Air medical transport paramedics often encounter patients when they are in their worst possible physical condition. Many a times the victims are desperate out of pain or the sheer will to survive. With so much going on around them, air medical transport paramedics are expected to be stoic so that their actions and emotions do not get in the way of performing their life-saving duties effectively. Imagine a situation where you are the one who has to break the news to a family that there’s nothing more that can be done to save the life of the one they love. Imagine another situation where a murderer, while running away from the cops, injures himself gravely. The paramedic would still have to attend to this felon with equal professionalism without letting personal emotions getting in the way.
Air Medical Transport Paramedics Face Assaults too
Air medical transport paramedics sometimes have to treat people under the influence of drugs and alcohol who do not behave logically. This can lead to assaults and threats. They are expected to remain unaffected by such occurring and to carry out their duties. Also, in the field, there are protocols that need to be followed. This means a paramedic, despite knowing what treatment is to be provided, might not be authorized to administer such treatment. Situations like these can lead to a lot of frustration.
The Physical Aspects of the Job
Paramedics have to do a lot of heavy lifting and moving as part of their job. Injuries to the lower back, wrists and shoulders are not rare among paramedics for this reason. The long hours of work only add to these problems. The lack of rest during extreme emergencies can lead to a lot of physical fatigue which can manifest in mental irritation as well. The only solace through all this is the fact that the job actually makes a difference to people’s lives.
