Comments by SinCityEMT - Las Vegas Sun

Comments by user: SinCityEMT

Posted on: From the sidelines, a bid to stop a strike

I am a Las Vegas EMT and I love my job. Like all of my colleagues, I chose this profession because I want, and do, make a difference in peoples lives as well as in the community. As a medical professional, I am required to complete 16 units of continuing medical education and must also pass a patient care protocols test annually to maintain my license. I am subject to a medical review board which can result in me having my medical license revoked as well as being criminally prosecuted. I am exposed to deadly, infectious diseases such as: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, TB, meningitis, etc. as well the majority of bodily fluids. I have to physically restrain violent, drug addicted, and/or psychiatric patients who have been placed on an involuntary legal hold. I bear witness to horrific scenes of death, abuse and neglect. I also witness the best in humanity and moments of triumph over death. I (legally) exceed the speed limit and drive the wrong way down the road over center medians and through red lights. I risk my health and safety to get to you, a complete stranger, from whom i may not even get a "thank you". Mind you, all of this takes place during my 12 hour shift sitting in the cramped cab of an ambulance in some of the worst parts of town. I make 11 dollars per hour (under 2k per month). I do my job knowing full well I can make more money holding a slow/stop sign at a construction site. I hope to someday own a home and provide an education for my children. Unfortunately, I'll have to leave a job i love to do so.

PS. pull ALL THE WAY to the right and STOP when an emergency vehicle is behind you. oh, and vomiting once is not a reason to call 911 :)

(Suggest removal) 11/21/08 at 9:50 a.m.