This is NOT What it Looks Like

We were recounting our stories of how much effort it took to be hired as a firefighter. It is not uncommon for firefighters to spend 2-5 years testing all over the country. When I was hired, there were about 600 applicants for 12 positions. Now days, the numbers are much more in favor of the applicant, but still it is a competitive process.

My engineer Roger, who is one of the more senior members of the department, told the story of how he once tested for a department near Portland, Oregon. As he is a rather meticulous character, he traveled to the area the night before, checked the location, and was all set for the test in the morning. The application included a warning that at the appointed time, the doors would be locked and no late-comers would be allowed to test. As he was driving to the test, he had a flat tire. With no taxis, cell phones (in that era), and no one willing to pick up a stranger, he was resigned to missing the test.

Suddenly, a local police officer arrived and asked if he could help. He then graciously offered a ride to the testing location. Here is where the story takes a dark turn. Although the police officer was more than willing to help, he had rules to follow. So in order to carry someone in the police car, it required a pat down check for weapons, and the customary handcuffs. At this point, Roger had no other choice but to accept the inconveniences in order to make it to the test on time. They rushed off to the test place, just in time to see the officials locking the doors and starting to turn the late-comers away. The police officer graciously dashed up to explain the situationand returned to uncuff Roger in front of the somewhat confused small crowd that was gathering. Roger bolted for the door and was allowed to take the test. For some reason, they never did call poor Roger back for an interview.

Did I Actually Say THAT?

Every once in a while, we forget about the public that tends to notice everything we do and say. In particular, it is common to say something on an emergency scene that is badly misunderstood or taken offensively. A classic example of this is when a paramedic says to "bag 'em". We in the know, understand that to mean "get a bag-valve mask and assist the patient with ventilation." The family nearby interprets, "time for one of those body bags" and their loved one is dead. Like I said, this one has happened on more than one occasion.

On a medical call in a elderly couple's home recently, it was apparent that the gentleman with some slight chest pain, also had some dementia. After he answered the same question several times and was confused about his date of birth, we had a bit of discussion about his dementia and whether it was getting worse. As we were chatting with the couple, their family, and a few neighbors that stopped by for the entertainment, it was determined that perhaps we should call the patient's doctor. The wife says, "sure, use this phone" and hands a tv remote to our young paramedic. After a brief look of confusion on his face, be blurts..."I thought he was the one with dementia..." As the rest of the crew stared at him stunned, the wife quickly laughed and we all got a good chuckle out of that one.