Yes actually.
It was on my first ever call with the fire department.
We got toned out for a possible structure fire one winter night. I was on the ambulance learning the ropes. We arrived on scene as fire rescue was clearing the building. There had been reports of several individuals including a few children who had been present in the apartment unit where the fire broke out and needed medical. We were assigned to locate and assess the family from that apartment unit.
We eventually found them and thankfully all were fine.
We then stood by in case more victims were brought out by fire rescue. During this time, a woman in her night gown walked up to me and began thanking myself and the crew I was with profusely saying she was so grateful that we came to help and how it was so cold and dark and scary with the building on fire etc. She then proceeded to give me a hug and thank me again for being there for her and her family.
That was when I knew EMS was where I was meant to be. Just our presence helped comfort other, let alone taking any sort of action or intervention.
Now, many years later, I am nearly a decade into my EMS career and pursuing flight paramedicine and critical care.
That moment that night still sticks with me and reminds me why I do what I do. I'm here to make the world a little safer, a little softer, and help those in need.
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