I have begun a long journey today

[BrattVapes]

Alright Vape Fam.

So today I started on what will be a 12 to 14 month endeavor that will take me from a place in my life where I am still dependent on my family for monetary support to a place where I am a grown ass adult.

I started today, first day of class. Paramedic School.

It's something I've wanted since I was a young kid. I have been born and raised around the Fire Service. I have been a volunteer firefighter since I turned 18. I have been an EMT right out of High School - I went through EMT school at an accelerated rate to get my EMT first, to get it quick. I got it first, before anyone else in my graduating class. I became one of very few EMTs on my roster at my fire station and immediately took on calls assuming responsibility for patients. From EMT school, where my instructor was a great mentor, and an even better teacher that I wanted to become a paramedic so that I could give the highest level of pre-hospital care possible to my patients.


Today I have started. After a long road to even get into the program I wanted to get into... I have started. It's going to be very tough. A long road. It starts today, 7 months of in class "Didactic" learning. 2 days a week, 8 hour days. It's no joke. After that, 3 months clinical rotations in an ER. And then 3 months with a preceptor in the field in an ambulance. After that I will be eligible to sit for my paramedic license.

I want this so bad. I didn't realize just how bad I wanted it, regardless of how bad I said I wanted it, until I heard the words "you're in, you're accepted"
I walked to my car.. I cried just a bit...


I'm here now. I've just begun and I'm looking forward down a long road. During this course I am told I will eventually break. The point of the program among other things is to put enough stress on you to hit your breaking point, then just a bit more. I find this scary. I handle stress very well. If I do break down like that, I can't imagine it will be pretty. And I signed up for this!? LOL.

Anyways... I just posted this for no real reason. I have a year of complete devotion to this class ahead, total devotion. Other than work, I eat sleep and breath this class. But in the end I am confident I will come out on top and successful.

Wish me luck folks. It's going to be a long year.

Here's to my future!

Matt

 

[Huckleberried]

Here's to your future, Matt. Your drive should serve people very well. Sounds completely rewarding and fulfilling. When those tough days do come, and they will (just being real), I hope you come back to this post and remember how badly you want this. I wish you the absolute best in your journey!!

Go get 'em!

 

[BrattVapes]

Thanks @Huckleberried

I will definitely revisit this post. Can't imagine this is a cake walk, but the best things in life don't come easy.

 

[shynsly]

Good Luck in your future and I Thank You for your service in advance as I am sure you will succeed!

 

[RMarcusY]

​

 

[rolltidevaper]

Matt - wishing you the best of luck. Your story and your drive is refreshing! Keep your eye on the prize and you will encourage many on your journey! I'll look forward to following your progress! Thank you for sharing!

 

[BrattVapes]

Matt - wishing you the best of luck. Your story and your drive is refreshing! Keep your eye on the prize and you will encourage many on your journey! I'll look forward to following your progress! Thank you for sharing!

Thanks Roll Tide!

I will give some updates in this thread as the class progresses. 6 "majors" tests like "midterms" but there are six of them. Then the final. I'll post up how I'm doing after all of them.

 

[KeelieKimber]

Good luck to you! I am confident you will succeed.
Namaste'

 

[Huckleberried]

Thanks Roll Tide!

I will give some updates in this thread as the class progresses. 6 "majors" tests like "midterms" but there are six of them. Then the final. I'll post up how I'm doing after all of them.

I look forward to this! I really hope you do. I can live vicariously though you.

We should adopt him.

 

[Markw4mms]

Wishing you the best of luck, Matt!

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[BrattVapes]

Haha! Where do I sign?

Thanks Mark!

 

[pulsevape]

kick ass and take names.

 

[VapeRN]

Good luck!! I got my EMT at 18 and worked on an ALS rig while going through school for my RN. Medic school is no joke, it's a lot to learn in a very short time, but it's a great career move for a young person. Always remember, your safety is paramount to everything and ABCs ALWAYS come first. If the test question has an answer that involves a problem/intervention with ABCs, that's probably the right answer. Overthinking will drown you in paramedicine. Best of luck.


