary to defend myself, I was a medic, LA Fire guy. 4 years in upstate NY as a CC (though then again, you may consider that to be a glorified Intermediate) we were the only ALS in a county of high crime rates and infant mortality - gotta love upstate NY. And though the paramedic ego may get the best of you, its the same ego that screwed me in the end when I moved to the city to find out I couldn't be a medic anymore. Anyway, first time I got the Bobby Caffey..
Smcner12 3 years ago
Is it just me or does this guy look like Bobby Caffey off of Third Watch? Great vid though.
Himdarling44 3 years ago
Being a basic is whatdrives some people to burn out more so because depending on where they work they are the ones intubating,shocking,checking sugar levels,monitoring pulse ox ,bagging splinting,bandagingand doing all theEKG& IV stuff except the actual stickand interpretation while the medic does paperwork and takes credit.Not the medic I strive to be.Some areas run only basic crews w/no als backup.Remember medics,take away what a basic knows from a medic and you willbe one useless paramedic.
CyanoticFuture 3 years ago
Something to consider for those who get burned out >>always remember that there is sometimes a distinct difference between the company/dept. you work for and your job.Dont hesitate to distinguish the two when you start feeling the wrong kind of burn.And LAfireguy,your comment about basics shouldnt be able to burn out makes little sense.They should wait spend1-2 years in school then wait to get burned out?
CyanoticFuture 3 years ago
Comment removed
KCGLOWWORM 3 years ago
Its OK man, I was wondering what I did to piss you off, lol. I have been doing this for a few years now and I made a few salty joke, sorry if I made you upset!
Dennis- L.A. County Fire Department Socal
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
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KCGLOWWORM 3 years ago
Comment removed
KCGLOWWORM 3 years ago
I just had a very bad day. I want to quit, but your film has made me want to keep going! I don't know what happend to make you burn out, but I know it is hard. From one EMT to another "Do No Harm". We do the best we can, and that's all we can do. Don't give up, move on, do something else, but don't give up the chance to come back to it if you want to. We do make a diffrence. "You go we go".
ARMED251 3 years ago
You are a EMT-Basic and you are burned out? If you are a Basic and burned out already, you need to find another career. You should be amp up to run calls and get slammed with cpr, shootings, cp, sob, MVA, all of that!
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
Funny thing is, LA, head over to NYC - 98% of jobs go BLS - arrests - BLS, all trauma - BLS, stroke - BLS, abdominal pain - BLS, etc. When i put time on a City ALS unit we did 5 calls in 8 hours in the Bronx. Sure, some get a dual response, but with 100 something medic trucks and double or triple that BLS your gonna be extended or canceled. We all start out as Techs...dont forget where you came from - i know it can be hard from that warm bed and cozy station...
Frambosie 3 years ago
Whoa, your not knocking LA's firefighters are you? 85% of our calls are EMS. You all work for the common good, relax.
98028676 3 years ago
I'm not knocking anyone. Firefighters get more than enough recognition, respect and compensation. But lets make no mistake about it - who is dropping tubes, administrating life saving medications, recognizing an ST elevation and calling in the alert, etc., etc.? The point is we should and need to be on par with FD and PD in terms of compensation, respect and recognition. Right now, there is no incentive to go to school for 2 years to be a medic or even go to tech school.
Frambosie 3 years ago 3
Maybe it's different over here in LA, but the only reason anyone becomes an EMT is to become a firefighter or a firefighter/paramedic in the long run.
98028676 3 years ago
your wrong my friend I'm in training to be an EMT because I want the chance to help make someones life better. So saying people only become firefighters is a typical response from a "high and mighty" firefighter. I've got a few in my class I know your kind. I've proven them wrong on more then one instance
adam022695 3 years ago
I think you misunderstood my comment. The majority of people in the LA area become EMT's to become a firefighter.
98028676 3 years ago
I'm going to continue school not for the "rewards" but simply because I want the chance to make a difference even if at the end of the day its given to police or firefighters.
adam022695 3 years ago
I love this video. As a Jr. Firefighter, I know how it is to have the stress that come with this job. I know how he fells about losing some one important. We went to a fire and we lost 4 men during the fire. This song to me is like a tributie to all of our fall and never forgoten firefighter & paramedics.
monkeyrider180 3 years ago
What Firefighters died there? We did not hear about it
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
Does any one want my P-number and card? im kinda over it, 1:40 is what i look like when i used to get called for 300 lbs CPR at shift change! lol. Joking aside, very nice video and made me kinda miss the penalty box, thanks for the memories!!!! best time of my life was cruising the streets of san diego at the age of 21 with a medic card, it was sorrel!
