Jumping into the world of emergency medicine offers a wild and fascinating ride, quite different from your usual day in the office. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of riding with an ambulance crew, blistering down the street at 70 to 80 miles per hour, lights flashing, as other drivers scramble to make way. The day officially began at 8 a.m., with twelve hours on the clock before it would end—a crash course into the high-stakes world of paramedicine.
From the moment the day kicked off, it was chock-a-block with action. Diving headfirst into medical emergencies, the first task was getting patients to the hospital safely. Each call brings a unique challenge, whether it’s someone in crisis from an overdose, a stroke, or other traumatic injuries. The mix keeps things dynamic and intense.
Fast forward to the heart of the shift, around 6 p.m., when the rhythm of the day was firmly under the belt. The variety of cases kept the day intriguing. Seeing how the team dealt with different levels of trauma was fascinating. One of the standout incidents involved a patient with spinal and pelvic fractures following an accident. Watching the team prep for immobilization techniques, with neck immobilizers or “c-spine” devices, was a learning experience. The careful attention to detail ensures no further harm befalls a person who might have taken a significant tumble.
The equipment in the ambulance itself is mind-boggling, a treasure trove of medical paraphernalia like disinfectants, drug boxes, and sophisticated dressings. It paints a picture of how prepared the crew needs to be for anything under the sun. There were also impressive gadgets like infusions and anti-nerve agents, which speak volumes about the level of healthcare that can be delivered on the road.
By the day’s tail end, the final patient to be whisked off to the hospital was suffering from pneumonia, arranged by a GP for transfer. The experience of enacting these medical logistics was eye-opening. Spending a day on road duty with ambulance professionals like Ryan and Dave was the highlight—both of them bringing an impressive mix of experience and sharp know-how.
Dave, who has a history as a former air force personnel and now a paramedic for the past fifteen years, was a fount of knowledge. Then there was Ryan, a final-year paramedic student who demonstrated skill and sensitivity, especially when handling the distressing situation of a patient who overdosed. Watching Ryan calmly engage with the patient, while conducting essential tasks like checking blood pressure and ECGs, inspired hope in the practicality and empathy required in the job.
The team suggested giving the air ambulance experience a whirl someday—a sky-high twist to emergency responses that sounds equally exciting. As the shift finally wraps up, there’s a collective sigh of relief and perhaps a hint of reluctance to leave the ambulance uniform behind and return to regular attire.
What better way to unwind after a hectic day than with a cozy change into pajamas and a retreat back into the hospital? It was late, but the promise of a Stranger Things marathon awaited. The crew slyly sneaked into the doctor’s mess—a renowned comfy spot in the hospital, much favored over isolated rooms, just a short walk away.
The night was settled with nocturnal delights like ice cream, deliciously devoured amidst the plush surroundings of the doctor’s mess. The charm of the doctor’s mess lay not only in its ambiance but also in the companionship it fosters. It turned into something of an evening ritual, a post-shift celebration. The comradery is tangible, especially when someone like Flora is in the mix with her incredible roasted aubergine and veggie curry dish, part of a quirky house tradition of rotating dinner responsibilities. These culinary evenings offer a heartwarming conclusion to high-octane ambulance shifts.
As the evening wound down with an episode of Stranger Things, and perhaps a little musical interlude playing out in mind—tunes that make one long to draw closer to the comfort of known arms—there was space to reflect. Every ride, every call, and every patient story filled the day with insight and depth beyond what can ever be captured in textbooks. The takeaway from such experiences is profound, carved into memory by moments of learning, urgency, and connection at a human level.
Though the lights in the mess dimmed, the day’s vibrant echoes lingered. Stretching beyond the day’s adrenaline-fueled maneuvers lay the quieter moments of unwinding, amidst a newfound community. Simple joys like shared ice cream or getting lost in a binge-worthy series ensue after work’s challenging cadence. That’s what captures the essence of such a hectic yet rewarding journey in emergency medicine, vividly colored with moments of real human exchange. With hearts full and minds slightly buzzing from the rush of the day, gratitude came naturally—a reflection on the learning, experience and the team spirit that made every alarm bell worth answering. An extraordinary day in an ordinary world, until the sirens call again for another adventure.
