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Christmas Thoughts

Posted in EMS, Life on December 25, 2009 by 33c4


First off I want to say Happy Holidays (Sorry the political correctness of the season is contagious) MERRY CHRISTMAS to my family, friends, coworkers and anyone else out there bored enough to be reading my ramblings.

I am not that big of a Christmas person. Maybe that is not true. I am not so much a fan of the commercialized retailized holiday that Christmas has become.  I am a big fan of what Christmas is suppose to be about. Unselfish giving, family, unity and the love of our fellow man. Lets not forget the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been truly blessed in my life. I have had my share of adversity but god has never once put any burden on me that I could not handle.  With out god in my life I would be nothing.

I just finished a great book by Squire Rushnell “When GOD winks at you” A collection of amazing stories of god working in our everyday life. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is thought provoking and brings you to realizations about Gods work in our own lives.

I was more than a little disappointed and honestly saddened by something I read this morning on Facebook. When I started in EMS I was taught to keep my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open. My heart sank this morning when I read a status update from a former coworker from the Big Green’s Communication Department. This young man has around two years experience in the warm safe confines of the Communications Center. Up until I read this I had alot of respect for this young man. He is intelligent and articulate. He is currently enrolled in his Basic EMT course and from all accounts he is doing well. I thought he would make a good addition to the field. That is until I read….

“Heading to work. Believe it or not, some people are discourteous enough to try to die on Christmas.“

This young man has never held a grieving widow, a mother of an 8 month old, in his arms on Christmas Day while the FD tries to extricate the remains of her husband from the wreckage that used to be the family vehicle until a piece of shit drunk decide he didn’t need to stop at the red light. The nerve of the husband. How discourteous can you be dying on Christmas Day. He has never sat down with the parents of a baby that just didn’t wake up Christmas Morning. He has never had to tell these parents ” There is nothing we can do. Your baby boy is dead.”  How dare this baby succumb to SIDS on Christmas day not only causing his parents a level of grief that few will ever be able to understand but also in the process inconveniencing the EMS dispatcher that had to work (for double time) this day.  It goes to show apathetic attitudes are contagious. This young man is a friend and protege of Supervisor X.

I spent the first 7 hours of this Christmas working as a Paramedic!! I know I have been a Medic for 6 months but the excitement hasn’t worn off for me yet.  I got same great gifts. More importantly everybody I bought gifts for seemed to like them.

Returned a patient from a local ED to a local ECF last night. I have been transporting this patient to the ER, Dialysis and Doctors appointments for about fifteen years now. She is 1 year older than me and has lived through more adversity and challenges than I could ever imagine. She is inspiring. Despite as the challanges she has faced and is currently facing she maintains a positive attitude and trust in god.  She is just one of the many many patients along the way that serve as inspiration to me in trying times.

Somebody tackled the Pope on Christmas Eve. I am not Catholic but I know that this has to involve a mandatory minimum sentence to Hell.

My gift to myself this year…… To all that have offended me, used me, stolen from me and took advantage of me over the last year.. I forgive you. Bitterness, hatred and resentment is exhausting. It takes to much effort to hold a grudge.  I forgive you because I need to focus this energy and effort on the positives in my life.

Still in the process of moving. I never really stopped to look at it but since I have been back in EMS 90% of my friends are involved in EMS in some capacity.  I think we tend to congergagte to each other. Who else could understand us?

Well thats it for now.  Merry Christams!!!

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A differnt life time

Posted in Life on December 20, 2009 by 33c4

For about three years I ran my own business promoting Professional Wrestling and other events.  I went into this blind. I had no business plan, no experience in the business and basically no clue what I was doing.

By blind luck and great timing I was profitable from the first show. Starting out I had a partner. He had less experince in running a wrestling promotion than I did. He was however a great sales man (read bullshit artist). My partner stuck around for about a year and then moved on to greener pastures.

