EMS orientation this weekend

[drockilles]

Wish me luck guys and gals. Have my orientation to be part of the Virginia Beach rescue squad this weekend. Something I've been wanting to do for a while but personal drama kept me from accomplishing.
Have the orientation Saturday, then have to wait and see if they accept my application. It's all volunteer in Va Beach, and they need a two year commitment, which I can't give being in the military, no telling where I'll be in 2 years. They have waivers for military, so hopefully I get accepted. If so, my 19 weeks of training starts in September.
I'm really excited, I've been considering going into the medical field when I get out of the Navy, this would be a great stepping stone. Plus, it will give me some job satisfaction since I get zero at work right now. My weekends and lots of my free time will be gone for a while, but I think it's well worth it. Got my fingers crossed.......

[Flametop]

Sounds cool..good luck!! I was in fire and rescue for seven + years. We didn't do medical but had a real good working relationship with the the EMS personel that would always be on hand for those we were cutting out of wrecks, pulling out of houses, or looking after us when we needed it. Being in the military you already know about selfless service. Maybe the rescue squad gig will help give and pave your way to a better sense of purpose and satisfaction for the job you and your team do. It's a great feeling, but keep in mind you can't save the world and there can be some very low lows. I wish you the best.

[Cygnus X1]

Congrats, Drock!
We have chatted about this before, haven't we?
I'm happy in what I do, but I'm also easily amused...

[drockilles]

Flametop: yeah, I know it's not gonna be easy. Lots of stress involved with this work, especially considering all the really bad car wrecks and domestic violence and what not in this area.
Kevin, yes, we have chatted about this before. Something I've planned on doing for a while now, finally get to go through with it. I'm semi happy with what I do, this will make me much happier. Plus, it's twelve hour shifts. Hopefully I can convince the squad I work for to let me bring some gear into the station, and work on my chops while we're waiting for calls.

[daisp]

Good work! as a Paramedic I know what it's like! Cheers!

[guitarsjb]

Good luck bro.

[drockilles]

thanks for the support peoples. looks like it's gonna be a good gig. find out if i get accepted in 1 to 2 weeks.

[jrnic]

Good Luck with it man, after 23 years in the Fire Department (volunteer) and 19 years in the Police Department (my regular job) I can tell you it's hard work but very satisfying.

I just got a couple of awards for saving a baby recently that was not breathing on my arrival (my PD job) and I had to "get him going again." I can tell you, what a great feeling it was after I found out the baby was awake and responsive at the hospital afterwards!

Good Luck!

[Joelski]

Good luck! I've been in EMS since '88 (Paramedic since '90) and a Level II Firefighter since 1994. It takes a certain kind of person to make it, and being a rocker, you should have no problem!

[nuclear banana]

Dude,

Good luck!

Remember these pearls and you'll be fine...

1. It's somebody else's emergency
2. The first pulse you check is your own
3. All bleeding stops - eventually
4. People die.

When all else fails see rule 4.

[StukaJU87]

Good luck with your training.

[drockilles]

Thanks again guys, still waiting on the call back. Nuclear Banana, never noticed you're from Norwich. I lived about 20 miles away from there for most of my life.