It was awesome and sums up why I want to do this job, and also why I want to work in SC.
All started right at shift chance, about 5:55pm or 1755, we got called to an MVC - it was a head on, pick-up truck vs firefly. The dude in the firefly appears not to have been wearing his seatbelt and did not fair well, the dude in the truck was fine...not a scratch on him.
After that we went back to the hall and had some supper, then got called out to a local liquor store that had been robbed and the worker got beat up a little. There were 6 cop cars there, and when we walked in all the cops were watching the surveillance video with the guy...haha, it as just like Superbad. It was hard not to laugh. The dude was fine, hurt his pinky.
Went back to the hal again and the guys pulled out the Aerial Tower and let me set it all up and then go up in the basket and o way up and around and down and out. Just mess around or about an hour. Out over the street, touched the top of an evergreen, put it right up to the window on the 2nd floor of the fire hall. Got a great view of the Park.
We had a few other ambulance calls that night, one chest pain, and one broken hip, pretty standard stuff. But at the hospital with the latter the cops had to come and arrest a pt of an Edmonton ambulance after he went loonie in the back of their unit. They had him in cuffs in the hallway where we waiting; he was cursing and swearing, telling them to go ahead and "break my fuckin wrist" They were a bunch of crazy losers in their that night; swearing away, one guy pulled out his own IV, got up, took about 20 minutes to get his stuff together and left. "Trailer Park Night" my lieutenant called it. Hilarious.
Back to the hall for about an hours sleep, then we got called to a vehicle fire at an industrial company. Showed up and found a big ass Tractor on fire. It was already pretty burned up, but we put it out and I got to shoot lots of water, which is always fun. The guys are always willing to show me things.
Got back to the hall, and while cleaning up I went into the house tower to hang some hose we cleaned and got a bucket of water dumped on me. It was freezing and I was soaked, but let's face it...I love it. It was a great last shift.
Combine that with getting done my interview, which went pretty well, I got my EMT certificate, and I got my wife back.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I'm comin' home
That's right, one more week and I should be back in the great city of Regina...at least for a while.
Monday marks the first day of the last tour of my practicum. I also have made it to the interview stage of the hiring process for a job our here in Sherwood Park. My interview is Friday, and if it goes well the wife and I could be packing our bags for Alberta in a few months time. I can't believe I might become one of those sellouts that moves to Alberta...but I take solace in that fact that it won't be Calgary.
But nothing is for sure at this point, I think I just need to start getting used to the idea. If we do come this way, it won't be an easy decision.
Other than that my practicum had been going well. I have been to my first fire, I have done CPR on someone - who we brought, and then they died anyway. I've seen a dead person, some sick kids, some very sick people who did nothing to deserve what they have. And after all that I am still sure that this is the line of work I want to be in. I have to admit that it is a good feeling when someone looks at you for help, when you can make there bad day a little better. Sometime it is with treatment, and sometimes it is just by chatting with them.
It's also sort of strange to see how little we do in most cases. We always go through the process to make sure nothing life threatening is going on, then we sort of just make them comfortable and take them to the hospital. For the most part any person willing to chat with a stranger could do the job.
It's not all roses. I can see how some of the guys around the hall would be tough to be around all the time. But that is only about 3 or 4%of the guys. And there is a lot of gross shit...and I mean shit. Blood and shit. I have been to three rectal bleeds. That is just not cool. The shift work is tough, it's really hard on the sleeping patterns. Getting 2 hours here, 3 hours there. I am always very tired by the time I get done my last night, and I am pretty much ruined for an entire day after that. And it can't be healthy jumping up in the middle of the night to slide down a pole. The ol heart isn't supposed to go from 60bpm to 120 in about 3 seconds.
Anyway, I can't believe I am almost done with this schooling thing again. It will be nice to get back to living with my girlfri...I mean wife, Mrs. Brody. It has been long enough living apart.
Monday marks the first day of the last tour of my practicum. I also have made it to the interview stage of the hiring process for a job our here in Sherwood Park. My interview is Friday, and if it goes well the wife and I could be packing our bags for Alberta in a few months time. I can't believe I might become one of those sellouts that moves to Alberta...but I take solace in that fact that it won't be Calgary.
But nothing is for sure at this point, I think I just need to start getting used to the idea. If we do come this way, it won't be an easy decision.
Other than that my practicum had been going well. I have been to my first fire, I have done CPR on someone - who we brought, and then they died anyway. I've seen a dead person, some sick kids, some very sick people who did nothing to deserve what they have. And after all that I am still sure that this is the line of work I want to be in. I have to admit that it is a good feeling when someone looks at you for help, when you can make there bad day a little better. Sometime it is with treatment, and sometimes it is just by chatting with them.
