More like EMS found me.
Fast forward a few years, of reading first aid manuals, EMS text books, talking to Medics and my dad being a Firefighter, my knowledge base was building up. I was volunteering with the Order of St John from the age of 14 in Wairoa at the ambulance station helping out with duties there, considered menial tasks by most in EMS, it was the closest I could get to the trucks I wanted so much to work with.
When I was 16, I entered my local area's adult side of St John as an events volunteer. I was with the group for two and a half years. Providing patient care at venues such as concerts, sports events etc. Whilst this was good work, it still didnt fill the gap I had. When we worked with a patient we always needed to call ambulance officers in to take over and take the patient. I wanted to be the officer, someone people looked to and could help.
News of a paramedic degree reached me via a cousin (I should make mention I am the 5th member from the extended families to be an ambulance officer). Nervous application processes took place and finally got accepted and started.
I am not going to go on about the course here as this is not the place to. Circumstances change, people change and my life in the paramedic course became unbearable. Bearing on the edge of a nervous breakdown, I made a decision which some days hurts still. I left EMS and began my studies as an undergraduate nurse. To this day, seeing a "Hospital truck" racing past still brings a tear to my eye. People can be cruel with words and my dream has been put on hold at the moment.
I will be an Advanced Paramedic one day, but like other things, it has been put aside, to cope with other people's prejudices and own fears.
EMS is in my blood, it is much me as I am part of it. EMT's are not made, they are born. I was born a Paramedic and I will be one.
Scotty
