Need to vent......

[alongman]

Thanks Matt!

 

[hhpminis]

Adam, hugs to you, as what you see every day is enough that if most of us see it once it would send us into an emotional tailspin. It takes a very special person, and strong, to do what you do.

I have to admit, children, especially babes, would be the hardest to handle emotionally. I am sure that the woman feels terrible guilt she will have to live with for a very long time.

Stay safe, keep your chin up. What you are doing is right, it is brave, and it is a wonderful thing.

Oh and yes, I do know how to do CPR on humans, horses, and dogs. I pray I never have to, but I do know how. Actually, just yesterday I was driving by the local fire station and thinking I need a refresher course.

 

[wildoak]

But it is Policemen,EMT'S and Firemen who should be making hundreds of thousands a year not these stupid rockstars biting chicken heads off!I have always said this and still believe it, where are our priorities? Not where they should be.

Amen Bonnie!

Bless you Adam for what you do on a daily basis. It's a special calling that not many could cope with (myself included). Can't imagine what went through the mother's head - or what didn't! - I would do anything to save my child. And yes, have done cpr on a foal.....

Jan

 

[LindaL]

Well guys! I'm back at work - my shift starts in 20 minutes. It SO amazing to hear the support that's out there. Many of the people we encounter on a daily basis ARE having the worst day of their lives, and to us, we are doing our job. This fact, makes them not see how truly diffiuclt some of the situations are that we encounter. It does take a special (err.... or sometimes slightly insane) person to do this job. But, for those that do, it is one of the most rewarding jobs you could EVER have.

I do agree that EVERYONE should know CPR - people often comment that they can't find a class or that the classes cost money (and we all know its sometimes in short supply). Our company decided to face those two issues head on - we offer instruction on a daily basis at our base at NO charge! Each of our EMT's and paramedics are CPR Instructors and are more than happy to provide at least a basic understanding. We also have an entire training room set up with practice manequins (infant to adult size). Although this is not a formal certification class, a little card doesn't mean you can't perform CPR effectively.



Here's a quick update - the driver of the vehicle was SERIOUSLY reprimanded and fined for inattentive driving. Well, that and his BMW, is in pieces....

The older gentleman is still on a ventilator, but is opening his eyes and responding purposefully to interaction with him. His wife called my supervisor in the night and wanted to share her thanks with us - her husband had told her that he NEVER wanted to leave her side 56 years ago and they had both agreed that they would do anything for the other. His wife, unknown to me, was usually wheelchair bound - saw her husband go down outside - and got up from her wheelchair to pull him inside. THAT is incredible strength in my eyes. Someone helped her keep her promise to him.

The mother of the infant is not being charged with anything (although IMO should be). There was no evidence of any type of physical neglect, but an autopsy is being performed at the request of the county. I also found out that she is also PREGNANT again!!!! OMG! I can only pray that the either 1) she has recognized her short-comings and provides so much more for the next baby or 2) she is found guilty of something and this baby is placed with a well-deserving family.

Here's my 2008 wish list:

1) EVERYONE (kids through geriatric adults) have some type of CPR training. Heck, if you see me at a horse show and want to know. I'll be in the stall showing you how! Don't be afraid to ask.

2) No more babies will EVER die - I know each death occurs for some reason beyond my knowledge, so at least make those that are preventable be stopped.

3) Myself and my peers will all live to ring in 2009 with our families after a SAFE year!

4) That each person who sees an a paramedic/EMT, fireman or police officer would take the extra step out of their way to thank them. I don't expect thanks, but it is an INCREDIBLE feeling to hear.

Thanks again everyone - I have shared many of your comments with my friends and co-workers - several are dabbing their eyes. Several more helped me write the wish list for 2008. YOU guys are the reason that we are here today!

I am so very proud of you Adam and also of all your co-workers and every EMT, police officer and firefighter out there, who give of themselves every single day on (and off) the job!!! In talking to you, I have come to know the person you are and it does not surprise me that you would take that extra step to help anyone learn CPR just for asking. I know that as a parent, I would do anything in my power to help my child, but it is people like you who make the world the place it is, where we can have hope that there are those who will help strangers in their greatest time of need...and not expect anything in return. KUDOS to you and all of your peers!!!!!!!!

BTW, that woman who helped save her husband is one of those amazing people whom I aspire to be in a loving, committed relationship.

The woman who helped "kill" her baby....karma is all I have to say....and God help her unborn child!!

The man who is a total *******....next time HE might not be so lucky!!!

 

[nootka]

Your second post helps illustrate the qualities people like myself truly admire when you keep doing the job you're doing, doing it to the best of your ability in spite of the hard things, the things that make the rest of us want to curl up in a hole with a blankie over our heads, and maintain a positive attitude.

Makes me rest a little easier knowing you're out there looking out for "us" collectively.