It's also sort of strange to see how little we do in most cases. We always go through the process to make sure nothing life threatening is going on, then we sort of just make them comfortable and take them to the hospital. For the most part any person willing to chat with a stranger could do the job.
It's not all roses. I can see how some of the guys around the hall would be tough to be around all the time. But that is only about 3 or 4%of the guys. And there is a lot of gross shit...and I mean shit. Blood and shit. I have been to three rectal bleeds. That is just not cool. The shift work is tough, it's really hard on the sleeping patterns. Getting 2 hours here, 3 hours there. I am always very tired by the time I get done my last night, and I am pretty much ruined for an entire day after that. And it can't be healthy jumping up in the middle of the night to slide down a pole. The ol heart isn't supposed to go from 60bpm to 120 in about 3 seconds.
Anyway, I can't believe I am almost done with this schooling thing again. It will be nice to get back to living with my girlfri...I mean wife, Mrs. Brody. It has been long enough living apart.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
They call me Stu...for student
I slept until 11:10 today…I love being a fire fighter.
I am currently enjoying my first set of days off. My first tour went pretty well. 2 days and 2 nights. I got about 10 ambulance calls, and by the first night shift I was leading the calls, or “attending”. The other guys pretty much let me run the show until I either don’t know what to do, or miss something, then they step in. I haven’t seen anything really cool yet. Not big trauma’s, or anyone in need of CPR. Just a bunch of pretty sick people. One stroke, one status eclipticus (series of seizures without a return to consciousness). A few chest pains…that sort of thing.
I also got to go on the engine twice. It was pretty much like living my dream when I got to go one the truck. Just like I imagined it…tones go off – “Engine 1-1, engine 1-1…”, everyone runs and gets in their gear and hops on the tuck, lights and sirens to the fire, or in this case to the gas leak. Both calls ended up being not a gig deal. The first was a gas leak after someone didn’t call before they dug. We just had to be there incase while the gas company took care of things. We went to some of the houses to tell people to make sure their windows were closed and to stay inside. Really fancy neighborhood. The 2nd call was a car fire, but when we showed up on scene the bus that was allegedly on fire had driven away…not sure what happened there.
I think I am jinxed in a way that is good for the victims or patients. I have spent approximately 66 hours working or riding along on ambulance/fire truck- including an 18 hours night shift, I still haven’t seen anyone bleeding profusely, not breathing, dead, or even severely injured. I don’t wish any harm on anyone, but if they are going to be hurt, I wouldn’t mind being there. The other night we responded to some dude with abdominal pain, the engine got called out to a vehicle fire, with possible victims trapped inside. The day crew before my night shift got 3 MVC’s (car crash), we got none during the night.
After I get see something ugly I will probably regret looking for it, but I figure I might as well just see if and get it over with. Then I will know if I can take it or not.
But overall it is just awesome being at the fire hall. As a student I don’t really matter, or have an opinion, or any right of any kind, but its all part of earning the respect and earning your place. There are endless little “traditions” that one must be aware off…don’t sit on the leather couches as a student of probie, be the first up in the morning, be at work an hour early, probies are supposed to be the first one to answer the phone…etc, etc.
They have a pole. It actually isn’t that easy to go down- at least in a way that doesn’t make you the focus of jokes and jeers. But I think I finally figured it out during my last shift. I am happy to report that I managed to get a couple hours sleep during the nights. We got one call at 4am, and I managed to get up, get my boots and shirt on, and get down the poll before anyone else. (note-I slept with my pants on so as to save time) It can be pretty hard to wake up, get dressed, get stuff you need, and get in the unit in about 60 seconds at 4 in the morning. The ol’mind had a little trouble keeping up with what is going on.
The other thing I have realized is that hospital wait times are ridiculous even for ems. I will get into this more some other time, but it is scary how long we can wait, even with someone who is somewhat serious.
Be safe.
I am currently enjoying my first set of days off. My first tour went pretty well. 2 days and 2 nights. I got about 10 ambulance calls, and by the first night shift I was leading the calls, or “attending”. The other guys pretty much let me run the show until I either don’t know what to do, or miss something, then they step in. I haven’t seen anything really cool yet. Not big trauma’s, or anyone in need of CPR. Just a bunch of pretty sick people. One stroke, one status eclipticus (series of seizures without a return to consciousness). A few chest pains…that sort of thing.
I also got to go on the engine twice. It was pretty much like living my dream when I got to go one the truck. Just like I imagined it…tones go off – “Engine 1-1, engine 1-1…”, everyone runs and gets in their gear and hops on the tuck, lights and sirens to the fire, or in this case to the gas leak. Both calls ended up being not a gig deal. The first was a gas leak after someone didn’t call before they dug. We just had to be there incase while the gas company took care of things. We went to some of the houses to tell people to make sure their windows were closed and to stay inside. Really fancy neighborhood. The 2nd call was a car fire, but when we showed up on scene the bus that was allegedly on fire had driven away…not sure what happened there.
