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As the wife of a volunteer fire fighter I too wanted to give back to our community, but was not into the firefighting scene. I did try it before coming to this decision. As much as I wanted to like it I just couldn't. I do however have the utmost respect for these men and women, it takes a special breed of person for this.2
I was not sure what I wanted to do, but knew I had to do something. So when I heard about a first responder class being given in our area, I jumped at it. Now for those who do not know what First Responders are, we are volunteers trained in basic life support to respond along with the ambulance service in their area, usually these areas are rural and wide spread. 3
The basic life support training usually consist of CPR, giving oxygen and AED (automated external defibrillator) the thing that Shocks your heart.As well as being trained in basic first aide.4
In 6 months time we (husband and I), had completed class, taken and passed our national registry exam, and were making calls as part of our local volunteer response team. We had 15 members on our team that covered5
an area of about 50 square miles, all of which was rural. As well as consist of a National Forest full of mountains. 6
We received calls that ranged from the elderly falling, heart attacks, gunshot wounds, domestic abuse,and car crashes. On calls that involved an auto or a violent crime we worked along side the local law enforcement officers in out areas as well as state. My respect for these men and women was only strengthened by this.7
Examples of some of the calls we responded to : patient thrown from horse on hiking trail 5 miles in the woods. So we go zipping up the mountain to the hiking trail. Then we hike 5 miles in to patient. And carried them out, sometimes on foot sometimes on four wheeler.8
Or respond to a 2 vehicle accident with injuries, and having to sit in the car with the patient while rescue workers cut the roof off the car to get the patient out. Holding the patients head still the whole time, sometimes it would take up to 2 hours for this.9
It was during this 2 year period that Jody decided he wanted to do more to help so he went to school for his EMT. Yay. 10
I myself love being a responder. It was hard at times especially when we would lose a patient. Or see a child hurt, and of course if it was someone you knew real well. We experienced all of these and many more things, not all of which was heart breaking. But as hard as it was it was equally rewarding. 11
I can't count the times we were stopped in the local grocery store by someone just to hear thank you for being there. I did not realize how much I miss this till I sat down to write about it. But i know someday I will go back to it.12
Author notes
Just a glimpse of part of what makes me who I am.
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Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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WOW... This is a really great way to share something about who you are!!! I'm really glad you wrote this!!! You did a great job!!!
Hugs,
Beth -
Excellent
Great story Kathy. Personal but from the heart, I love it. I applaud you for doing this kind of volunteering. It is something that is much needed by a lot of areas. Only a giving type of person would get involved in this type of work. Kudos lil' AP Sister. Take care and God Bless.
Michael -
Fantastic
Kat,
this is a beautiful write. And yes they need the "Thank You" once in a while. You are a very giving person, and when you get ready to give to the community again, let me know and I will be there to back you in all your trials and the times that you need the shoulder to cry on or just the ear to listen to how bad you feel about the call. You can make the worst feelings go away with your warmth and caering attitude. Keep giving to the community. (J) -
"up most" should be "utmost" and "past" should be "passed."
Anyway, this is a wonderful write. I have know many who are in the group of community first responders, firemen, police, and such, and they are such loving and giving people. The pain in their hearts is so evident on their faces as they do their very best to save a life.
You are right, these people don't hear enough how much they are needed and appreciated, but I'm sure that people do think about them a great deal after the ordeal is over.
When I had to call 911 for Joe, I appreciated all that was being done, but all I could do was pray. I thanked them later, as I did the doctor and nurses, but I know they understood why it took me until the next day to do so. When someone you love is in danger, all you can think to do is pray.
Thank you, Kat, for your perspective. These people do, indeed, deserve the thanks and the praise they sometimes do not get. Hugs, Patricia -
Forrest, shouldn't this be one "r" ? Anyway, this was wonderful story. I am so glad there are people like you who take on more with the idea of helping other people. You deserve thanks and applause for this special achievement and I will be so honored to give it to you!
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That is too cool. Learning CPR is one of those things on my "one of these days" list. Probably something that should be high up.
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