When given the opportunity to write this editorial, I was clueless about where to begin. I thought of ideas until my mind wandered off—like it often does—and I got to asking myself, ‘why am I a paramedic? What was it about me that was different from those who changed careers?’ Finally, I started thinking of the things I would have liked to have known back when I chose the world of emergency medical care.
I've never been gifted with literary expression but I've always been one for action and adventure. As I've grown as both a person and practitioner, I now understand that there is more to this profession than many people realise.
I was not the best student but I was privileged to have mentors who looked after me during my studies. We were taught some difficult lessons and exposed to many less-than-desirable scenarios, but we were never left unguarded or unprotected. I remember having difficulties with simulations and being pushed to the point where I wanted to quit—but just in time, I was supported, assisted to grow, and overcame my fears. I can honestly say that, to this day, I owe a lot to many people.
I am saying this because I have only recently realised how it has shaped me as a practitioner, a lecturer and a facilitator of learning. This was my light bulb moment. Lecturing is not just about sharing knowledge, it's also about the way you transfer it, the support you give eager, knowledge-hungry students, and the role model you can become. I have tried not to copy or replicate my lecturers, but I certainly follow the principles and professional values they taught me. I hope that my students do the same and become the best paramedics they can possibly be.
This is important because it means that paramedics are thinkers, problem-solvers and academics at heart. Paramedics who can think for themselves, who use their knowledge to treat patients, who advance medicine, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care are the future. Paramedics may be the newbies of the allied health professions, but we are by no means novices. In this profession, we see people at their weakest and most vulnerable. It is our job and privilege to make that day bearable for them, and ensure patients receive the best possible care. We hold personal values and a professional duty to provide care to the highest of standards.
For any aspiring paramedics reading this, please do an experienced paramedic a favour and never be afraid to think for yourself, challenge what you are told and ask questions up until the day you retire. Know that you can never train too much, never prepare enough, and definitely never have too many backup plans. For all the health professionals out there, never take what you do for granted. We cannot fathom the impact we have on so many lives. It may be a shift to you but it can feel like the end of the world for someone else.
To finish, I would like to leave readers with a thought. As paramedics, we have lives filled with joy and sorrow, we suffer with our patients and their families when no one is around to see. We don't always celebrate our successes but focus on our shortfalls. So next time you ask a paramedic the age-old question: ‘what is the worst thing you have ever seen?’ Try to ask a question that holds more value. Ask: ‘what have you done that has made the biggest difference to someone else?’ It took me a lot longer to realise the good I have done than it did to focus on the terrible sights I've seen—but one thing I know, is that the good we do outweighs the rest.