I can't believe I've been here in Crescent City for almost 2 months. The last 55 days have flown by. I have seen and experienced more than I ever thought possible. I'm so glad that I jumped at this opportunity, it has been life changing. I've had the chance to work and become friends with some of the best in the business. When you work in the field of public service you have an extended family for life and no matter where you go, you will always have an awesome support system and group of friends. I look forward to going to work because I am getting paid to hang out with said friends and help people! What can I say, simple joys of life... I've also learned that laughter and smiles are the best medicine we have to offer. If I can get patients to forget the reason they called 911 even if just for a moment because I made them laugh or smile I feel like I have had success. Following the news of Robin Williams death, I felt physically sad. This was the first time a celebrity died where I honestly cared and was saddened because of it. One of my favorite movies of all time is Patch Adams. It reminds me of the kind of medical professional I want to be. Here are a few quotes that apply to what I'm referring to:
"You've got to know what you want. This is central to acting on your intentions. When you know what you want, you realize that all there is left then is time management. You'll manage your time to achieve your goals because you clearly know what you're trying to achieve in your life." -Hunter Adams
As soon as I decided I wanted to become a Paramedic I realized that it was just a matter of managing my time and following through to achieve my goals. It has not been an easy journey by any means but I was and still am committed to this field of work. Falling more and more in love with the work you do every shift you work is an awesome feeling and I hope it never ends.
"I'm great at a deathbed. I've never given tranquilizers or psychiatric medicine. I've given love and fun and creativity and passion and hope, and these things ease suffering."
-Hunter Adams
I've been lucky enough to have been partnered with a fellow medic who I've had the chance to get to know well and in turn have become really close friends. No matter where we go, people both young and old have been drawn to us. It seems at times we have a sign taped to our backs saying "We're all ears." Whether we're working, or hanging out off duty. We've had the opportunity to meet people from all over. The banter between us even on scene has made our patients laugh and even sometimes join in. We have received more complements and hugs from patients and their families after interacting with them then I ever have before. It has been a very gratifying and an awesome experience. I hope I/we continue to have this effect on everyone around us.
“Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular function. Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs.
Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease, cancer cells as well as viral, bacterial and other infections. Being happy is the best cure of all diseases!”
-Patch Adams
Time flies by when you're having fun. I challenge those reading this to share the love, laughter and smiles with all you meet. You will be rewarded in endless ways.
Until next time.
Paramedic 259