That said, we can all certainly increase our odds of a healthy recovery from a traumatic incident or illness if we just know a few things. In lieu of that, dispatchers are usually great guides when it comes to providing support until you can get there. I listen to a scanner and am amazed at the coordination that goes on, and in awe of the contribution. This job is truly more than just a living. It's a calling.

(((hugs))) to ya...so glad the guy on the cell phone didn't cause more damage with his unnecessary "accident."

I feel very badly for the little baby about to be born to a mother that would use an avoidance of her own baby's vomit as a reason to not perform CPR. It's just unimaginable to me.

Liz

 

[Emily's mom]

Thanks Adam!!

Everyone else said it all!!

 

[alongman]

Thanks again everyone! I do appreciate all the support. It means a tremendous amount!

 

[Sterling]

My goodness my first thought on that selfish mother was the same as others have posted....there should be some sort of reprimand for her...that is pure and simple neglect. Bless that senior who did everything in her power to bring her husband back to her. I hope and pray he comes out of this plight a.o.k. And as for you....thank you so much for posting the other thread on strokes and taking your time out to give us your first hand information. Your job is one some people out there take for granted in ordinary everyday living. If ever they should need a helping hand one day they should be hoping that their EMT/saver/hero/lifeline is as passionate about his/her job as you are! I just want to say thank you for what you do. And...I'm so very glad your friends and co workers are safe and sound tonight. That beer sounds good...I think I'll join ya!

 

[twister]

Thank you Adam for being the kind of person you are that goes out of his way to help people. I cannot imagine doing what that mother did, I would walk over coals to save my kids or grandchildren, some people should just not have children. Have a beer, you deserve one and I hope you and your co workers get your wishlist for 2008. Hugs to all of you

Yvonne

 

[alongman]

After coming to work today, my co-workers decided to make a wall of 2008 wishes..... kind of funny that people who haven't EVER dealt with horses now feel they have an extended family via my friends on Lil Beginnings. Anyway, they asked I add one thing to the list I shared with you -

Don't ever take your family and friends for granted! We see, all too often, people taken away from their families before they got the chance to say either a "goodbye" or an "I love you". One of our medics (she's been here for 35 years) added that. She also went on to say that she has NEVER left a day for work, no matter how upset with ANYTHING else, without telling her husband that she loves him. It really hit home for a lot of us - we never know IF we are going to come home to our varied families/friends. There is no reason it shouldn't apply to ALL OF US!

So, to all my horsey friends out there - I do love all my friends and wish only the best for each of you out there!

 

[hhpminis]

Thanks for that reminder Adam, I am sitting here frustrated with my Mother right now who is aged and sometimes simple life duties and tasks can be very difficult for us to accomplish together. I am going to call her and tell her I love her.

Ditto to Adams comment to all of my forum family!

 

[CyndiM]

Jody sumed it up pretty good. I couldn't have said it any better. Some people should not bear children!

 

[PaintedPromiseRanch]

Adam you are awesome. I'm sorry for the loss of the baby, you did all you could. As for the mother

there aren't words. Hoping the older gentleman has a few more good years with his wonderful wife

and you hang in there

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Adam...I thank you...my 73 yr old mom was visiting and I read this thread and the other one about stroke and asked her if she had her info readily available..she said yes, in the freezer but she hadn't updated it since my daddy died 4 yrs ago....BUT when I read a bit of this to her...she promised to do that first thing when she gets home.

 

[alongman]

I'm glad! If my information helps only one person, it was well worth it!

 

[bluetaterbaby]

Adam,

First of all, I want to thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. You are certainly our hero.

You make a huge difference in the lives of many people. Not just anyone can be a paramedic; not to mention critical care. You have been given a talent and are using it to save and extend the lives of others.

Secondly, my heart rejoiced when I read your post about the elderly lady performing CPR on her husband. My heart broke to pieces when I read about the baby. How sad. I truly don't understand some people. You did all you could possibly do. In fact, you did what she was NOT willing to do to try to save her precious child. Then, she talked to you like you were nothing. I'm so very sorry. My prayers are with you and that family. Please know that I am so proud of you.

God bless,

Joan

 

[hhpminis]

OK have to ask, why in the freezer? Is this really where EMT's look first? I always kept it on the refrigerator door for my parents.

 

[alongman]

Some people do keep theirs in the refrigerator, but the explanation I was given is it goes along with the ICE (In Case of Emergency) saying...... Freezer = ICE.

 

[hhpminis]

Aw got it. I did put my husband and kids and my brother in my phone with the prefix ICE. So now they are all listed in order. My hisband is ICE1 with name, Daughter is ICE2 with name, etc. Is that the correct way to do it?

 

[alongman]

You got it! Now, you just need to carry your phone with you! Mine is usually readily attached to me. Make sure that they know that they are your ICE numbers and have information about you available as well. Then you should be set!