It's a bittersweet moment. After hours of studying textbooks and listening to lectures, hours of practicing skills and running through scenarios, hours of riding on the ambulance and treating real patients, I am finished. I have completed the paramedic program. If you told me two years ago that I would be where I am today, I would have laughed at you and said, "No way." Going into EMS was not in my plan for my life. But it was in God's plan. Everything He's had me do has been done for a reason. I don't know what He has for me to ultimately do, but I'm taking the next step.Paramedic school was so much fun and a great challenge. I've made some great friends that I know I will have for the rest of my life. We spent a third of that year together, pushing each other to learn more. I had great instructors that would go out of their way to help me understand a concept I was struggling with.
My field internship has been crazy. It took a few calls to get used to just walking into a complete stranger's house. It took a few more calls to get used to talking to strangers. Overcoming shyness is hard! When I started I was severely lacking in self-confidence. My preceptor would tell me that I knew what to do and I just had to do it. I knew that but somehow it was hard to do! I was so frustrated! But I pulled through. I learned and I did. I would ask myself, "How badly do you want to do this?" The EMT was my cheerleader. I knew she was rooting for me whatever I was doing and it helped to know that. The paramedic was there to make sure I didn't drown and prompt me if I was forgetting something. There were times I panicked and other times where I was focused and did my job. All part of the learning process. My crew believed I could do it, even when I didn't think I could. And gradually I gained that confidence that I needed.
Then as quickly as it started, it ended. The papers were signed. You're ready. You're an entry-level paramedic.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
