Decisions...

My EMT re-registration is due by the end of March. This means I either need to take an NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) approved refresher course, or I let my registration expire.

The decision is one that I have been pondering for quite a few months. I will not be re-registering. If, in the future, I decide to start riding on ambulances again I will simply need to take the course over. I've made this decision based on a number of things, 2 of which are:

1. I don't really have time right now to commit to an ambulance service. I know that if I were to become involved again it would over-ride everything else in my life and...well, I just don't have that kind of time.
2. This is a terrifically judgmental statement, but: I'm not sure I like what I see/hear about the caliber of some of the squads in my area. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground between the "load and go" squads and the "even if they're dead we can bring 'em back" squads. One squad in particular, which I have always respected, really saddens me. It's become all about heroics and bravado...oh, and politics.

But I digress...The bottom line is, I can't take part in a profession that I've lost respect for. And that makes me more sad than any other part of it...the loss of respect.

Yes, it makes me very sad.

Note: I've edited this post about a hundred times. If it seems vague or nonsensical, that's why. I refuse to discuss specific situations that are upsetting to me in a public forum. Several people have emailed me and asked me about my decision, and I will let this post answer your question.

Yes, I still love EMS. No, this doesn't mean I'll never go back to it. But yes, this does mean that you will not be changing my mind about it any time soon. I thank you all for your concern. I'm okay about my decision. Really.