I get called a hero for doing EMS, I don't really understand why. I don't view myself as a hero, I am just a EMT who does what I am trained. I treat the sick and injured to the best of my abilities.
I try to save lives and treat what is wrong with you, so you can get the help you need to have another day with your family and loved ones.
I treat anyone who needs it, no questions asked. I don't judge you, I don't care if your Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Gay, Straight, a drug addict, alcoholic, homeless or a criminal. I look at you and see someone who needs help thats all. I want you to feel safe in my hands and know I will treat you no matter what.
I put myself at risk to help people and make sure that I do everything I can. I expose myself to AIDS, Hepatitis and other diseases everyday. I risk getting sick to help everyone when they need it. I do have ways to protect myself, but even this isn't 100% effective. I am still at risk of getting stuck with needles and other sharp objects.
I have been assaulted numerous times, shot at, almost been stabbed. But I chose this job knowing that these things happen and that every shift I work could be my last. You ask why I would do this even after that, because I love what I do, EMS is my life I eat, sleep and breath EMS, It is a part of me and always will be.
I go into work and do all of this for a whole $12 an hour, but am I complaining no because I would do this job even if I wasn't paid for it. I love it that much. My reward is seeing you live another day, and seeing the smile on your loved ones faces when they realize you will be around at least for another day, and them getting to tell you that they love you.
None of this makes me a hero, It just makes me an EMT who values life and wants to to the best I can everyday.
OzzyFreak The Goth EMT
