As many of you know, this Spring, I completed my EMT Course and Skills Training, and passed my National Skills Test, leaving one test left to complete - the Adaptive Written Test, before I was completely 'Nationally Certified'. I finally took the test last night, after putting it on the back burner for 4 months, and found out this morning that I passed it, praise God!!
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend around 75 hrs as a ridealong at our local Fire Department, working on the ambulance, as well as the fire engine for a total of around 34 calls. You see a lot of things in the Emergency field, and I discovered I have a passion for it.
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| One of my main Shifts and I |
As disciples of Christ, we all have been commissioned to '
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things Jesus commanded us.'
(Matt. 28:19-20a) This commission can and should be carried out where ever we are, whether that is at home, at work, at the grocery store, at play, etc.
Christ told us that
'WE are the light of the world, and a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.' (Matt. 5:14) He commanded us to
'Let our lights so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in Heaven.' (Matt. 5:16)
All of this applies in the field of EMS as well. Except, in this sense, we typically only have about 1/2 hour with each patient: to encourage them and make an impact for Christ--mostly through care, prayer, compassion, and example. We also can make an impact with our co-workers (or the 'brotherhood' as it is termed at the FD)... EMS is a stressful, adrenaline-packed job, and though there is a definite sense of satisfaction with a job well done, it's not always easy or fun.
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| Ever seen the a battery resting on the ground before?? That's what happens when a Jetta hits a Dumptruck... |
There is a huge mission field there in EMS, and the biggest way to have an impact is to lead through example--letting your walk talk mostly, instead of the talk talk (though there are times for that as well).
As a girl going into a mostly guys world, you have to be careful that you are shamefaced and discreet, because you are dealing with other women's husbands, fiances, etc. in high-stress situations. It was really neat, because in the short time I was there, I saw God use me to make a small impact in the areas I served, and it so encouraged me to continue trying to make those little differences in other areas of my life as well.
I am so grateful for all those who serve our Country in all aspects. It is a rough, tough job...you see a lot, and you have to handle a lot..and when you get off the job--12, 24, 48, or longer hour shifts, you have to go home and readjust to 'normal' life, trying to forget the sometimes devastating things you've dealt with...sometimes to people who understand and help, sometimes to people who don't.
It is imperative that we on the homefront encourage those working in those Front Line fields--both those defending our Country from without and within, and seek to understand how we can help.
As you might see, I'm passionate about this subject, and could go on for hours...so I'll end here. ;)
Also, as a quick addendum, Joe Galizio, a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT in NY is writing a kids book called 'Don't be Afraid' to help raise awareness that EMS Personnel are there to help in stressful situations. His hope is to educate Pre-K - Elementary-aged children that it's okay to be nervous, but not to hide from emergency workers, and hopefully help children understand the process during an emergency, which will make it a little less stressful for them.
His goal is to raise $7500.00 to assist with artwork and to cover the costs for the first print run of 2000 books. If you have an extra dollar or two, this would be a great cause to donate it to.. It would be really neat to see this book published... Read more
here.
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