Well, not gonna lie, the positive thinking is really working. It's actually kind of amazing!
The "As good as AAA" Insurance Co called today, reimbursing me for as much of the towing as my plan will allow, which is $100. Fair enough, better than nothing! Then the customer service rep says she's cutting me an additional check for another $100 to help with my guardrail shaped butt cheeks!
Been running EMS calls as a First Responder since 1998. My good friend, and my wonderful wife finally talked me into becoming an EMT, started class recently. Now quite a few chapters in, the class sort of looks at me as a mentor. Well, I've been doing this for 15 years, so I've picked up on a few things. Taught myself how to read an EKG because I was curious. I know what PVC's, PEA's, A-Fib and V-Fib look like. I know what Narcan, Epinephrine, Antropine and Sodium Bicarbonate are used for. So the EMT class is quite challenging, but just a little easier for me than the rest in the class, simply because I've been around the block. NOT because I'm better!
I've had this infatuation with Helicopters literally my entire life. Even took a few pilot lessons in one. Flying 3,000 ft AGL over Cleveland Ohio with the doors off is absolutely indescribable! I've gone on ride-a-longs with StatMedEvac in the past, but I've HATED EMS calls, and everything to do with them. Just loved helicopters, so I rode along and figured the EMS end of it was my penance for sky time.
Well here we are, 20 years down the road. Sadly, my time as a Fire Service Warrior is coming to an end. I always said that when I wasn't able to do the job in a Warrior fashion, that I would walk away. Years of injuries, pushing my body and soul to the limit, and mental stress have taken their toll. Don't get me wrong, Ole Lucky Dawg has a few years left. I find enjoyment in teaching the young pups how to do it RIGHT.
So, let's think positive for a moment. The ONLY way, and I mean the ONLY way you can learn something new is to step outside of your comfort zone. The fact that I enrolled in EMT school is way outside my comfort zone, I hate EMS. But, it's already taught me to be a better First Responder. It's also taught me that the EMS world isn't so bad. Might be a good retirement career for an old crusty retired firefighter. THEN the mind gets to rolling...... What if?
What if I embraced another way to help people instead of fighting it? Another way that I used to be afraid of. What if I took it a step further? Two steps? FIVE steps?
New five year goal is what happens!!!! Once I pass my EMT, I'm getting a job on a Bambalanze (Pronounced Bam-Ba-Lanze, just like it's spelled). Letting it sink in for a few months, then off to Paramedic school.
Picture this: Kids will be out of school, out on their own. My honey taking care of our new home, and our beach home in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. I unfortunately still have to work the 24 on 48 off schedule, as a Flight Medic! On my 48 hours off, look for a fishing boat named "Porky's Revenge". My little blonde girl will be the Captain, taking us where we need to go, so Lucky Dawg can show you how to fish!
New career on a helicopter. New home in paradise. New "job" for my girl. I just can't picture a better way to walk away from the fire service.
