tiredfiremedic
| Forum role | Member since | Last activity | Topics created | Replies created |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Jul 22, 2012 (13 years) |
- | 1 | 0 |
- Forum role
- Member
- Member since
Jul 22, 2012 (13 years)
- Last activity
- -
- Topics created
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Bio
I am a former paramedic/firefighter. For about 10 years, I worked for a large metro fire agency that also provided advanced life support and transport. For a couple of years I worked part time for a hospital based flight service on my off days. Before landing in the fire service, I worked for a provide ambulance company, volunteered for both a rural fire department and a county search and rescue team. I guess you can say I've been there, done that.....
Why did I 'retire'? I was burned out. I had no more to give. A co-worker summed it up by saying my emotional well dried up.
Several years after leaving, I was still having a hard time sleeping. Nightmares were frequent. "Flashbacks" often. Eventually I sought help.
This blog is intended mostly as an avenue for me to vent. To release some of the emotions. To re-hash the conversations I have with myself, with my family, with my therapist.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD. It seems to me that First Responders are not typically thought of when someone mentions PTSD. It is always military personell.
I do not want to disrespect the unbelievably brave and courageous members of the armed services who also suffer the effects. I do not pretend to understand or comprehend what these people experience during a battle. And for that reason, this blog is for First Responders. Something I have first hand experience with.....