From our first show on we had some heavy hitters for sponsors. Sponsorship’s and program advertisements paid all of our expenses. Ticket and concession sales were all profit.

This was the perfect business while I was on 24/48′s. The 24/48 schedule allowed plenty of time to plan and promote shows. When I was not promoting my own shows I was traveling the Midwest scouting wrestlers, learning the trade from other promoters and ever once in the while getting in the ring.

I quickly associated with the NWA Great Lakes promoter ‘Hardtime’ Gene Austin. This allowed me access to talent from around the country. After I got off the ground I tried to have at least one ‘Named” wrestler on the card. Doink the Clown, The Honkey Tonk Man and the Bushwackers were all on the EOWF rooster.

Once I had a decent handle on promoting wrestling I got bored. I expanded into a new venture promoting club shows with bands from the local Indy Music scene.

The wrestling side of the business pretty much had a monopoly in the area. Nobody else was promoting shows in the area when we started running. As far as the music side it seemed like everybody was promoting club shows. While I didn’t lose money on this venture the money I did make was not worth the effort involved in promoting these shows. At this time I was taking my hiatus from EMS and working a 9-5 job. I really didn’t have the time to commit to building up this business. Maybe if I had dedicated more time to the club promotions I would have been able to make a go of it.

Not long after I gave up on the music end of the business I was approached by a Wrestling Promoter I knew from Michigan. He was putting together a semi-pro football league in SE Michigan and NW Ohio and had franchises available for sale. So of course with no clue of how to run a football franchise or how to promote it I jumped in head first. I bought a franchise. I secured some pretty good local sponsors. Worked out a pretty good deal to lease the football field from the local high school.  Through a friend I got a great deal on the equipment I would need. I paid to have uniforms designed. About 3 months before the start of the season I started getting a little leerie. The Leagues Owner’s meeting was canceled 3 times. I had not received a schedule. The promoter setting the league up was ducking my phone calls. He would call back at times he knew I was working and leave a voicemail. I was into this for a nice chunk of change by this point and I was nervous. After not being able to get a hold of this guy of two weeks (Now at the start of all this we had talked 3 times a day), I took a day off of work and showed up at his doorstep. Turns out including his franchise he has only managed to sign 3 franchisees.

The league folded before it started. I had  thrown every cent the company had into this venture. Truth is I was tired and didn’t have the time to commit to the business and honestly I was not willing to put anymore of my money into this business. Even though the wrestling side had always been profitable without a partner and working 5-6 days a week I just did not have the time to set-up the shows, procure sponsorships and promote the shows. I shutdown the business and swore I was done.

Maybe I lied. I have been thinking alot the last few weeks about running a couple of wrestling shows in the area and see how they go over. I am on the 24/28 schedule again. I would have the time to commit to building the promotion. I have the experience now in running a promotion. I wouldn’t be starting with a huge learning curve. I havn’t made up my mind yet. Just something I am mulling over……..

I know this post has absolutely nothing to do with EMS. It is just a part of my life that has been on my mind. I promise I will post another EMS blog sometime before Christmas.

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Life is Good

Posted in EMS, Life on December 13, 2009 by 33c4

I started a new job a couple of weeks ago.  All I can say is the new service I am working for is AMAZING.

With a few exceptions my time t the Big Green was a positive experience. The Big Green affored my opportunities I would otherwise not had. I was honored to be part of the Special Operations Group and proud of our service in Galveston and at the Presidential Innaguration. That being said, I think just due to the size of the company, the whole time there I felt like I was just “meat in the seat”

I don’t feel that way working for Big Potential EMS. For the first time in a long time I have found a job where the employees matter. My opinion matters.  The people I work with are there because they love wat they do, not just for a paycheck. Patient care is a priority. If you make a mistake it is treated as a learning experience.

I am moving in a couple of weeks.  My buddy “M” from the Big Green is looking for a roommate and I was looking for an apartment so it all pretty much worked out.

