Embrace The Suck


I had a new blog come across my desk the other day. I won’t mention the name quite yet, but it got me thinking.

This blog has seemed to take great pride in being “not your typical EMS blog.” The author, who remains nameless seemingly by choice, has chosen to post a list of 911 calls as the “pussyfication of America.” I get a kick out of the title because, hey, who hasn’t made a call like one of the ones listed. I think I have even used that exact phrase before.

That being said, I recognize that when using such terms, or others using such terms, that it is WHINING.Pure and simple, all he is doing is whining to the internet and expecting some sort of compassionate return. What isn’t being realized is that such a return never comes. Whining and crying into cyberspace is ridiculous, because you run into someone like me who will run 9 or 10 calls exactly like the ones listed in 12 hours and has grown so amused by their complaints (bit on the titty by your sister? Yeah, more like your “sistah”) that simply yawns at your screaming and tells you to build a freaking bridge.

Think the pay is lousy and the calls aren’t what you expected? Pound sand and apply for a job at Target, at least the hours are consistent. Maybe they can put you in the shoe aisle.

I’ve long realized there is no simple solution to the problems of ignorant and stupid people, and that as long as there are ignorant, stupid, clumsy, or just plain unlucky people in the world I’m always going to have a job.

It’s going to be a long road for you if you haven’t figured that one out (or an extremely short one with a sudden career change), no one goes into the business for transporting people to dialysis, back to the nursing home, or for the stubbed toe at 0300. But we all do it. There have been nights where I’ve just sat down on my bunk just to get toned out again for something dumb and curse all the way to the door.

My best advice: Embrace The Suck. It’s military slang we could easily apply for emergency services meaning “the situation sucks, so deal with it.”


Category: Commentary

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  • http://www.romduckworth.com/ Rommie Duckworth

    I haven’t read the same blog, but I already agree. I’ll admit that I’ve occasionally mentioned calls like this during classes to lighten the mood, make a point or let the audience nod a bit going “yeah, I’ve been there.” but, as you say, decrying those calls as the destruction of EMS or better yet America is a bit much. It is, as they say, all part of the job, thank you. If you can’t go on those and still provide service with a smile, then know that they’re hiring at Pizza Hut.

  • Guest4404

    I’ve seen the site you mentioned and didn’t take it as bitching at all.  Hell, most of us wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for the “job security” calls like that.  Come on, let’s go. The narrative writes itself and should be done before transferring care to the triage nurse.  But look a little deeper then that.  I have zero complaints running the calls but have often said, well before this site came out, that our nation is effed.  You have a fever, haven’t taken ANY OTC meds and now have an “emergency”? You’re toe nails are ingrown because you haven’t cut them in over a year, and it is life threatening?  You are a grown-ass man and have thrown up 3X in 12 hours and have the chills? 

    Education between “life threatening” and “trip to a Dr that isn’t a PCP/clinic” is non-existent.  I’m not that old but no-one would’ve DREAMT of going to an ER let alone by ambulance (only means of transportation aside) for those symptoms.  Tax on the 911/ER systems aside, there are generations growing up that can not take care of themselves in the least bit which is the problem.  Because of this the healthcare systems better be ready.

    • http://hybridmedic.com HybridMedic

      See my post on Health Literacy and Actual Literacy, I think we could fix a lot by teaching health in schools again

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