I think I am jinxed in a way that is good for the victims or patients. I have spent approximately 66 hours working or riding along on ambulance/fire truck- including an 18 hours night shift, I still haven’t seen anyone bleeding profusely, not breathing, dead, or even severely injured. I don’t wish any harm on anyone, but if they are going to be hurt, I wouldn’t mind being there. The other night we responded to some dude with abdominal pain, the engine got called out to a vehicle fire, with possible victims trapped inside. The day crew before my night shift got 3 MVC’s (car crash), we got none during the night.
After I get see something ugly I will probably regret looking for it, but I figure I might as well just see if and get it over with. Then I will know if I can take it or not.
But overall it is just awesome being at the fire hall. As a student I don’t really matter, or have an opinion, or any right of any kind, but its all part of earning the respect and earning your place. There are endless little “traditions” that one must be aware off…don’t sit on the leather couches as a student of probie, be the first up in the morning, be at work an hour early, probies are supposed to be the first one to answer the phone…etc, etc.
They have a pole. It actually isn’t that easy to go down- at least in a way that doesn’t make you the focus of jokes and jeers. But I think I finally figured it out during my last shift. I am happy to report that I managed to get a couple hours sleep during the nights. We got one call at 4am, and I managed to get up, get my boots and shirt on, and get down the poll before anyone else. (note-I slept with my pants on so as to save time) It can be pretty hard to wake up, get dressed, get stuff you need, and get in the unit in about 60 seconds at 4 in the morning. The ol’mind had a little trouble keeping up with what is going on.
The other thing I have realized is that hospital wait times are ridiculous even for ems. I will get into this more some other time, but it is scary how long we can wait, even with someone who is somewhat serious.
Be safe.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Life Update
The stress level was about an 8 out of 10 earlier today...down to about a 5-10 now, but there is much to much happening right now.
On the good news front I got a call from the fire dept I applied to and will be moving on to the aptitude testing taking place next week. Certainly a move in the right direction.
I go to day 1 of 3 of my hospital practicum tomorrow. It is surgery day so i will be starting IV's and controlling airways....aren't you all glad your not at the Vermilion hospital for a vasectomy tomorrow. Apparently those are quite popular here.
Only 3 weeks left of school. In fact I only have 10 days of actual class left. Exciting. It's been fun but I am ready to be done. Have my med final next Tuesday, but after that it will be a coast to the finish. I somehow ended up as MC for our graduation ceremonies. i could have passed it off to a teacher I'm sure, but it will be easier to do it myself than try and explain to them how I - I mean WE want the day to go.
I didn't vote today. Hope that doesn't come back to bite me in the ass. Mrs. Brody did vote, so that makes me feel a little better.
later folks.
On the good news front I got a call from the fire dept I applied to and will be moving on to the aptitude testing taking place next week. Certainly a move in the right direction.
I go to day 1 of 3 of my hospital practicum tomorrow. It is surgery day so i will be starting IV's and controlling airways....aren't you all glad your not at the Vermilion hospital for a vasectomy tomorrow. Apparently those are quite popular here.
Only 3 weeks left of school. In fact I only have 10 days of actual class left. Exciting. It's been fun but I am ready to be done. Have my med final next Tuesday, but after that it will be a coast to the finish. I somehow ended up as MC for our graduation ceremonies. i could have passed it off to a teacher I'm sure, but it will be easier to do it myself than try and explain to them how I - I mean WE want the day to go.
I didn't vote today. Hope that doesn't come back to bite me in the ass. Mrs. Brody did vote, so that makes me feel a little better.
later folks.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
New Post?
I am sitting here, watching the news about yet another snow bird crash and I was thinking that I should write a blog about something. But I also want to have a nap. It has been a very busy and fairly stressful week.
I vote for nap.
Take ca....zzzzzzz
I vote for nap.
Take ca....zzzzzzz
Monday, September 29, 2008
On a need to know basis
Inspired by DM’s blog on getting his car fixed, here is a list of things that I really should learn/know more about. I see myself as a fairly intelligent person and as such don’t know why I can’t figure these things out. Some of them are a problem just because they are popular things that I can’t keep up with in the conversation, others really are things I need to figure out to make life easier.
- cars – Besides the basics, I know shit about cars. I don’t know what any car made before 1999 looks like, beyond the basic principles I don’t know how an engine works. I don’t really even like talking about cars. Two things I look for in a car-comfort and no break downs. I also don’t like doing any maintenance on them, I can’t even be bother to check the tire pressure or oil on a regualar basis.
