You see what many people don’t see is that we in EMS are superheroes. Of course we aren’t the dark crusader looking for trouble wearing an ominous cape. Of course we aren’t millionaires who fund our high tech gadgets in our utility belts. And of course we didn’t gain any superpowers through gamma rays and radiation. But I do think each one of us has gotten bit by The Bug, many I believe by accident – using EMS as a bridge to something more towards a career.
Our superpowers? We can go faster than the normal speed limit [within the safety of the public], bring people back from near death or sometimes death itself, we can bring down a force of electricity when warranted, and yes! Even some of us can be impenetrable to flying bullets [mostly urban areas]. We have the gift to look people in the eye and just know how to talk them down or just with a simple touch. We have the capability to control bleeding, the resources to help one take a single breath, and not surprisingly we can fly down for a rescue.
Naturally as with any superhero, one needs a lair to prepare, a safe house per say. Just like how the X-Men have Xavier Institute for Higher Learning and The Justice League have their headquarters, EMS has their own specific base or station. It’s a solid place where one can unwind, revitalize his equipment, restock used supplies, and for many to write down memoirs of each person we were called to help upon and how we assisted them. Furthermore, as superheroes we have our very own “Bat Mobile” hidden within our quarters.
Our superior enhanced vehicle known to the public is called the ECNALUBMA or a.k.a Ambulance. The mobile unit comes in different sizes from the notorious “Box” to the “Vanbulance”, and each ranging in various types of advanced equipment and toys. What’s more at our station, just like in the comic books, where the mayor called the big red phone for help or a giant light to the sky signaling for help, we too are called by a similar way. We have been trained to tell the difference of parallel tones through a small box radio when we are needed. Once dispatched to help either during the day or late at night, we ride with our blue and red lights and sirens. The sirens are like our theme song going into action, and to some a reassuring sound that Help is always available.
Eventually like most superheroes we ourselves experience weakness. There are days where we couldn’t help those in need, there are also times where helping people involve family members and close friends, and some of the worst times is when you can relate a tragic call and associate it to a loved one. Yet experiencing all of that, normally, knowing we did our very best is enough for us. Still as superhuman as we EMT members can be, we are still human. Yes there are “those” days when we [don’t want to get up in the morning] are tired. Yes there are “those” times where we feel abused, that is the time we constantly remind ourselves it is the citizen’s emergency not our own. Finally, yes there are “those” rotations when it seems we are not needed at all.
So how do we lighten up, get our fix, and let everything go? Many have their own different ways. The most popular is working out and being sociable with friends or family. Others will go to extreme measures such as jumping out of perfectly good airplanes to “relax”. However while on duty, just like Underdog or Popeye needing their “pick me up”, we too have our own devices. The majority would use, I believe, 120 mg of caffeine orally, or alias name is Coffee. Of course others will also use nicotine or pure sarcasm…if not all three.
Finally, just like any superhero dressed in cape and mask, we too have a unique attire. Just as Superman has a giant “S” symbol on his chest, we have pride wearing a six pointed star call the Star of Life somewhere on our clothing. Identical to each superhero having a strong moral code, our own has always been “Primum non nocere” or “First, do no harm”. Still, at the end when Superman becomes Clark Kent, Batman becomes Bruce Wayne, and Spiderman becomes Peter Parker; we too get to hang up our uniforms. But unlike our known superheroes, our identities are not kept a secret on purpose only to rest for another day.
So in truth, do EMT’s really play superheroes in everyday life? Those who have been in EMS called to action numerous times upon years would probably respond “Yeah, right…” Sure we can postpone the inevitable and give support, but we only DO when we are called. Most of the time the public perceives an ambulance lurking around just waiting for [death] trouble unlike the firemen who’s always able to show results in their shiny red truck or the police both protecting you and “looking” out for “your” safety. But I think that’s how it should be for a superhero to be misunderstood. Needless to say EMS people are eat the paste kind of special, morbid, yet always available 24/7 air and ground prepared with coffee readily in their veins.
Emergency Medical Technicians are skilled medical workers who respond by ambulance to medical emergencies for the injured and ill. So, you don't have to worry and be afraid of them.
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