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Monday, March 18, 2024

The Burden Alone - a Medic's Battle is a Lonely One

The Burden Alone


In shadows cast by flashing lights,

Where sirens wail through haunted nights,

A paramedic walks alone,

His silent battle, never shown.


Through corridors of endless fear,

He carries burdens, oh so dear,

His heart aches with each silent scream,

A shattered soul, lost in a dream.


With every call, a piece is torn,

A heart so heavy, deeply worn,

Yet, still he stands, a guiding light,

In darkest hours, through endless night.

For every life he's touched and saved,

A part of him, forever braved,

Yet in the quiet, when alone,

The ghosts of trauma, deeply groan.


His hands may heal, his voice may soothe,

But deep within, there's still a truth,

The scars of battles never fade,

In silent whispers, they cascade.


So let us honor those who serve,

With gratitude, our hearts deserve,

For every tear, for every sigh,

A hero stands, though he may cry.



Sunday, February 25, 2024

The Invisible Battle

 "Understanding PTSD: The Invisible Battle Faced by Paramedics"


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn't just a buzzword; it's a debilitating mental health condition that can profoundly impact those who face traumatic experiences. For paramedics, who routinely encounter life-and-death situations and witness the aftermath of accidents, violence, and medical emergencies, the risk of developing PTSD is notably high.


PTSD is a complex disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It manifests in a variety of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. What sets PTSD apart is its ability to hijack the mind, replaying traumatic memories with such intensity that it feels as though the trauma is happening all over again, regardless of time and place.


Paramedics are particularly vulnerable to PTSD due to the nature of their work. They are constantly exposed to distressing scenes, often under extreme pressure and with limited resources. The emotional toll of witnessing human suffering and loss, coupled with the physical demands of the job, can take a significant toll on their mental well-being.


Moreover, paramedics face unique challenges in seeking help for their mental health struggles. The culture of stoicism and the expectation to remain resilient in the face of adversity can create barriers to seeking support. There's a fear of being perceived as weak or incompetent, leading many paramedics to suffer in silence rather than reaching out for assistance.


Recognizing the prevalence of PTSD among paramedics is crucial in addressing this issue. By fostering a culture of openness, understanding, and support within the emergency services community, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage paramedics to seek help when they need it most.


It's essential to prioritize the mental well-being of those who dedicate their lives to saving others. By providing access to resources, training in resilience-building techniques, and destigmatizing conversations around mental health, we can better support paramedics in coping with the challenges of their profession and ultimately reduce the incidence of PTSD within this vital community.


Together we can survive!


-EngineMedic

Saturday, February 24, 2024

To Hell and Back

 "PTSD as a Paramedic: A Personal Insight"


As a paramedic, PTSD isn't just a clinical term; it's a lived experience. It's like carrying the weight of every traumatic call you've ever responded to, even when the sirens are silent. It's the haunting echoes of screams, the vivid flashbacks of chaotic scenes, and the relentless replay of split-second decisions. It's feeling on edge, hyper-aware, even in moments of supposed peace. It's the exhaustion of constantly battling nightmares that blur the lines between past and present. 

PTSD for a paramedic is like navigating a minefield of triggers, where a simple scent or the sound of a distant siren can transport you back to the frontlines of trauma. It's feeling isolated, alone, misunderstood, and struggling to articulate the invisible wounds that cut deeper than any physical injury. 


But amidst the darkness, there's resilience – the unwavering commitment to saving lives, even if it means risking your own mental health in the process. So, to all my fellow paramedics battling PTSD, know that you're not alone, and seeking help isn't a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing.


PLEASE… I encourage you to share your thought and experiences…. This is a talk that needs to happen 

Friday, February 23, 2024

Deathfighters Unite! - resurecting the old and bringing the new......

 

Hey, I'm Back!

It feels surreal to be typing these words again after what seems like ages. But here I am, back in the blogosphere and ready to reconnect with all of you amazing people. So much has changed since we last caught up, and I can't wait to fill you in on the whirlwind of events that have unfolded in my life.

First and foremost, a significant milestone: I retired from the Air Force. It's been an incredible journey serving as an Air Force firefighter and EMT, from RAF Lakenheath to the intense landscapes of Iraq. In fact, I spent a solid two years in Iraq, a large portion of which I served as the Assistant Fire Chief of the VBC in Baghdad. Those were challenging times, but they also shaped me in profound ways.

Returning home, however, wasn't without its trials. I was met with the harsh reality of a divorce—a period of my life that forced me to take a step back and reevaluate everything. In the midst of sorting out life's complexities, I spent a year in law enforcement, navigating through the ups and downs while seeking clarity and purpose.

But amidst the chaos, there was light. A beacon of hope that came in the form of a wonderful woman I've known since we were both 15, way back in 1985. Our paths crossed again in 2010, and the rest, as they say, is history. We tied the knot in 2016, and I couldn't be more grateful for her unwavering love and support through it all.