I am on my second partner in two weeks allready.  My first partner was as green as could be.  Young kid, EMT-B straight out of college. Our first shift together was his first shift ever in EMS.  He worked a couple of shifts with me before being accepted into the PA program at the University of Findlay. My new partner is a well seasoned EMT-I who has been around EMS for awhile.

I have made alot of changes in my life in the last 6 months. I got rid of alot of the dead weight and users in my life. I found out who my real friends are. Being back on 24/48′s is taking a little bit of getting used to. Working 6-7 days a week at the Big Green I did not have much time left over for me. To be honest I am going stir crazy on my days off. I don’t know what to do with myself half of the time.

Call me sadistic but I am thinking very hard about going bakc to school again. I have been looking at RN and PT programs in the area. I am going to take a little time off for myself. Hoping to get hired at Cedar Point part-time this summer. I will be suprised if I am not back in school this coming fall.

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Random Thoughts…

Posted in EMS, Life on December 1, 2009 by 33c4

So I may not quit be over the hill be I sure as hell can see the top from where I am standing. I turn 37 tomorrow.

If I had stayed in the Army I would be able to retire with 20 years in in 2010.

November 28 Would have been my friends Jeff’s 37th birthday. Hard to believe he has been longer than he was here.

Not hearing “Go Blue” very much this week??? Did anybody really think they had a chance?

The TV Show Trauma has been given a reprieve with NBC ordering at least 3 additional episodes for next season. I am only one of many closet Trauma fans in EMS. Is the show realistic? No But it is good entertainment.

Cop Killer Maurice Clemmons shot and killed by Seattle PD. R.I.H. (Rot In Hell) you scumbag son-of-a-bitch.

Back on 24/48 shift starting tomorrow.

The name on the side of the truck doesn’t matter. It is the quality and professionalism of the people on the inside that make the difference.

Tired of being alone. On the other hand don’t want to be with someone just so I am not alone. Tried that just as shitty.

Does Rogaine work?

I remember feeling old when I turned 25.

Why is it so easy to “let go and let god” when things are going bad, but once he gets things straightened out I jump in to take it from there?

Quote from my first day as an EMT “If you ever run again I am kicking your ass”

Actually have over 140 hits. Who would want to read anything I have to say?

Found out recently who my real friends are.

With regards to the new job once again the universal EMS Prayer “God don’t let me fuck up”

I have taken every online ACLS/ALS test I could find today. I know my shit. Why am I nervous about starting this new job?

Got called Sexy the other day. I told her Eye Glass world was running a special.

Is there really a Rampart? I want to call in a report just once.

In honor of my sainted mother should I start asking “Are you wearing clean underwear” as part of my trauma assesment? OPQRST”U”?

Quote stolen from another blog “God made EMT’s to give god a chance to change his mind.”

How did people work in EMS before energy drinks?

I think I am in love with Sarah Silverman.

and Drew Barrymore

Could a licensed Mental Health Professional diagnosis me with ADD after reading this post?

Okay, I think that’s it. To my friends out there living the dream.. Be safe.

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The Transition

Posted in Life on November 6, 2009 by 33c4

armyIt’s been almost 20 years since this picture was taken. I was seventeen years old away from home for really the first time in my life. As an only child I can admit maybe I was a little sheltered and protected.

The summer of 1990 I attended Basic Training (Initial Entry Training) at Ft McClellan, Alabama.

I was young and dumb and still pretty much thought the world revolved around me.  This reality came crashing down around me on 10-June-90. The day we left the relative tranquility of the reception station boarded a bus and reported to hell. (Okay, to our training company. I just have a flair for the dramatic.)

I had  heard horror stories. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. To say I was scared shitless would bring you a little closer to the truth.

Cramped into a bus. Two to a seat with duffel bag worn over my shoulder on the front Iendured the longest 2 mile drive of my young life. I remember either the AC on the bus didn’t work or they just didn’t turn it on. I was soaked with sweat by the time we arrived.

