I’ve found that since my return to full time clinical work in EMS that there are some advantages to my advanced age and seniority.
I don’t do a lot of lifting and carrying of patients. With so many new and young EMTs and paramedics, I am rarely allowed to touch a stair chair, scoop stretcher, or even stretcher. I can’t really decide if this is in deference to my age and experience of if the younger folk are afraid I break a hip or something. Occasionally, I have to fight my way to the stair chair, just to prove that I might be Too Old To Work, Too Young To Retire, but I am not too old to carry a patient down a flight of stairs.
On a related note, I find a certain irony in the fact that I have occasion to carry people who are younger than I am in addition to being fairly ill.
I also have found that the EMTs that some of the more veteran staff complain about “having a bad attitude” or work ethic don’t seem to exhibit either when I’m around. I don’t know if that is a gesture of respect, fear, or if they just think I might complain about elder abuse.
I do however find many of my co workers speaking very slowly when talking to me. At least they haven’t started speaking loudly to me yet.
I’ve tried to adopt a “kinder, gentler” demeanor when pointing out either errors or perhaps a better way to do things. More kindly grand parent like than DI like.
I’ll have to see how that works out. I suppose I can always return to Gunnery Sergeant Hartman mode if “kinder, gentler” doesn’t work out.
Hartman works… 🙂
The local library allows me to download a bunch of audio books. I can just plug in the ear plugs, enjoy a good audio book, and ignore the rug rats. 🙂
I just laugh at the pups in class!(i’m the oldest) and then they wonder why I am laughing! But let me tell you they don’t and I won’t let them take any shortcuts when we are doing skills in class and they are my partner! Its hilarious to watch!
I have never not been the youngest in the various EMS classes I’ve taken. I always get treated like crap by the older members of the class. Until they see me perform, then it’s nothing but respect. Drives me insane.This is sort of directed at the Anon above me.-e
EE, it’s natural to take a wait and see attitude when someone as young as you is involved. Based on some of the younger people I’ve seen hired lately, it’s the way to go. You certainly are the exception based on what I’ve read. I don’t have much doubt that you’d do well in just about any EMS system out there. If you didn’t, I’d more suspect the system than I would your performance. I don’t know what your long term goal is, but I’m confident you’ll be a shining star anywhere you end up.
Wait and see is cool with me, as long as they aren’t flat out nasty to me. I agree a lot of the kids that take these classes are annoying, and immature. Then again, they are just kids. Just need a little tough love and a few runs under their belt and they’ll mature and learn the rules of the road. If not, then run them off! I recently had to run a 40ish year old guy off, he was just to dang immature. I’m young, have a lot of life ahead of me, I’d rather not get shot by someone because that idiot couldn’t keep his mouth shut. -ePS: If you find out what my long term goal is, please tell me. Aside from being a wife and mom, who knows what my future holds. Something in the medical field or law enforcement, possibly both. Thanks for the kind words.
-e, I have no doubts that you’ll find your way with a minimum of difficulty. Even if you end up being a wife and mom, you’ll be good at both. Notice I don’t say “just” a wife and mom because doing both are pretty hard work.