As a Texas paramedic and attorney as well as having worked EMS in the Hill Country over the years, I’d be remiss as a blogger if I didn’t at least put some words and thoughts about the floods and the accompanying loss of life that came with them.
First, I need to blast, and I mean literally blast, a Houston area pediatrician and a former president of the State Bar of Texas who took advantage of the tragedy and the loss of life to not only politically pontificate, but to insult the lives lost and claim that the loss of life is what Trump voters voted for. If you know me, you know that I’m to the right of Trump. (Yep, that’s possible.) But damn, when a tragedy hits, if you’re not offering help, condolences, or even prayers, shut your mouth. Period. Part of the vows I’ve made professionally and to myself tell me that I don’t care what your politics are if you need help. Again, while Christianity is not my faith, I’ll leave words from the Book of Matthew. “I was sick and ye visited me.” Matthew 25:36.
And I’ll add one more point of personal privilege. If you’re blessed and fortunate enough to be entrusted to care for and protect others, this incident isn’t the one to make fun of. I had someone who I considered to be a good friend, even if they are immature, make a horrendous, ill-timed joke of the loss of life. He’s no longer part of my circle of friends. I get black humor. I get gallows humor. My jokes would keep me in HR for eternity if reported. But I know this. If you weren’t part of this scene or response, you don’t get to say those things. Period. Full stop. This reminds me of an incident at a previous department where a responder who was NOT on scene at a fatal crash made jokes about “barbecues.” Again, some things are just beyond the limits of good taste. If you weren’t there, you don’t get to joke about it. And if you were there, you probably won’t joke about it.
As for the floods, I’m not assigned to these incidents for a variety of reasons relating both to my lack of swift water training and my current role at my current department.
I’ve seen a lot of tragedy. I’ve responded to a lot of incidents for over 20 years. It’s not just the big disasters. It’s the little tragedies that constantly pile up. I’m always amazed by which incidents and moments stick with me. But serving my fellow Americans and Texans is the highest honor and privilege of my life.
For those of you wondering what this life is like, I would encourage you to read Johnny Joey Jones’s book “Behind the Badge.” It’s probably the best reflection of what those of us with a badge do.
I complain about my EMS stuff way more than I should. It’s given me some additional meaning to my life aside from editing contracts. The BS is there in every EMS agency (or fire or police too). It’s just a different stench depending on where you’re at.
But there are two things you can always be certain of in these fields.
1. The people who last in it are the people who got in it to help people.
2. The friendships you make are amazing.
All the complaints aside, it’s been a fun 20 plus year ride. I’m eternally grateful for it. And every time I think I’m ready to say “F this, I’m done,” the universe reminds me that my tank isn’t that empty. Y’all are stuck with me for a little while longer.
Me? I’m back at the office doing attorney stuff tomorrow morning. And truly frustrated that I can’t get out and be a paramedic as much as I’d like. Sadly, the opportunities for volunteering in public safety have shriveled over the years. And many of the remaining volunteer opportunities, at least for a Texas paramedic, aren’t nearly what they used to be, either.
Y’all be safe and hug your family.