It wasn’t long after writing my previous blog that I realized how silly I was feeling sorry for myself. Sure this hiring process is getting a little frustrating, but in the grand scheme…no, even in the small scheme, I am living a great fricking life.
That’s name a few. I have, in my opinion, one of the best wives in the history of the world, and certainly the best one I could ever even hope to find. I have friends who I like to be around and make me feel like they enjoy my company from time to time. I have a family that I am proud to be a part of, and an extended family, which is growing, and I am happy to say filled with more people I think of as friends. I have a great house, live in a place, no matter how cold it is, that I feel safe in. I never have to worry about the basic necessities in life, food, water, shelter and such. I don’t even really worry about money, and that is impressive seeing as I haven’t had a job in 11 months (this is mostly because of the previously mentioned wife).
Yep, I have a great frickin life.
Anyway, this is all a little sappy, but it gets me wondering if more people out there realize how good their lives are. There are certainly some people in this world who are not living in as perfect a world as mine. People who, for what ever reason, were dealt a shitty deal even though they were/are good people. But I also think there are people that bad things happen to that as they say “had it coming”
I am a strong believer in Karma, and that if I do good things, then good things will happen to me. I am not a prefect person, that is for damn sure, but I do try and treat others with respect, and hope for respect in return. I try not to cheat, steal, or lie, so that others won’t cheat me, steal from me, or lie to me. I don’t like to be cruel to people, in hopes that other won’t be cruel to me. (The obvious exception to this is my poor brother, who I tortured for years…although we had lots of good times as well.) In short, I find it simple to let one general rule govern the way I act, and it’s one that we have all heard since we were young… Treat others like you want to be treated
Here are a few things that I like to do to tip the scale of Karma to my side:
- Be friendly to cashiers and servers
- Call seniors “Sir”, or “Ma’am”
- Leave my loonie in the carts at Super Store so that the next person to use it gets a nice surprise (admittedly not every time)
- Always stop to push someone out if they are stuck
- Hold open doors.
- Stop to help little old ladies get in or out of their car.
- Signaling/not driving in the left lane.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The waiting game
Holy Crap, I am starting to go crazy. I got a call from my friend Eric who is also going through the hiring process, and he is also starting to go crazy, so he called the dept. today to see what was up. Turns out that there STILL hasn't been any decision made on how many recruits will be hired. Apparently negotiations are still underway between the province and the county to over the ambulance contract. Of course, anything involving the government in turning out to be long and drawn out. Apparently the Deputy Chief is now on holidays until the 21st. I also hear that the start date has been pushed back from early Feb to mid Feb.
So in summary it is getting ridiculous. I have pretty much put my life on hold waiting to hear about this job. I know that is my choice, and probably a stupid one, but in my defense they have pretty much been string me along, week to week, for almost exactly a month. I am still fairly confident I will have a job, but with each day that goes by more and more doubt creeps into my mind.
I need to get a job. I want it to be in the EMS field, but I don't know how to do that when I have no idea if I will be around Regina for 1 month, or 6 months...or longer.
I feel so useless. I need some structure in my life. I need a reason to get up in the morning...and once up, stay the hell off the couch.
Anyway, enough feeling sorry for myself. Time to get up and frickin do something.
Have fun working.
So in summary it is getting ridiculous. I have pretty much put my life on hold waiting to hear about this job. I know that is my choice, and probably a stupid one, but in my defense they have pretty much been string me along, week to week, for almost exactly a month. I am still fairly confident I will have a job, but with each day that goes by more and more doubt creeps into my mind.
I need to get a job. I want it to be in the EMS field, but I don't know how to do that when I have no idea if I will be around Regina for 1 month, or 6 months...or longer.
I feel so useless. I need some structure in my life. I need a reason to get up in the morning...and once up, stay the hell off the couch.
Anyway, enough feeling sorry for myself. Time to get up and frickin do something.
Have fun working.
Monday, December 15, 2008
My last shift
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.
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.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)