If You Look, They Will Come

Feeling Appreciated and Finding Joy in EMS

by Karen Powers, NREMT-I

So many times I have heard that EMS is a thankless job. I find that complete nonsense. If you know where to look, you can find thank-yous everywhere you go. The trick is to understand that appreciation doesn't always come in the form of a formal or verbal thank-you.

Don't get me wrong—I like recognition for a job well done just as much as anyone. It's pretty cool to receive some fancy award and be recognized by your peers and superiors. And yes, it feels good to receive an unsolicited word of thanks from the public. While I was dressing the gurney after bringing a patient to the hospital, a man stepped out of another room and walked toward me. He said he recognized me from the last time an EMS crew was called for his mother. I didn't recognize him but so many of my patients, families and shifts blend together. He insisted it was me who cared for his mother and said, "Thank you, you were so kind." I smiled and blushed. Then I thought how honored I am to accept his appreciation on behalf of my organization and whoever deserves it.

On another occasion, I was walking back to the rig when a woman paused to say, "Thank you so much for what you folks do ... it saved my sister's life and I really appreciate it." I know she could have been referring to another EMS system anywhere. But how wonderful it is to work in a field in which we are blessed by outstanding co-workers near and far. Her comment was such a surprise and so eloquent at the same time that I was caught off guard and responded with an inadequate, "You're welcome."

If these examples are the last verbal thanks I receive for the rest of my career, I will still feel appreciated. No matter what your vocation is, if you enjoy what you do, have a generally positive outlook and don't take yourself too seriously, you can go home at the end of the day (or shift) with a sense of personal satisfaction. If you are in EMS for expressed appreciation, you are in this field for the wrong reason.

The grander moments of thanks are much more subtle, like when a family member's face changes from complete fret and worry to relief. When you shake hands with the patient's father and see a tear of joy in his eye and quiver in his cheek. These are the unforgettable moments upon which you will reflect in old age.

When need an emotional boost, volunteer for the next elementary school visit. Kids think people in uniform walk on water. Let them turn on the ambulance lights. Let them push the NIBP button on the monitor. And make sure you watch their faces to remember how it felt when you were a rookie.

If this doesn't do the trick and you find yourself flailing emotionally, I recommend two things: take a vacation or consider a career change. I believe that as EMS providers, we must be able to present something positive to our patients and family members no matter how grim the situation. A reassuring smile to an anxious patient or calming voice to a frantic mother are just as important as any medical intervention.

Physicians call it bed-side manner. I call it contagious. So if you feel overwhelmed or just a little bummed by the so-called thanklessness of your job, look in new places for your cure.

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Posted 07.08.03, author's certification level updated 06.19.04
Reprinted on Paramedic.com 09.18.03

"Of all the things you wear, your smile is the most important."
—Anonymous