My First All-Out EMT Call Experience: A True Test of Training

In the world of emergency medical services, every call has the potential to be the worst day of someone's life. However, as an EMT, I quickly learned this isn't always the case. My first all-out call involved a routine nursing home transfer, followed by a traumatic multi-fatality motor vehicle accident (MVA) with patients suffering from a flail chest and a sucking chest wound. The classroom knowledge from weeks of training melded together, and I performed with confidence. But post-call, I was a basket case.

Understanding the Call Types

One of the most important lessons in EMT training is the understanding that 'no matter what the call, when someone calls 911, it means it's the worst day of their life.' Yet, this perspective can be tested when you see a call that doesn't quite meet the expectations set during training. Early in my EMT training, I faced a call that challenged this belief.

The Runner-Up: Routine Transfer

The first call on my first night as an EMT was a comfort transfer for a non-emergency case, back in 1993, based out of Mercy Ambulance in Rancho Cucamonga, California, now known as AMR Rancho. The call description was 'Ill female'. It came in at 2 AM from the neighboring city of Fontana, Fontucky.

Wired up on adrenaline and nerves, I drove the ambulance to its position while trying to navigate and respond without running any red lights. Onboard, the paramedic was my preceptor, guiding me and performing the tasks that fell under his responsibilities. The ambulance pulled up to a small flat, and I positioned it so that the rear end aligned with the sidewalk. Once parked, I retrieved the gurney and medical equipment from the ambulance.

Encounter with the Patient

Approaching the front door, we were met by a fat woman in her early sixties. She appeared calm and collected, casually dressed. When asked about her condition, she casually mentioned being constipated and wished to go to Kaiser hospital. Puzzled, the paramedic enquired, 'How long have you been constipated?' Her response, 'Three weeks.' Incredulous, the question then followed, 'Why are you calling for an ambulance now?' Her reply was equally casual: 'So I can get seen in the ER faster.'

Documenting her medications, it became clear that she had an extensive collection, a testament to her long-term health concerns. After writing down the major medications, we loaded her into the ambulance and took her to the ER. However, during triage, the nurse, aware of the unusual circumstances, guided her to the waiting room instead of the emergency area.

Reflections on the First Call

The non-emergency nature of this call was a stark reminder that not every 911 call signifies a critical situation. While the training emphasizes the worst-case scenarios, there are plenty of other situations where a patient might misuse the emergency service. Despite the initial shock, this call helped me understand the spectrum of calls an EMT might face. Over the years, I encountered countless similar cases, reinforcing the principle that every call must be handled with the utmost care and attention.

Conclusion

Despite the initial nerves, my first all-out EMT call proved to be a valuable lesson. Understanding the full range of scenarios that can arise is crucial for an EMT. From routine transfers to life-threatening emergencies, every call is a testament to the training and dedication of the medical professionals who step up to serve. Each experience shapes not only my skills but my approach to providing care.

As an EMT, the adrenaline, the uncertainty, and the dedication to helping others are an integral part of the job. Through countless calls, I learned to distinguish between those that demand urgent attention and those that, while serious, may not require an immediate emergency response.