He had to have been 7’5 (or at least it seemed). Drill Sgt. Hummer stepped onto the bus. As he began to speak I thought for a fleeting second this might not be all that bad. “Privates, on behalf of Commanding General Maj. General Hanes I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Fort McClellan Alabama and Alpha Company 795th Military Police Training  Battalion.” I think I actually let out a little sigh of relief. And then it happen. “At this time you privates have exactly 15 seconds to get the fuck off my bus”

For about 2 two of those seconds I couldn’t move. It was like a concussion grenade hit the bus. My fellow recruits and I looked like deers caught in headlights at a hunters convention. This daze was quickly broken by a Drill Sgt. screaming no more than an inch from my ear. The things he threatened to do to me and other members of my immediate family if I did not move my lard ass can not be printed here.

This was all the motivation I needed. On my feet and running towards the front of the bus. If I could just get off this bus I could get away from this half crazed maniac who in the last 5 seconds had questioned my sexuality, my mothers virtue and the size of my ‘member’, along with threatening me with castration.

I exited the bus only to find what seemed like dozens of this maniac clones lining the sidewalk leading to the company area.

And so hell day had started. And as quickly as it started it was over. We woke the next morning and began the process of turning from civilian to solider, from boys (girls) to men (women).

Basic Training was designed to break you down to your foundation and build you back up as a Solider.

During the next 9 weeks we would be pushed farther physically and mentally everyday. We learned marksmanship, first aid, chemical warfare, military customs and traditions, drill and ceremony and a million other technical aspects of being a solider.

These lessons were only a small part of what I learned. I learned about Honor, Integrity and Team Work. These became more than just words to me. I learned how to be a leader and how to be a team member.I learned there is no obstacle I can not over come. I learned about character. Not what you show the world when times are good but what comes out at your darkest hours. I learned that if you push your self past that point of exhaustion you can always come up with a little more. I learned what true friendship was and loyalty.

I developed the beginning of a moral code that I have endeavored  to live my life by. This code is living breathing and growing with every new life experience, however the key components were forged that summer I stopped being a boy and became a man.

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Changes

Posted in EMS, Life on November 1, 2009 by 33c4

graduation2EMDpatchnofearFor the last two year I have worked full-time in one of the largest EMS dispatch centers in the State.

I like to think I am a damn good dispatcher. During these two years I have been surrounded by people who challenged me professionally forcing me take take it up to that next level. I have made some good friends in the center. Because of my time here I have a much better understanding of the “business” side of EMS.

As many of you know I finished Paramedic school a couple of months ago. Honestly this was a goal of mine for as long back as I can remember. Without the help and support of so many people in the center I do not think I would have made it through.

That being said, I have been wrestling with a tough decision for the last month or so.

I am and have always been an EMT (Paramedic) at heart. EMS was the first job I ever had that truly captured me completely. Every day in EMS you face new challenges. There is no such thing as a normal day.

In dispatch I have kind of hit a plateau. I have gone as far as I can as a dispatcher. Every shift is kind of like going through the motions. The same four walls, the same pre-scheduled runs to dispatch. I’ve have developed a comfort zone in dispatch.

I have struggled with the idea of leaving dispatch for the last month now. I am a paramedic now. I want to be out there saving lives and making the world a better place for Mom and apple pie. I get frustrated when I dispatch a “good” run. I want to be out there doing it.

Last week I put in my request to Transfer to EMS. The minute hit the send button on the email it felt like a weight had been lifted off of me. I knew right away I had made the right decision for me. I have not questioned this decision once since I made it.

I am leaving behind some good friends and a group of professional dispatchers that are unmatched. I am nervous. As a basic EMT I was one of the best. As a new Medic I have a lot  to learn. I am ready for for this challenge and looking forward to seeing where this new fork in the road will take me.

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