BE NICE

One of the most important things I have learned in the years I have been in this business is how important it is to BE NICE.

I know that is very hard many times. When you are working a wreck and the only survivor is the drunk that killed others while driving intoxicated you find it difficult to be nice. And when he/she decides you are and SOB and all the other things we are called while trying to help someone it makes it almost impossible. What about the overbearing bystander telling you how to do your job? All you want to do is retaliate verbally and physically. I know how you feel. Been there, done that.

On most occasions it is your best choice to remain neutral. If we get distracted by our anger and thoughts of revenge we cannot focus on our main goal. To take care of out patients no is our main goal, after we ensure our safety. You cannot do your best while out of control. We are not here to punish. That is for the legal folks. We are there to provide great care for all our patients.

Of course it's easy to be nice to the pleasant patients. Or is it. They can be nice but really not need an ambulance and we get angry. Think about it. Just what do you gain by being mean and hateful? A little satisfaction, revenge. And where does that get you? It probably makes your work harder and sure makes you unhappy. Not to mention it pisses off the patient and it does not change their attitude or demeanor. No one wins really.

There are times that we must be firm and forceful to protect ourselves and others but if we remain in control show some respect, we can get our point across and remain ethical.

Try if you will to be nice to all of your patients, their families and friends. Try to be nice to anyone you meet during the course of your duties. Try it for a while. Take a chance to make your life better and it might even help someone else. You never know what they are really going through.