Ambulance Driver

As I read through my first blog posts, it seems to me that some explanation is in order. While it may appear that The Ambulance Driver is doing all this work himself, nothing could be further from the truth.

On many calls we have dual responses; either police or the fire department and sometimes both show up. Who responds to a 911 call is determined by the call takers and the various department’s dispatchers. Much of the determination for who responds to EMS calls is determined by the Medical Director for the system.

On medicals, the paramedic/attendant is in charge of patient care. The medic directs the actions of the other first responders at the scene. Having said this, we do work as a team and the work could not be done in a efficient manner without them. Even though they do have less training than the medics, the first responders we work with are experienced and very capable.

In our ambulance department each medic generally works with two regular partners – one on one day, the other the next. The day is split up in a manner agreeable to both medics but the most common practice is to trade driver/attendant positions after every transport.

I have the pleasure of working with 2 very seasoned paramedics. Between the three of us we have well over 100 years of ambulance experience. Yes, we are old. But despite our failing eyes and minds, we still have strong backs and an enduring enthusiasm for the work we do. Well… most of the time anyway.