My son has been an EMT for 21 years. His best friend, a paramedic, killed himself last year. He couldn't even speak at his brother's funeral. My heart breaks for them both... Thank you for this...

Thank you, I'm tired of suffering .

as a paramedic student and EMT if you need help get it do not hold it in

I'm very glad you're are here helping us EMTs and paramedics god bless you all

Holding it in for the last 20 years and now surfacing, no one cares where I live. 20 year medic. I got this. Yes EMS, we are forgotten.

I Would love to become a member of EMS Road Doc, your video speaks volume, I suffer from PTSD with severe panic attacks after 30 years of EMS

I'm a newbie to EMS. I started 2 years ago... I'm addicted to it. People ask me all the time "why do you work so much, when you see the things that you see?" I really dont know.

I have lost friends and coworkers to PTSD. Great video. Thank you for posting.

Thank you for sharing this information.

Thank you so much.. this isn't an easy job and after 4 years I can't hide that pain..

I've had PTSD for so long, it feels normal. like a part of me.

@joekeene6671

6 жыл бұрын

Me to but no one knows but me

Former military flight medic and civilian CCEMTP here. I totally support this. There is many things I think about and seek help for still. Now an engineer for an aerospace company in Alabama. Went back to school. Just got burnt. I'd say dont be afraid to walk away either.

Almost 5k views and no comments. Interesting. I think that pretty much sums up a world of medics that are afraid to speak of the ghosts we all know are there with us every day

I’m still not over my second call ever, vehicular manslaughter. I didn’t even realize the mans brains was everywhere since he was crushed in the truck, I mostly just helped his wife who was a code red but she rejected medical treatment, I hope she’s okay today and I’m just now going to counseling for this. I can never forget this call and every time I drive at night this call always comes back to me and I re see everything and hear the screaming and see the body and stuff.

Everyone deals with it different. I am ok as long as I can detach myself from it. I had a medic tell me years ago that while I’m working to remember that it isn’t me hurting (or worse) and it’s not my loved one. So don’t attach yourself to them and just do what you have to, give all you have to save them but don’t allow it to be personal. As far as getting those images out of your head and not allowing them to haunt you, you also have to detach from the job. When you are off, leave it behind. Don’t spend all of your time as an EMT/Paramedic. Have a passion outside of work that is fulfilling and let it consume you. For me it’s Christ and family. Bars and parties never work for long.

my question would be we talk about helping those in EMS how about helping those came before us who are no longer in EMS. the ones who are suffering alone and have no where to turn. the difference between the Military and First Responder is the Supports and takes care of all their Brothers and Sisters in/off the Military. As First Responder we need to start to do this because is it wasn't for the one's who came before us EMS would not be what it is today.

When I started in the EMS field I love it but as the bodies grew I hid the fact that I would get sick after every call as a capt. you do not let some one know that it is killing you inside . So I retired with 28 years I just could not do 2 more years but now I get to see it every night and I have no one to talk to about it Because were I come from you suck it up and no one must know

I don't want to say I have ptsd because I've only been in ems for 3 1/2 months and I don't want to claim I have something people deal with everyday but I have been to a couple of calls that I can not stop thinking about and it brings me down everytime.. is this normal?

@anthonyln

6 жыл бұрын

That One Guy two years as an EMT, and once you see something it's not easy to forget. It's normal yes, and it's better to talk about, get it out and rationalize because if you don't it will manifest in other ways. I still remember the name of my first patient, the look on her face. It happens brother, we're here for you.

@RenTheOriginal

6 жыл бұрын

That One Guy, I've been in it since 2012. As a paramedic, I'd tell you, this isn't for you if you are already having issues. Don't let it hit you later when your knuckle deep into your career.

@32mpd

6 жыл бұрын

That One Guy - yes brother it’s normal but find a co worker a stranger whoever you feel comfortable talking to. I’ve been in law enforcement for 19 years and it will get worse but how much is up to you. I’ve been in shootings ,chases , fights , etc and seen the very things your talking about and I’m here to tell ya start dealing with it now don’t wait until it’s to late. When I started you didn’t speak of pts because you didn’t want anyone to think you were weak but your not it was stupid and now I’m not sure what to do. So brother be careful out there. Where I’m from law enforcement looks out for our FD and EMS brothers. God bless

@Bryan_Kay

6 жыл бұрын

Agreed, medic as well 6 years.

@acarpentersson8271

6 жыл бұрын

Everyone deals with it different. I am ok as long as I can detach myself from it. I had a medic tell me years ago that while I’m working to remember that it isn’t me hurting (or worse) and it’s not my loved one. So don’t attach yourself to them and just do what you have to, give all you have to save them but don’t allow it to be personal. As far as getting those images out of your head and not allowing them to haunt you, you also have to detach from the job. When you are off, leave it behind. Don’t spend all of your time as an EMT/Paramedic. Have a passion outside of work that is fulfilling and let it consume you. For me it’s Christ and family. Bars and parties never work for long.

Reach out... We call for back up when we are in danger on a call why shouldnt we call for back up when its us that are the danger

in such a crazy world we all live in, we would like to reach out and help our own. I know we can't save everyone but if we can just save one of our own! We have created a page for anyone in public safety suffering from PTSD. If you are afraid to speak up or afraid of being judged because we all have fallen victim of the stereotype "hero", then this page is for you! Please everyone, let's help our brothers and sisters that need us! Please take a look at our page on Facebook @911projecthelp m.facebook.com/911projecthelp/

Sure PTSD is a problem in this occupation. More widespread though is probably burnout and alcoholism. Also look at the divorce rates. There are studies i think which conclude that shiftwork including nights is as harmful as smoking a pack a day. I urge every young individual to think carefully and consider these things before you decide to become an emt, nurse, police officer, whatever.