1. What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?

I don’t always work on Thursdays, but if I were on a day shift, it would look something like this: 

Up at 530, yes a very early hour!  Shower, have some breakfast, see what I missed on F/B while I was sleeping and then it’s off to work by 630.  I work 12 hour shifts, so day shift is 7-7.    

I arrive at the station, relieve the night crew and check out our ambulance, ensuring it’s stocked and ready for the day.  It’s typically not long before the phone rings for our first call of the day!  And this is where all predictability ends.  I could have a busy day and attend 6 or 7 calls, or end up in offload delay in hospital and only attend 2 calls.  The calls vary from Chest pain, Shortness of Breath, Psychiatric, Flu, Fractures…just to name a few.  Thankfully though it’s not like 3rd Watch.  If we had stressful calls all day everyday, we’d burn out quickly!  So don’t believe what you see on TV…we’re not traveling at warp speed, and dealing with gun shots every call, and it’s also not at all like the movie Bringing Out the Dead…another common misconception.   

At some point through my shift I get a 30 minute break for lunch in station, which typically includes a nap! We carry food with us in the truck, so you eat when you’re hungry, and thankfully there are several Starbucks around for my one vice…my Green Tea Latte!  That 30 minute break is often the only time you will see the station through the day and can be interrupted at any time for a call. 

Hopefully I finish around 7, although if a call comes in at 5 minutes to and the night crew has not arrived yet, I’m on it and may work an extra hour or two.  But fingers crossed I finish my shift on time, get home, make my lunch for the next day, set out my uniform, catch up on emails, F/B, etc.   

By 930/ 1000 I’m in bed with a book for about half an hour or till I can’t keep my eyes open any longer and it’s off to dreamland I go till 530! 

Now if I’m not working, I love Thursdays!  I wake up, have some breakfast, and play on the computer.  Then I head to the gym for my spin class…I’m addicted!!!  And see where the day takes me.  Thursday nights are girl’s night out and my fav night of the week to hit the town…typically we can be found on King St.  

2. What was your first job out of school?

Out of University my first job was a Customer Service Rep for RBC.  That is when I really learned that 9-5 desk type jobs were not for me! 

3. What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?

Communication is key!  You have to be able to talk to people, especially in their time of need and gain their trust.  You are a stranger meeting them when they are in a vulnerable position and you have to be able to make them feel comfortable with you and put their minds at ease. 

Problem solving is another biggie.  We receive call details for 99% of our calls, but often the details we are provided and what is really going on is very different.  You have to be able to think on your feet, and be prepared for just about anything. 

Being Assertive.  On serious calls things can get a little chaotic if you don’t take charge of the situation.  You need to be able to delegate, deal with potentially distraught family members and attend to the patient.  You especially need assertiveness when dealing with situations involving angry or drunk patients.  You need to be authoritative with these people as they can be aggressive and uncooperative. 

4. What do you love most about your career?

The unpredictability and variety.  I have a job that is mentally and physically challenging.  Its different everyday and you never know what you’re going to get.  It’s often like piecing together a puzzle.  I love that it’s not 9-5 and I’m not chained to a desk.  Sometimes the calls are mundane, but to be able to put a smile on a lonely elderly person’s face is so rewarding.  And the icing on the cake is all the time off I get since I work 12 hour shifts! 

5. Do you have any warnings?

Paramedicine is a field that carries with it an element of danger.  Danger of acquiring disease, being assaulted, getting into an accident while driving lights and sirens, or injuring yourself on a lift. You also see a side of the community which most are sheltered from and sometimes it’s hard to take.  You do difficult calls which can rock you to your core.  Therefore it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings, to take precautions at all times, keep yourself fit and never be afraid to talk about a call that has affected you.  It is a great career, but like any, carries its negatives. 

6. If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

I would love to sing!  I would shatter glass if I sang now, but if I could be fortunate to have a fantastic voice and take my show on the road around the world that would be an amazing experience!  I’m not very artistic and am envious of those who are blessed with natural talents in the arts.