- Politics- I don’t really know the difference between “right” and “left”. I get the impression that the “Conservatives” are not conservative at all, and “New Democrats” aren’t new, so why are they called new. I want to care, I want to think that voting matters, but in the back of my head I always think that it doesn’t matter who is in power, they can only do so much and it is all pretty much going to shake out the same way anyway. Plus the elections truly annoy me. I suspect the some of the leaders might actually have good ideas that could make a difference, but because of the “politics” involved they can’t really state what is one their mind because the other parties will be all over it.
- Music/music videos – I seem to be border line retarded (can I say retarded? Hope so) when it comes to music. I can’t seem to understand words of the songs, I can’t remember the names of bands or songs, and I think I just generally miss the point. I seem to advertise the fact that I don’t get music, and I think I do that to avoid embarrassing situation when someone tries to make music talk with me and I have to B.S. my way through it. Last night I drove home from Vermilion and I listened to my audio book the entire way. The only time I shut it off was to see what was on News Talk radio. Not one song. What is wrong with me?
- Soccer – at least I am not alone in this one here in North America. The worlds most popular sport and I feel a little left out that I don’t like it. It would be great to be able to get so into a sport that I want to start a riot at every game. Now that is fun in anyone’s books. Have you seen the movie “Green Street Hooligans”? It is a great show about soccer hooligans – staring Frodo no less.
- NCAA sports- the whole US seems obsessed with their college sports. Again here I feel left out that I don’t get the same enjoyment. I feel like a am missing out on something great. March madness makes sense, but I hate basketball, and I like football, but I have no idea how the hell the determine who the best team is, or who plays in what bowls.
- Food network- seems like more and more of you, my friends, are watching the food network. Now this is something I have never even given a shot, but I still don’t see the appeal. I must be missing something. What is it? It just makes me want to eat, and I can’t cook like they can, so it just seems frustrating.
- UFC- another sport that is very popular and gaining popularity every day. I can appreciate the intensity, but I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I don’t really like watching it. Two grown, very sweaty men rolling around on a blood covered mat. It’s kind of disgusting to me.
- cars – Besides the basics, I know shit about cars. I don’t know what any car made before 1999 looks like, beyond the basic principles I don’t know how an engine works. I don’t really even like talking about cars. Two things I look for in a car-comfort and no break downs. I also don’t like doing any maintenance on them, I can’t even be bother to check the tire pressure or oil on a regualar basis.
- Politics- I don’t really know the difference between “right” and “left”. I get the impression that the “Conservatives” are not conservative at all, and “New Democrats” aren’t new, so why are they called new. I want to care, I want to think that voting matters, but in the back of my head I always think that it doesn’t matter who is in power, they can only do so much and it is all pretty much going to shake out the same way anyway. Plus the elections truly annoy me. I suspect the some of the leaders might actually have good ideas that could make a difference, but because of the “politics” involved they can’t really state what is one their mind because the other parties will be all over it.
- Music/music videos – I seem to be border line retarded (can I say retarded? Hope so) when it comes to music. I can’t seem to understand words of the songs, I can’t remember the names of bands or songs, and I think I just generally miss the point. I seem to advertise the fact that I don’t get music, and I think I do that to avoid embarrassing situation when someone tries to make music talk with me and I have to B.S. my way through it. Last night I drove home from Vermilion and I listened to my audio book the entire way. The only time I shut it off was to see what was on News Talk radio. Not one song. What is wrong with me?
- Soccer – at least I am not alone in this one here in North America. The worlds most popular sport and I feel a little left out that I don’t like it. It would be great to be able to get so into a sport that I want to start a riot at every game. Now that is fun in anyone’s books. Have you seen the movie “Green Street Hooligans”? It is a great show about soccer hooligans – staring Frodo no less.
- NCAA sports- the whole US seems obsessed with their college sports. Again here I feel left out that I don’t get the same enjoyment. I feel like a am missing out on something great. March madness makes sense, but I hate basketball, and I like football, but I have no idea how the hell the determine who the best team is, or who plays in what bowls.
- Food network- seems like more and more of you, my friends, are watching the food network. Now this is something I have never even given a shot, but I still don’t see the appeal. I must be missing something. What is it? It just makes me want to eat, and I can’t cook like they can, so it just seems frustrating.
- UFC- another sport that is very popular and gaining popularity every day. I can appreciate the intensity, but I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I don’t really like watching it. Two grown, very sweaty men rolling around on a blood covered mat. It’s kind of disgusting to me.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Congrate JAM!
Welcome to both Sweet and Salty - two great looking babies.
Congrats for all of us at Show Some Respect blog co. Way Happy for the jambabies!
The Fafours!
(I was going to post pictures but didn't want to be the first to put there images on the world wide web)
Congrats for all of us at Show Some Respect blog co. Way Happy for the jambabies!
The Fafours!
(I was going to post pictures but didn't want to be the first to put there images on the world wide web)
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