Working as a patient

Yesterday I was taken care of by multiple EMT's. I complained of respiratory distress, radiating cardiac pain, an allergic reaction to peanuts, a broken tib-fib and a dislocated shoulder. All of that and I feel as fit as a fiddle today.

I didn't ride in an ambulance, EMS was not called, and I didn't have any of the symptoms that I complained about.

I worked as a patient as multiple EMT's were taking their practical tests for their certification. It was a unique experience because usually if EMT's are providing care for you, you are probably agitated, pained and a little shook-up. Being a patient for their testing, however, was like having our roles reversed. The future EMT's were nervous and I, having been a patient for more than 30 times throughout the day had a sort of "upper-hand" on the situation. I knew what I was supposed to say, I knew what to complain of and had my roles down pat.

Being a Wilderness First Responder and certified in First Aid, CPR and AED myself, I would love to someday be certified as an EMT. The ability to help people who are in traumatic situations seems very challenging yet rewarding.

If you are interested in being a patient for EMT or First Responder testing, just contact your local EMS or Fire Station and ask how you can help. You might learn something while you're at it.