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As a paramedic what is the hardest part of your job?

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Jesse’s Answer

Being a paramedic takes leadership and dictation. You have to learn to become decisive especially on calls that can go either way. Everyone looks at you to make the decision because 90% of the time you’re the highest level medical provider on scene. Some people cannot handle that stress and pressure. If you’re a wishy-washy thinker, you’re going to have a hard time until you gain some confidence.

Secondly learning. Be adaptable. Read. Do research. Initiate and advocate for change. What you learn one year and thought was the standard could change by the next year. Sometimes a lot of these old medics cannot accept that and keep doing what they learned a while ago. If you don’t stay up to date on stuff, you’re going to be completely lost when that specific scenario comes up again. It’s hard to keep up when you’re busy or last thing you want to do is spend time on your days off reading and learning.
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Kimberly’s Answer

The hardest part of being a Paramedic is the work life balance needed in this job. You see a lot of bad stuff in the field. You have to learn to compartmentalize it. You have to learn to shut that part of your brain off. If not your significant other or spouse often gets the brunt of it. It's why many of us date or marry other people in our similar field. Get a hobby. Get mental health counseling. Suicide is a huge problem for us. Don't be afraid to seek help. You're not alone.
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Eric’s Answer

You have to keep up to date on all the protocol changes which can come several times a year or only annually. This is the guideline for doing your job. You need to practice the skills that you use on a regular basis, as well as the ones you rarely use. You may be responsible for other EMT's as well, so you have to make sure they know what they are doing as well. Death is an occurrence that you will encounter as well, so you have to learn how to deal with that as well at the grieved family or relatives. Paperwork is also essential, as it is how your department or company gets paid, so you have to be accurate and thorough. There is a lot to know and do, but over time and with practice, you should get much better at it.
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