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[BrattVapes]

Good luck!! I got my EMT at 18 and worked on an ALS rig while going through school for my RN. Medic school is no joke, it's a lot to learn in a very short time, but it's a great career move for a young person. Always remember, your safety is paramount to everything and ABCs ALWAYS come first. If the test question has an answer that involves a problem/intervention with ABCs, that's probably the right answer. Overthinking will drown you in paramedicine. Best of luck.


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Thanks!! Yes it's going to be a long road. Studying in the car on lunch break at work now.

Hoping to get on a BLS transport rig here soon so I'll be able to work two or three days a week not 5.

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[VapeRN]

Thanks!! Yes it's going to be a long road. Studying in the car on lunch break at work now.

Hoping to get on a BLS transport rig here soon so I'll be able to work two or three days a week not 5.

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

Ooh, SLUDGEM!!!




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[Whiskey]

Best wishes Bratt, You sound like your going to do well and achieve all that you wish to!!!!
Good Karma your way!!!

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

Dude, that's awesome. Congrats & best of luck!


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[dannycarlisle18]

Good luck mate. You can do it!

 

[BrattVapes]

You guys are awesome!

Studying every waking moment hahaha it's a long year ahead for sure! Thanks for the support

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[Huckleberried]

Why are you reading this? Get your nose back in those notes!

 

[BrattVapes]

Three classes down, two tests in the books. Two more Friday. Finding the time!!! Took hours away at work per request, hover around where I want to be. STUDY STUDY STUDY and then, MORE STUDY.

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[Brian L]

Best of luck to you, Matt. I took the Paramedic course 6 years ago. I was one of the few who passed all of the practicals on the first shot. Boy is that day nerve wracking! I had originally intended to make a career of it. I was a volunteer Medic for three years, but I ended up missing my kids too much every time I was on duty. So... I kept my day job and stopped volunteering. I'll probably volunteer again when the kids get much older. Had a lot of fun doing it. Also saw some really bad/nasty things, but I'm not really affected too much by stuff. We went on one call for a lady who committed suicide by tractor-trailer. First call of the day (2am) on Halloween. That was one of the worst ones. She just ran out in front of the thing on the highway where the speed limit is 65. But, as you probably know, the majority of calls are nothing like that. It's a career in which you certainly end up with a lot of stories! Of course, some of those stories must be reserved for people who can stomach them!

 

[BrattVapes]

Best of luck to you, Matt. I took the Paramedic course 6 years ago. I was one of the few who passed all of the practicals on the first shot. Boy is that day nerve wracking! I had originally intended to make a career of it. I was a volunteer Medic for three years, but I ended up missing my kids too much every time I was on duty. So... I kept my day job and stopped volunteering. I'll probably volunteer again when the kids get much older. Had a lot of fun doing it. Also saw some really bad/nasty things, but I'm not really affected too much by stuff. We went on one call for a lady who committed suicide by tractor-trailer. First call of the day (2am) on Halloween. That was one of the worst ones. She just ran out in front of the thing on the highway where the speed limit is 65. But, as you probably know, the majority of calls are nothing like that. It's a career in which you certainly end up with a lot of stories! Of course, some of those stories must be reserved for people who can stomach them!

Of course and of course!!

The things you'll see. I've already seen a bit just as n EMT. It takes a special person to do most anything in emergency medicine. Thanks for the well wishes

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[BrattVapes]

Got a major coming up Tuesday. Crunch time. Almost out of work. Woo. Stress going up!

Matt

 

[Huckleberried]

Got a major coming up Tuesday. Crunch time. Almost out of work. Woo. Stress going up!

Matt

Hang in there!! We're all rootin' for ya.

 

[shynsly]

Keep the Faith!!!

 

[BrattVapes]

After today we'll be through with 6 weeks. We've had one major test, next one is Tuesday (next class)

Keeping faith. At a point now where the points are so high total that the tests don't really affect much in terms of percent. Just floating along now.

Matt

 

[Whiskey]

Watching the thread for your updates, Keep at it Matt!!!!!!!