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
LAcoFireGuy, lol hey dennis, you over being a medic? lol
MixNutzFireCapt 3 years ago
On your rig I am, micro manager lmfao, EMT-B that thinks he is a medic, lol
Still love ya capt
LAcoFIREguy 3 years ago
When did you guys lose 4 guys in a fire? never heard about it.
MixNutzFireCapt 3 years ago
Fantastic video, really shows the stress, good luck with your future endeavors
saltymedic 3 years ago
Very good video. I liked it alot. Im a Jr. Firefighter at the moment and every medical call i go on makes me feel sick, from people trapped in totaled cars, to people wanting to end their lives. I can handle this, but I'm worried for every one else, for the guys who cant take it. I under stand your position and i just want to thank you for serving in a service some people feel they dont need. Thank you.
marines13r 3 years ago
Thank you, I went to casual status at the ems service I work with this summer, after 8 years I couldn't take one more dead baby or broken body, I'm still working through all I've seen and done, and I don't feel whole, not yet at least, but I still love being an EMT, but I have forgotten why I wanted to be one in the first place. Thanks again, I wept, but I felt better afterwards.
carrie1677 3 years ago
Im at a cross road . This made me cry.
rockriver08ems 3 years ago 2
Great job bro.
Willie NREMT-P/FF
Willie308 3 years ago 2
Awesome but true. Always remember we are a part of a brother/sisterhood that sticks together. Its very hard to do what we do, it takes a special person. We all worry about helping other people before helping ourselves. Its a life that not everyone can live. Your own sanity is pushed to its limits everyday. We just have to remember "we're living the dream" , and hope to hell we don't wake up!!! My heart is with all of us in this world of life and death. Keep your head up and the paddles down!
specialed3687 3 years ago 3
OUTSTANDING!!! (video)
ijailem2 3 years ago 4
Brother, this video is so true. so is your description.
Sean
N.Y Paramedic
irishman1184 3 years ago 4
Cool Video - sorry to hear you are leaving EMS. Burnout is bad... and I've seen it happen to many people. I just left a job that I hated and found one I liked a few months ago. It is amazing to walk into work with a smile on my face, excited about being there... rather than rolling up 5 minutes late because I dreaded walking out of my front door.
~Jon
PS... Hi Jordan.
jblatman 3 years ago 6
Wow... Very touching video.
jordanfstop 3 years ago 4
this is to anyone Im about to get EMT-Paramedic certified, and planning on going RN after that, how long should i wait before i go RN, is burnout in a high paced EMS System like MedStar Fort Worth really a major factor?
canadianboy40 3 years ago 2
This video is amazing. You did a great job. I am a newbie paramedic, just got hired in my county. I am scared to death of burnout, because right now I am on such a high when I am there and it just feels right, like I'm in my element. So many people say burnout is a definite, but until then I will live in the moment and love what we do. Take care and thank you for sharing your story.
ksharpe717 3 years ago 3
Can anyone hit the nail on the head more squarely than you have with this video what burnout can do to someone?5 yrs. on the Fd and 2 and a half with private ambulance saw burnout mix with personal life tragedies.Lethal mix and ungodly timing cost me my partner @the private ambulance ,nearly my family and some friends,and nearly ended my career and still I literally had to be pulled off theroad and given forced vacation before I ground myself to ashes.Now Im just itching to get back to work.
CyanoticFuture 3 years ago 3
Brother, I feel you, yet we still get up at 3am and bitch behind the radio. I have been in the same spot you were in. Only another medic can empathize with you. I dont want to do anything else. Its the fourth of july and I am off duty sitting at home because if I go somewhere I'll ruin the night first responding or becoming a pt due to a drunk driver. The frustrating part of the job is you dont have a name to your pt but they will never forget you. Not many can do what we do.
jinkxblackcloud 3 years ago 4
Im an EMT here in SC. Its taken my wife, house, even my dog away. But I wake up every morning loving what I do. Im still Ricky Rescue.
crowdedguy 3 years ago 4
good vid sorry u had so many bad calls im trying to become a emt/firefighter and know how great of a job its gonna be and all these tribute videos and life of emt firefighter videos just make me want to be a life saver more thanks for the job u have done and dont let the bad calls get to u good luck
sean9909 3 years ago
I've been in EMS for 5 years now, FD for 3 1/2. They both can be rewarding yet hard. You've gotta learn how to deal with things and manage the best you can. Great video and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do.
