I remember the exact moment when I finally understood the concept of death. I was five and sitting in the bath tub while my mother poured warm water over my head I said, “Mommy, I am not going to live forever am I?”
After that moment death for me was something to fear; it kept me up at night and gave me nightmares. My preoccupation with death is the reason why I joined the fire department. I quickly learned that seeing people at their worst moments, washing blood off my boots, and holding a bucket for someone to vomit into didn’t even faze me. Even after my first call on the medic, a drunk who tried to beat up both me and they paramedic, I knew could do this. I was going to face my fear head on.
My first cardiac arrest was my next door neighbor. I was the one to do chest compressions.
My first rescue was a car accident of an 18 year old. His jaw practically fell apart in my hands.
My first presumed dead on arrival was a boy I had grown up with. He had overdose on heroin.
Believe me that isn’t even half of it, and I’ve only been an EMT for three years. I still have my whole career in front of me. But if there is one thing I have learned this far it’s that death isn’t something to fear. Not everybody dies on the medic; sometimes you do actually get to save a life.
People argue all the time about when exactly life begins, but one thing you never hear people argue about is when exactly death begins.
Life isn’t guaranteed, death is destination.
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Loved the last line. Your entire story was definitely thought-provoking. You've been through a lot of experiences that most people in college never go through.
ReplyDeleteI really see no room for improvement. This is such a wonderful piece of work. You really did a great job. It really makes you think twice about things. I commend you for your bravery to face your fears!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Let me start by saying Thanks for being an EMT. I tried once, like I went to my local firestation and they were like you just need to complete this list of training. There was soooo much so it didnt happen. So its always great to see that people can complete that long list. Onto the topic at hand, the essay is nicely written. It's a touchy subject and it makes the reader think OMG she is dealing with this? Since Prof King is gonna have to make you alter it maybe you could tell us a little bit more about what made you ask your mom about death I mean when I was 5 I didnt even know it existed. Good luck with your essay.
ReplyDeleteYour speech left the audience stunned. You may of come to an understanding of death when you were five but I think some of the classmates started to understand the concept just by listening to you speak. Your article was very detailed and personal and because of it's content I feel you earned a great deal of respect for getting up there and speaking about it. As a fellow EMT I have personal experience with trauma calls as well but unlike you I am more relunctant to talk about it. Personally I don't have an audience I feel worthy enough to understand the daily struggles of having to watch people die when you know that in some cases there is nothing you can do to intervene with death. I've moved on in my career and now work in the operating rooms, but I honestly miss the adrenaline of answering calls. Goodluck in your future. Stay STRONG
ReplyDeletethis is a very powerful blog, and though dealing with a sensitive subject, you handled it extremely well. your presentation was excellent, very moving. i really like how you opened with the personal anecdote. excellent job
ReplyDeleteYour presentation literally made me cry. I had goosebumps all over my body. I am a social work major and really learn about the crazy stuff that goes on during a daily basis. It nearly shocks me and even scares me. I am so proud to know a person like you, keep up the amazing work!!!
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