250 ⚡We also see a lot more than combat troops. I’m an army reserve member (US) and have had 8 deployments since 2002. I’ve been a EMT/paramedic in my civilan job since 1997. I have seen more gun shot wounds in EMS than in the military, and a lot more dead people. Many of those I was actively trying to save. The movie “Code 3” is very close to some of what we do, and “Bring out your dead” (nick cage) shows a lot of the emotional side of the job. (Mothet, Jugs, and Speed is just funny)
250 ⚡ EMS (some places are part of Fire) has the highest non-combat rates of PTSD. We see, hear, smell, touch, and are part of some of the worst moments in a persons life. There is no normal shift. Interrupted sleep (if you get any), no meal breaks, no stopping to rest. Worse is the swing in calls. First run, old man slid out of recliner lift assist, then short of air 21 yo anxiety attack, then 4 yo drowning, 57 yo injuried toe possible Gangrene, 19 yo fever, overdose 37yo at club, 49 yo homeless “cold injury”, and last on shift car crash three kids not in car seats adult not buckled minor damage but serious injuries. Go home and fall asleep for four hours then go back to work. We are hireing, paramedics start at $18.00 USD