 

[Huckleberried]

Go Matt, go! Go Matt, go!!

Can we come to your graduation? So excited for you, keep up the good work.

 

[pete67]

Best of luck to you Matt.

 

[BrattVapes]

Thanks guys!

getting to the point where I'm coming home irritated after class. Just stress talking. Going to be a long and not so easy class to get through but I believe next week we start getting into the good material, the real meat and potatoes of paramedicine.

I feel bad for my family who has to deal with my sh***** attitude but they do understand and are coping better than I am. Work is great got a $1 raise so the lowered hours (cut back 10) doesn't matter I still make as much but for less work which is amazing.

Will let you all know how the second major goes this Tuesday, next class.

Going to try and relax and hand out some candy for the little kids tomorrow. Hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween and weekend. Thanks all for the support!!!

Matt

 

[BrattVapes]

It's been a few weeks since I've posted here. Update I guess.

I'm 2 "majors" deep, and things have settled. I know no one test makes a difference, I'm finding it harder to find time to study though my time available has stayed the same... I guess it's a lack of incentive.

I've gotten to the point where I know my grade should stay where it's at til the end of the program now pending anything serious. My motivation is dwindling I feel like a zombie. My energy is just gone. Stress is manifesting in a bloody nose here and there in the morning. . . I can't go into work without someone saying "wow you look tired.." .... Thanks... I know.

Sleeping 6 hours a night is great sleep to me. Dealing with the tards in this class has finally gotten to me. I don't do "stupid" well. Those really close to me call me an elitist. Whatever. I just don't tolerate ignorance and there seems to be a level of that with ~ 50% of the class here. It irritates me. At the same time, there's that overwhelming notion that they're going to pass this class, there's no damn way I shouldn't pass. I'm not as nice and peachy as I was during class now. It's just not in me. I've got too much to deal with.

I'm not as peachy at home either... Though I do find time I spend with my family very nice and stress relieving. Holidays coming up though, we'll see what happens when we throw that into the mix.

I hope everyone is having a good go at their own problems in life. Mine are miniscule in the grand scheme of things, but they are weighing on me though I don't care to admit it. It's hard to deny when others point it out every chance they get. I'm just mentally tired.

Still going strong though. For now at least, I'm making it work.


Take care all.

Matt

 

[BigNasty]

Considering what you are going for job wise... it should scare you that there are some dumb motherfuckers in it. Take than elitist tag and wear it with pride, knowing that one day when the chips are down that person is going to live because you were that elitist.

 

[BrattVapes]

Considering what you are going for job wise... it should scare you that there are some dumb motherfuckers in it. Take than elitist tag and wear it with pride, knowing that one day when the chips are down that person is going to live because you were that elitist.

Oh 100% with you. It does scare me. It's scary besides these guys. If I was to call 911 tomorrow, there would be a f***ing field day when the first box showed up, I won't let a medic touch my family or friends unless they can pass a basic test. It's scary out there. Really is. And yes, I want to know my stuff. It's hard to deal with test scores on this class for me because I've never received grades lower than 90's. In this class, it's considered good to be bove 80. That's not to compare to others in the class rather just the way its setup and the rate we take in information.


It's killing me!

Matt

 

[VapeRN]

Matt, sounds like you're in the thick of medic school, I've been there. Nursing school too. Very similar, the two. Surrounded by idiots. It's amazing how some mouth breathers get through the licensing exams, but they do.

I'm not an asshole, I'm a realist and yeah, a bit of an elitist. You're gonna go far, I bet. It's that attitude, never settling on anything, never letting yourself down, those things are gonna make you a great medic. When you're out there alone with a critical patient and seconds count, when YOUR decisions make the difference between life and death, you want an ELITE paramedic, not the guy who scored the minimum on the Registry exam.

Keep toughing it out, it is worth it. We need more people to become medics that give a shit. I need medics to become RNs that give a shit.

Good luck. Make the most of it.


