I’ve been a paramedic for two decades. I’m not perfect and I know it–hopefully, that is an advantage. As you enter my classroom, I ask you to do me a favor.
You see, I’ve forgotten what it feels like to be a normal person. Of course, I remember social norms. For example, I know it is not polite to touch strangers, but I can’t remember the actual feeling of that barrier between me and others. I touch strangers all the time, sometimes intimately, and without ever knowing their names.
I’ll talk about things that will shock you–I will try to watch your faces to be sure it isn’t too much too soon. I’ll find humor in things which make you question whether this is a “good” instructor. We’ll watch gruesome videos–sometimes right after lunch.
So, as you settle in to EMT class, if I’m overwhelming, please forgive me and feel free to give me a gentle reminder that you still haven’t lived the things I’ve lived. You’ll still get shocked…just maybe in gentler ways.
And know those shocks are good for you. It won’t totally prepare you for that full-throttle smashing you’ll take in real life, but it will help.
Oh, and when you are out there on your own, and WHEN (not if) you get that “really bad” call, remember where I am. Reach out from the tornado of emotions; lean on one who’s traveled the path. If it’s not me, then some other mentor–there is just no need to walk it alone. We all entered this business to help people. What is a better mission than helping one of our own? Your confusion, your sleeplessness, your turmoil–we all remember what that feels like.