Arrogance,
ego, confidence, terms that are often used to describe paramedics. What is
rarely discussed is the people behind the title and how they impact the
profession and themselves. We all know the guy who has yet accept anything that
wasn’t done in his course. Fellow Blogger Ambulance Driver calls this one year
of experience twenty times, by the way, if you haven’t checked out his blog you
should. We also know the guy who can constantly quote the newest research and
is either breaking protocol or getting orders to do what he wants because he
can back up his ideas. From a coworker perspective both of them are
frustrating, but let’s be honest, no one wants that first guy taking care of
their family.
Most
paramedics fall somewhere in between. They are not actively seeking the best
knowledge ever, but they do know that things change and accept it. If you are
this guy, don’t hate yourself because you are probably going to be considered a
reliable employee, be well liked by your
peers and do a lot of good. This is not a criticism of you.
There
is a need to criticize and worry about the person who hasn’t sought out new
knowledge or accepted it. When you are constantly looking to find a reason to
defend a practice as barbaric as full spinal immobilization, you are this guy.
You can quote all of the cliché’s and not know any of the truth behind them. You
sir are a menace to my profession and need to find a less dangerous form of
employment. Please, for your patients sake.
Then
there is the research guy. You coworkers tolerate you, because you are often
right, but when you make a mistake it tends to be larger. That being said, you
do err on the side of your patients. Your problem is you are not considered a
team player. You are great at work, but dinner with your coworkers, not so
much. Often discussing a ball game, movie, or band is impossible. Here is
advice, go see a movie. Let EMS go away for a little while. Remember that there
is life outside of the ambulance. Believe me, you can still catch up on
research and still enjoy things. Remember Isaac Asimov and Albert Einstein
loved the three stooges. Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk.
Sincerely,
Lone Medic.
