Brush Up On EMS with Bob

Two weeks out from the day that I have been preparing myself for the last 24 years. It still has kinda a feeling to it that its not reality. Marriage can be a scary/ exciting word. Sometimes I cant believe its true. I glanced back over the photos that brought me to where I am today. Most people would say that my love for my future wife started a little over 2 years ago when I saw her walk through the door into my classroom . However it started way before that. My mentor Joe Hickert was an amazing influence on my life. I wouldnt be where I am today if it wasnt for him. I first met Joe , when I was 18 yrs old sitting in an office at Thomas County EMS in Colby, Kansas. I was there because I was about to take an EMT class from that EMS agenecy. They were conducting interviews for the program. I will remember it as clear as day . Joe asked me why I wanted to be in EMS. I told him I wanted to help people. I also told him that someday I wanted to become a Firefighter Paramedic....

"Medic 47 to dispatch triage one code black!" This is a common, but a not so fun part of our job as EMS caregivers.  Life as we know it  consists of bringing life into the world and watching the one we love leave it. We are called to that code blue, hoping to put our skills to the test but we show up and find that the patient no matter how old or young has passed away and there is no hope for bringing back the dead. We quickly have to transition from trying to save a life  to notifying the family of their loved ones passing.  We also have to be ready to take care of the family members in their time of panic and discomfort. This is not an easy time in the least for the family.  Death Notification In times of sheer discomfort the brain does not comprehend what it is told. It can create safe zones for the inflicted and protect them from the worst pain. The brain creates altenate relaties , so much so they wont be able to believe you that their loved one ...