Daniel- NREMT-B AR/MO
DFDR57 3 years ago
Amazing video!! I can really relate to this.
airmedic8 3 years ago
Well Im Graduating High School and planning to get a degree in Emergency Medicine, but this isnt making it seem like a wise choice... :/
Projectdie 3 years ago 2
EMS can be tough and heart breaking, but it can also be the best job you'll ever do. Don't be discouraged.
Alex, EMT-B, Sterling, VA
ISAFSoldier 3 years ago
I'm the guy that made the video. I left EMS a month and some days ago and I have been working for an insurance company for the past few weeks. I have had a lot of time to think about my decision and what it really meant.
Do not be discouraged from this job, it is the best job I have ever had; the bad calls will get to you and the skells will make you wonder why we even exist. I had lost reasoning for being on the street so I left, but what I really needed was time off to think and I remembered
Smcner12 3 years ago
This; I was working in Binghamton, one of my last nights upstate as a Critical Care tech, graduating from college and moving to NYC. My girlfriend had left me, I was moving away from a place I had known for four years and I had a string of extremely bad calls. It was about 3 am and I was outside smoking, wondering what the hell I was going to do when the call came over for a 7 year old asthmatic. When we arrived on scene I found a little girl, cyanosis around the lips and audible wheezes
Smcner12 3 years ago
She was moving air, but it was bad enough for me to prepare the tube kit and BVM just in case. Her mother was screaming, barking orders and telling me that I was an idiot and that I didnt know what I was doing. I told my partner to put her up front. I looked down at the little girl, assured her everything would be alright and started her on albuterol. I got the order for solumedrol and was getting ready to give it to her when she grabbed my had, told me that she was scared and not to let go
Smcner12 3 years ago
I held her hand while I gave the med IM, not easy with one hand. She asked me to keep talking to her so I asked her questions about school, her favorite classes, etc, and she answered slowly and the gasping was becoming less and less. By the time we had arrived at the hospital, the cyanosis was gone and she was laughing and giggling in the back of the ambulance. The mother saw her child and began crying and thanking us for helping her little girl. During the transport I had told the girl that I
Smcner12 3 years ago
Good video.
HerbertsvilleFAS 3 years ago
Burn out sucks. My family and all my friends on the squad were a big help. 7 years on the job. Never left the job. Still going strong.
NJemtfirefighter7085 3 years ago
Veramente un video bellissimo e posso capire cosa intendi!!!
Un saluto
Francesco
12KHECCO34 3 years ago
Thanks mate im in germany at the moment about to finish my paramedic,
Then i will be going home to Australia.
just would like to say thanks for the vid,keep your head up man,
Nick.
aussi3player 3 years ago
Working EMS can truely be an emotional rollercoaster. Thank you for this video that manages to nail what it's like to be an EMT.
psychoducati 3 years ago
I loved your video. And especially the song.
SkyeBlueHeaven 3 years ago
The best I've seen!
blueheaven1127 3 years ago
My Favorite!!!
blueheaven1127 3 years ago
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
blueheaven1127 3 years ago
Very good! Just a shame that you worked so hard to get you license and are going to let it lapse. I am an instructor in MI and I a have students come back after letting their license lapse, its harder the 2nd time around. Good luck in what ever you decide
feta1188 4 years ago
lame.
roxiet23 4 years ago
Best video I ever saw. I've yet to find something that explains EMS life any better! Brovo!
bsher2285 4 years ago
burn out is the worst thing can happen to EMT, paramedic, ER nurses and phisicians. I understand you completely, but I'll never left my ambulance...maybe a year of "holiday" but after that I'll start again riding in siren...i can't live without EMS.
nurseDavide 4 years ago
I always said that How to save a life was the EMS anthem. Great video. I've been looking for a video like this forever. It wasn't cheesy or anything, I like how you matched the video and emotion with the words of the song. FIVE STARS! and a favorite
Jovan14606 4 years ago
Your movie has inspired me to become an EMT, on 03/13/07 I will take state written exam to be qualified as an EMT-B. I love enjoying the study. On my point of view, every jobs has their own risks and consequences. Hopefully, I would be able to love the job and improve the skills. Thank you for sharing :) Good luck 4 U
tombakcakra 4 years ago