Must read....

I just finished "People Care, Career-Friendly Practices for Professional Caregivers". I think it is an absolute must read for anyone who works in or around EMS and the health-care industry. I especially think it should be included in the EMT and Paramedic program as required reading. Some of the things that are talked about are common sense, at least to me. But it opened my eyes to a lot of other things. I have to admit my face probably flushed with shame a few times while reading, remembering times that I treated a patient or family member a certain way that I shouldn't have. I know that I will try to do better now. I just wish that I was observant and kind enough to notice these things before hand. I can't do anything about the people that I have already faced, but I can do better with the next one. (I'm not up on the whole copyright thing, but I hope that the authors of this incredible book won't have a problem with me endorsing it on my little page.)

On a side note: I passed my oral boards with our MD. I was sweating bullets, let me tell you... After it was over I realized that I had made it a lot worse than it actually was. But isn't that the way it always goes? The anticipation of the thing is usually worse that the actual thing?

Anyways, I am now a fully-functioning Paramedic, I can finally do all the things I have been training for. It's been one hell of a long road. I have to admit I am scared shitless and eager all in the same heartbeat. Scared because when that next call comes I wonder what will I do, will I freeze up with a major brain-fart? or run screaming from the back doors? Eager because I want to prove to myself that I deserve to wear that patch, that I belong in that truck and that I can be a good medic and all that entails.

As an old instructor of mine once said, now that your out of school your real education begins, so "Go forth and do no harm". He's not on the street anymore, but I hope that with my actions, I can make his memory proud....