Now, onto the professional front: I've embarked on a new chapter as a paramedic for the County. After several years of balancing the roles of paramedic and firefighter in the bustling Kansas City Metro area, I've made the decision to hang up my fire gear for good. It's a bittersweet farewell to a career that has defined much of my life, but I'm excited for the fresh challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of emergency medical services.

Along with that, I also attended Film School. Yes... now I even Wrote, Produce, Film and Edit MOVIES! BUT THAT'S NOT ALL.... I am also a Director, Producer and Editor for a Paranormal show as well ! You really need to check it out (we need the views, anyway LOL). It's called "True Ghost Stories" and is a ghost hunting and paranormal investigations reality show. WAIT ! Don't run! This one is COMPLETELY Different...No fake BS, and, instead of a single team....we have 12 ! 12 teams scattered around the globe! It's free to watch to your heart's content on Red Coral Universe... give it a look....please :-)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH---> True Ghost Stories

As I settle into this new phase of life, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the journey that has brought me here and the countless individuals who have supported me along the way. And I'm equally grateful for all of you—the readers, friends, and fellow adventurers who have accompanied me on this rollercoaster ride.

So, here's to new beginnings, old friends, and everything in between. I'm back, folks, and I couldn't be happier to be sharing this space with you once again.

Until next time,

EngineMedic!

Friday, September 10, 2010

It's Not Over


9 years ago... the most tragic and vile thing happened to our great nation in a very long time.  We were attacked at our very soul... our ego shattered... and through our blackened eye.. we grieved for the loss of so many. 
All of us lost something that day... regardless of who you are.  Our country suffered and mourned together, joined by those of many other nations.  We all hurt... and with recent news.. our wounds have not yet healed, our scars are stil fresh.
That infamous day.. your Military mobilized rapidly... to protect our nation... to prevent any further attacks.. to bring to justice those responsible.  Mostly.. to make sure you could sleep at night... knowing they were there to stop those who wish evil upon us in their tracks.
9 years... and the troops are still there... still guarding... protecting... rebuilding...
The news has made a big deal about "The End of Combat Operations In Iraq"......

....all fine and dandy.....

Let me tell you... from eyes on the ground.... the fighting still continues... there is death every day.... Iraq is not magically a quiet, peaceful oasis.... there are still 50 thousand troops on the ground here... and they all carry weapons.  There are still Mortars and Rockets being launched into US bases daily.  There are still suicide bombers and IED's.... there are still car bombs... daily.. Iraqi civilians, Police, Soldiers, religious leaders... children... dying here.

Is it sad ?  Yes.. without a doubt...  My point is...

On this upcoming day... please remember... there are still thousands of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan... still pushing forward with the fight against the same terrorists that aimed to destroy our nation at it's foundations... They are still there... they are still in grave danger.. they are still fighting to rebuild nations... to provide the chance for a brighter future for people who have never had that glimmer of hope.

There are thousands of American civilians.. many who, like me, were prior military, serving yet again to protect and provide for those who protect us.

This is not over... far from it.... but it is getting better.... All I ask on this important day is...

Keep those who are still serving, regardless of capacity, in your thoughts...
Remember they are still there
regardless of what the news says

This fight is not over... and the one in Afghanistan is growing...

They will be here.... until it is
Sunset in Iraq... on the evening before Sept 11.... also the eve of the end of Ramadan

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Question of the Day #9

Time to reach for the stars... or at least get to the upper floors......

Here's your next Fire Trivia Question....



Who had the longest (Example: 50 ft, 100ft) snorkel manufactured in the US?


A. Seagrave's Firebird

B. American LaFrance Aero Chief

C. Pierce Snorkel

D. Pirsch Snorkel
 
 
 
 
.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Question of the Day #8

Some people are blabbermouths... others never give enough info... but people like to talk....

Communication is essential in our line of work... be it Fire or EMS... the flow of information is vital to a life being saved....

With all that said... here is you Trivia Question of the day....


In what year was the walkie-talkie introduced in the fire service?

A. 1923

B. 1933

C. 1940

D. 1945
 
  Answer Posted Below.....



 
 

In what year was the walkie-talkie introduced in the fire service?


C. 1940



 
  In 1940 is when FDNY introduce the first fireground radios known as “Walkie-talkies.” They operated in the ultra-high frequency, 2-meter band, weighted approximately 15 pound, measured 9 by 5 by 13 inches and were carried in a backpack. The “Walkie-talkie” received its first actually test under real conditions in July 1940 at the Algonquin fire. The radio did not get much fame until 1945, when they used Motorola’s handie talkie at the site of the B-25 crash into the Empire State Building, when pictures of their firefighter were taken using the radio at the incident.