I knew that I didn’t want to be a dispatcher for the rest of my working days, and I was very certain that I didn’t want to be a career EMT. One thing that I learned in the EMT class was that one of the primary functions of the EMT is to drive the ambulance. That thing is a big vehicle! And what if there is bad weather? And they back that “rig” up into the ambulance bay…as in reverse!
I made the decision to apply to paramedic school. I knew my chances were slim since I had only had my EMT for 3 months, but I was accepted! There were over 100 applicants for 22 positions. The course was an accelerated ten month roller coaster. Fasten your seat belts…here we go!
The first few days were the basic info about tests and all of the requirements. Blah, blah, blah. Then there was “that day”. I walk in, and sit down in my usual spot. An unusual hush fell over the room that morning. I looked around and saw what looked like some medical packaging. I was the only person in the class that had ZERO previous experience, so I really had no idea what the day had in store for me.
The instructor walked in to the room, and informed us that it was “I.V. start day”. OK! Now we are getting to the nitty gritty of the paramedic class! I had seen my friend start I.V.s on patients…How hard could this be? I figured if I was sticking a needle in a mannequin arm, at least it wouldn’t yell out or pull away! Ummmm….I think I may have missed where they put the dummy arms. Just as I was about to ask about said arms, the instructor told us to partner up. We were going to practice on each other.
WHAT? He expected me to let someone who has never stuck another person with an I.V. stick one in MY arm? Is he crazy? And I am supposed to stick that person, too? Oh, no way! My partner was opening the package that held that very sharp object. I hate needles! I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. Sweat broke out on my forehead, and then it began rolling down my back. I could feel my face turning 80 shades of red. Did someone crank the heat up? My stomach began to gurgle nervously. Could everyone else hear that?
She tore open the alcohol wipe, and cleaned the spot on the inside of my left elbow. My mouth felt like I had just eaten several cotton balls. I think I need some water. Oh, Lord…Here comes that very big, long, sharp needle. My head began to spin, and my vision was shrinking. I think I might pass out! There it was; the terrifying, excruciating, agonizing…
That was it?… I knew that! I was ready for it the whole time.
My turn. Apparently my partner was far calmer and more trusting. I started the first I.V. of what would be thousands, and it went in like a champ!