The work seemed to suit him, he enjoyed it. I'd hang out with him at his base of operations (he was a private paramedic in LA County).
Then, one day, he quit.
He quit, and didn't renew his certification.
And he won't talk about it, and, boy, yea, did he have some stories.
But something got to him.
Also, they (BC Ambulance) treat you like garbage when you need assistance, and effectively force you back to work or to go find a job elsewhere.
It's shocking how badly we treat the people that willingly take on life's hardest challenges (for low pay, I might add). It's amazing any are even left after all that BS.
As a former PTSD therapist, there's a lot more overlap between these two than you might expect.
Often (not always, some people are great suppressors) the worst thing you can do as a trauma survivor is continually avoid the source of trauma.
You probably pay the cost.
citelao•2h ago
Because worst-case, you might enjoy it.
yoyohello13•31m ago
Also, I’m 38, so I tend to feel too old. But I just started a part time program at a community college. Worst case I just learn some interesting skills.
Anyway, thanks for writing it. It’s good know I’m not just crazy wanting to do part time EMT work and keep my software career. I kind of feel like an idiot sometimes when other people ask me why I’m doing it.
MissionControl•8m ago
Like OP and others, it would be great if there were better volunteer opportunities in big cities. Lmk if you want to start something.