Taught myself how to do a fingerstick today.

On myself.

It was 84. After eating cookie dough. :)

Then taught myself how to fingerstick a cat. It's all about the edges of their ears.

Will now be fingersticking the bookstore's diabetic cat for OT pay.

WIN.

Things you don't expect to see in the ER:

One of your old friends triaging themselves into CPEP.

:/

You needed that epic hug and kiss on the head, even if they did make you start crying again.

Love you love.

GPS...

...EMS style. :)



All 911 Ambulances in NYC have their own full-size computer-screen call-receiving GPS units installed (volunteers excluded). They've even got time-stamp programs. It's big. It's shiny. I mostly kind of want one.

We've got a pager, and a GPS installed in the truck so dispatch can track the truck.

Clearly, that doesn't help us much.

Hello, TomTom.

Why Paramedics Should Use GPS Navigation - Everday EMS Tips

GPS Technology Will Change EMS Response Times - EMS EXPO

GPS Computer Navigators To Shorten EMS Response And Transport Times - American Journal of Emergency Medicine

Things you don't expect to see on your day off:

Another private ambulance company dropping off a patient in your house.

As in: your landlady's mother.

So glad I came down to do laundry after they were done with the stairchair, since you can't just walk by without asking if they need a hand.

And when I got back from the laundromat her husband finally introduced us, since I've told him before that they can knock on my door anytime.

And then she gave me a mango juicebox.

WIN.

I would like if my partner told me they got their driving privileges revoked before I stay up super-late the night before trying to figure out student loans.

In related news, my right leg is tingly...

But that might just be the epic bruise on my iliac crest from the aforementioned nightstand.

Dear partner(s),

Yes, I will be incoherent for the first half hour of the shift. I don't care what time we're starting. I just rolled out of bed. Wait 'til I finish my donut and OJ.

Yes, we will be doing 5-6 jobs a day. You will be working for your paycheck.

Yes, I will sing along to every song I know on the radio. And maybe even the ones I don't. You had better like everything from Jay-Z and Ke$ha to Bruce Springsteen and Queen.

Yes, you had better be singing along, too.

Yes, I will buy a 1 lbs bag of ice the instant the temp or humidity goes up. And I will eat it, too.

Yes, you will automatically gain weight from being in my presence. Please see above regarding pints of ice cream. And boxes of 1 dozen donuts from Dunkin' Donuts. And entire Entemann's chocolate cakes.

Yes, I can lift. Yes, I will be taking bottom on both stair chair and stretcher.

Yes, I like to tech. I like hanging out with patients in the back.

Yes, we will be stopping at totally random delis. I'm involved in an epic search for the perfect roast beef and provolone hot on a hero.

Yes, I do love OT.

And most importantly:

Me + psych patients = happiness. Keep your mouth shut. I can sweet talk them into anything.

(No, seriously, I love psych calls. LOVE.)