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[BigNasty]

I will say this...
If my shit is bleeding and fucked up enough to get EMT response, I want the top 10% of their class patching my ass together to get me to the ER...
Not the mouth breather that is 1 step removed from eating crayons and licking windows.

 

[BrattVapes]

Matt, sounds like you're in the thick of medic school, I've been there. Nursing school too. Very similar, the two. Surrounded by idiots. It's amazing how some mouth breathers get through the licensing exams, but they do.

I'm not an asshole, I'm a realist and yeah, a bit of an elitist. You're gonna go far, I bet. It's that attitude, never settling on anything, never letting yourself down, those things are gonna make you a great medic. When you're out there alone with a critical patient and seconds count, when YOUR decisions make the difference between life and death, you want an ELITE paramedic, not the guy who scored the minimum on the Registry exam.

Keep toughing it out, it is worth it. We need more people to become medics that give a shit. I need medics to become RNs that give a shit.

Good luck. Make the most of it.


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Thank you. Thank you very much I appreciate it.

Matt

 

[Whiskey]

Keep at it Matt, don't give up, and I hope the holiday's gives you a bit of a break from the stress and you enjoy your family

 

[Huckleberried]

Matt, sounds like you're in the thick of medic school, I've been there. Nursing school too. Very similar, the two. Surrounded by idiots. It's amazing how some mouth breathers get through the licensing exams, but they do.

I'm not an asshole, I'm a realist and yeah, a bit of an elitist. You're gonna go far, I bet. It's that attitude, never settling on anything, never letting yourself down, those things are gonna make you a great medic. When you're out there alone with a critical patient and seconds count, when YOUR decisions make the difference between life and death, you want an ELITE paramedic, not the guy who scored the minimum on the Registry exam.

Keep toughing it out, it is worth it. We need more people to become medics that give a shit. I need medics to become RNs that give a shit.

Good luck. Make the most of it.


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I'm so glad you shared this. I believe that was the most perfect thing anyone could say in that amount of stress.

Matt, we believe in you, and I'm glad you got to vent. Hang tough, buddy. Love your ethic!

 

[BrattVapes]

Well folks. Update as today marked Major 3. It was all about trauma this unit.

Took the multiple choice test in the morning. Did alright. Skills testing the afternoon, and what a catastrophic cluster #%$*!!! Poor organization skills by the instructors. It is what it is unfortunately it just made everyone around me more stressed out. I was fine.. Bitching about those types of things doesn't make it any better. A long day nonetheless.

This past week has been crazy, I work retail currently. Black Friday week... I've been working what feels like nonstop and it's left me no time to study for this exam. I did the best I could to study last night. Passed out, showed up and gave it my best shot. Just exhausted.

It's been a really rough week and a half. I hate to inform you all, as this site is about vape, that I succumbed to pressure of stress and late night with B&Ms closed for the night, I picked up a can of chew.

It is what it is. It had been sso long. This class, this past week at work. It gets to you.


Anyways. I am happy to have a good chance at a job doing Inter Facility Transports as an EMT on an ambulance which would be great, more money, less days of work per week to make more, plus experience I can't pass up on. Just waiting for the interview to be lined up.

Chew is such a disgusting habit. I'm disgusted in myself for picking up a can..I had been doing so well. It's not permanent. Not even close. But, we all fall down. It's how we get back up. We start cardiovascular after a quick ITLS class. That's where the class gets fun!



Can't wait to reprt back ina bit with an update again. Thanks all of you, truly. For your support on this journey through hell. It's all going to be worth it. I know it will. In the meantime, I'm sticking to the drive that has gotten me this far. I'm going to be able to push narcotics and won't be able to buy a drink in a bar. Funny. But I'm going to do it.

Thanks guys vape on!

Matt

 

[Huckleberried]

Tough week, but you got through it! Don't beat yourself up over the can o'chew. Stress can be a real bitch sometimes. Life gets pretty real.

 

[VapeRN]

Matt, my first job was inter-facility too. It was a perfect job to get through school because the night shift was so slow I could study and sleep while making money. We did BLS/ALS/CCT transports and emergency contracts with nursing homes, so at night it was really just emergencies and we had plenty of down time. Reeked havoc on my sleep for a bit, but I learned so much.

