But that's just the way it is, es la vida...
So the past month I have been training to me an EMT-B. Basic Emergency Medical Technicians work in hospitals (ERs), the backs of ambulances, for fire departments, and in a number of other capacities. The course I have taken is wilderness specific and also certifies me as an MPIC (Medical Person in Charge) aboard vessels (its a US Coast Guard certification that includes special protocols like inserting advanced airways and starting IV's of patients).
So...the past month I have learned a ton of new stuff. How to safely extract people from vehicle accidents, put patients on backboards, operate a bunch of cool gadgets and equipment, and do patient assessments. Since it is a WEMT course (W being wilderness) we have had a bunch of scenarios outside (and even more in). The instructors choose patients, give them a condition to imitate signs and symtoms of, and dress them up with makeup (moulage). It is real fun.
It's pretty crazy the amount of info I have had to wrap my head around in such a short period of time. I came into the course extremely motivated and as the course concludes tomorrow I am confident my drive will not diminish. I am super stoked to start working as a medic/EMT, hopefully outside, but wherever I can.
I have never been a super studious dude, but I came into this course to rock it. I studied my ass off- harder than I EVER studied at UBC (think class 8a-5p studies 6p-12a with maybe three hours of down time in-between). And I think I have (my final results will be officially up tomorrow but I passed all my tests and aced out my practicals). When I really want something I try my hardest. And I haven't wanted anything this bad since I got into university.
To all my RMI peers and profs: Thank you for what will surely be one of the more memorable months of my life. The time we have spent together in class and out has only furthered my passion for people. We are all from different places (physically, mentally, spiritually) and yet we have all operated pretty damn well together for the past month. With very few exceptions we have gotten along without a hitch, despite our obvious differences and I feel comfortable saying nearly everyone has helped me in my learning process in one capacity or another.
To the military dudes: keep on rocking for the free world. Yall have mentored me through the trials and tribulations of being a young leader. The discussions I have had with you and the observations I've made will stick with me forever. A decision must be decisive just as a leader must lead. Even more remarkable is the respect you've shown to all of us civvies who have no real-time experience. It's been an honor to work with you and hope that we can stay in touch. I take great comfort in knowing we're on the same team :))
To the homies sittin in the back of class with the long(er) hair: It's been real. It's been fun. I expect to see many of you in the future. You know where to find me on here. And if I'm not here I'm probably in the woods somewhere or on top of a mountain. If I'm not in my car, of course...You study buddies have put up with my bitching, awesome jokes (don't lie), hilarious puns (you love em), and generally presence. That's more than I expected, hahaha!! Thanks for the help learning all this stuff. Lets hope it doesn't all fall outta my head!!
To everyone at Tierra: you rock!! The food has been AMAZING thanks to Marcy and Jen and the rooms have been comfortable. The hot tub is hot and the fridges keep the beer cold; so no complaints there. Thanks also to the instructors who have been super flexible in their teachings. Thanks especially to Adam for coming climbing with us and being human. Whether you know it or not, you have been a valued mentor. I hope I am in the same headspace as you in the coming years. I loved your lectures and your side commentary. Keep up the witty jokes positivity :) Dave, thanks for not bullshitting around. I respect your style and hope that we might cross paths someday up in AK. I hope I wasn't too much of a pain in the ass. Loreen, you were awesome. You provided all of us with some serious confidence boosters without being too easy. Thanks also to Dan, Tyler, and Vikki. Finally, Steve. Your humour provided us with endless laughs and kept the stress down (despite the heave homework loads :) I will forever use the Guthrie Poo Scale. You answered all my questions without making me feel like and idiot (which I know must have been hard sometimes) and offered insight into practical applications of our newfound knowledge by way of your wonderful stories. Thanks for taking me seriously (or at least pretending to do so) and pushing me to be a good EMT. Maybe I'll run into you someday in Peru.
My plans from here are as open as the ocean. And I'm thinkin' about getting away again. I'll be looking for work as a medic onboard some sort of vessel for the summer and hopefully will be able to do ski patrol somewhere in the PNW next ski season. But you all know how it goes. If I get the dream job theres no saying where I'll be in a few months time. I gotta get some cheese, rock out a bit more with the Weird'eax, and then get back out on the road. It's looking like a rare summer on the West coast for Sean.
Jess and I lookin' hawt before the first night scenario.
I was a drunk pilot and she had a baby.
We both had severe head injuries, haha
I hit the gong every night before bed.
Why?
Because it feels good :))
Sean
ps- ¡¡Volveré pronto amigos hispanohablantes!! Te extraño muchissimo. Tengo que asistir unas clases de español para medicos entonces cuando voy otra vez a sur america puedo trabajar en capacidad de medico :) o algo...vamos a ver...¡¡siempre hacía el futuro!!
email me fools!!
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