Last week I worked a double shift. Not too big a deal, just 24 hours. Hey, that’s how I USED to do it every shift! The first twelve were part of the system entry academy I’m in. The second half, on the same ambulance with the same partner (happened to be my brother in law), was an extra shift, rather than class related.
On both halves of the day I worked with either a new paramedic or a paramedic student. The new paramedic had some bad experiences during field training, and was apprehensive with us. Clearly, there was need for some change in this person’s experiences.
Throughout the day both my partner and I went about our usual way, integrating the three of us into the calls we ran. At this phase of my orientation I still function at a much lower level. Still, I made sure that I took care of everything I was allowed to, whether setting up an IV, obtaining a 12 lead EKG, or starting to work on the patient report. We both did as decent, and experienced, paramedics should do...we mentored a new paramedic with positive attitudes and the desire to help someone who is where we once were. What happened the next day? The new medic was all smiles when talking about the shift.
What did we do? We just treated a new paramedic the way we would have wanted to be treated...with respect, dignity, and the understanding that everyone starts somewhere.
This new medic’s experience had been so uncomfortable that thoughts of getting out of EMS were an option. I can only hope we offered an alternative ending to those thoughts.
So, tell me, what does it take to be friendly, helpful, and supportive? What energy is expelled?
When you weigh in the personal benefit you get from seeing someone else succeed, and knowing your efforts contributed to that success, you realize it takes ZERO effort.
We’re all on this world together, and many of us are trying to reach the same goals. So why not work together?
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