Good luck on the interview and cardio! 12 Lead EKGs still give me grief, even though I'm Rapid STEMI and ACLS certified. It's so fascinating though, so take your time and embrace the little squiggly lines.




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[woodyt74]

Keep up the good work Matt! Anything worthwhile has it's ups and downs and you just keep slogging through it all. You'll get back on track and beat the chew as well! Good Luck!!

 

[BrattVapes]

Going to give an update.

Friday we started Cardiac unit... I am so beyond excited for this. For me, that's one of the most interesting things we do. We will spend the next two months on Cardiac, then its pretty much "downhill" from there.

We get a break for holidays after this week. So that's going to be a nice break.

I'm excited to get into Cardiac of which I have already been introduced to previous to this class, its not new to me which is why I'm not intimidated by this unit as most my class is.. Looking forward to boosting my grade with this unit.

Life is a constant blur these days.

I work, school, work, maybe study. Work. School.

I really need to refocus and study my medications. I'm falling behind on that but I realize it and am trying to work on it.

This class is flying by - I'll be done with classroom "didactic" period in April!!! Wow!!!


Anyways, that's where I'm at!

Matt

 

[Huckleberried]

Awesome!! Keep up the good work, Matt

 

[BrattVapes]

I am not sure why. But my attendance at work this month has been ATROCIOUS.

It really sucks. Not only for the managers at work who have to talk to me and shit. But because I pride myself on having punctual attendance. In the last month I have been grossly late 3 or 4 times, and had a "no call, no show" that really wasn't my fault, rather a manager's fault. But nonetheless I didn't want to fight it.

I'm not sure why. I think it's just been hard to keep 60+ hours a week for so long. Good news out of all this ..... This week and next I'm off school....


But I missed work again today and its because I thought I worked later than I did, woke up, checked my calendar to make sure... I was wrong. And now I'm out of money today, and had to call and BS a good reason to miss work and call in late... WTF!

So upset with myself. Hopign I can get my shit together. Really pissed.

Matt

 

[Huckleberried]

I am not sure why. But my attendance at work this month has been ATROCIOUS.

It really sucks. Not only for the managers at work who have to talk to me and shit. But because I pride myself on having punctual attendance. In the last month I have been grossly late 3 or 4 times, and had a "no call, no show" that really wasn't my fault, rather a manager's fault. But nonetheless I didn't want to fight it.

I'm not sure why. I think it's just been hard to keep 60+ hours a week for so long. Good news out of all this ..... This week and next I'm off school....


But I missed work again today and its because I thought I worked later than I did, woke up, checked my calendar to make sure... I was wrong. And now I'm out of money today, and had to call and BS a good reason to miss work and call in late... WTF!

So upset with myself. Hopign I can get my shit together. Really pissed.

Matt

Suffice it to say you're a bit taxed right now, grueling class schedule, having to work, too, but keep in mind, though it may not be you, or your style, this is the means to an end of your goal. Don't beat yourself up. Dust yourself off, bust ass while you're off school, but don't beat yourself up. Chin up, friend.

 

[BrattVapes]

Gotta do it. Thanks huck

Matt

 

[VapeRN]

Keep it up, Matt. Think it's hard now? Try being a 'proby'. Just hope you get a good FTO!!


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[BrattVapes]

Keep it up, Matt. Think it's hard now? Try being a 'proby'. Just hope you get a good FTO!!


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Don't have to study every waking moment and work 40 hours retail every week..? Piece of cake!

Talked to my manager. Explained everything. Should e getting a very light work load the next few weeks until I catch back up. Grade's sliped while Christmas BS went down.

Actually working a few angles to secure a good FTO.

Hopefully I'll be working IFT next month. Hopefully.


I think I hit my breaking point, I'm not fired. I'm making it work and I made it through I think.


Phew.

What a bitch.


"Why did I do this?"

Oh.... I guess I know why... But... FUCK! HA.

Matt