 | Current mood:  rejuvenatedCategory: Jobs, Work, Careers Hi Everyone! Michigan's EMS Expo was this weekend in Grand Rapids. Kinda quiet for Medstar's standards. There was only a few of us (and I do mean a few!) that attended. Nicole and I made the most of it! Got a later start than we wanted to on Friday (not too mention bogged down by traffic), but we arrived safe and sound at the Amway Grand at noon. Got settled in, took in a couple of classes and then the fun began. We were invited to a meet and greet for a very special person early Friday evening. Here's a pic to prove it (see if you can guess who the guy in the middle is before you go farther). That is none other than Mr. Randolph Mantooth....better known to the EMS community as Johnny Gage from Emergency! This all took place on the 28th floor of the Amway Grand in the reserved section of Cygnus 27, pretty much a 5 star restaurant/martini bar. After that we went down a level to the restaurant proper and had a very excellent dinner! The lobster bisque was sensational and if I didn't think they could top that...the dinner was even better! The sea bass was phenomenal!! I don't know if I've ever had better fish (and I've had my fair share of fish over the years). Just exquisite! Dessert was excellent. I recommend trying the trio sampler...you'll know when you see it! The martini's were outstanding! All in all...a great evening (just to get started)! There's the desert trio (finished of course!) on the table! I don't think Nikki ever takes a bad picture! If she does, this isn't it! Looking faaaabulous, dahling! A little fondue to finish the dinner off! Two peas in a pod! THe sister I never had and the brother she never had! I'm not exactly sure what this was...but it tasted delish!!!! And a none-to-subtle reminder of somebody's birthday! Like I said...the night was just getting started! Next stop... http://www.mojospianobar.com/index.html Lemmee tell you....Rag's to Riches (our old EMS Expo hangout) is history! This place rocks! We had a veritable blast! The drinks are cold and the show is awesome! I never thought that I'd have a blast in a piano bar of all places. Of course Nicole got me up on the stage for my birthday! Everybody had fun at everybody's expense! All of the pianists were tremendous, but one of them stood head and shoulders above the rest. His name is Andy. Andy just didn't play the piano or the guitar or the bass guitar or the trumpet. He sings just as well as he plays. And they played everything! Concertos, old rock, country, pop, new stuff, old stuff....everything! We talked to Andy after the show and found out that the only instrument that he doesn't play (and he is so frustrated by the fact that he can't get it down) is the sax. His parents came up all the way from Columbus, OH to see him play (for the very first time ever) and I found out that his mother is collecting money to do a 60 mile walk for breast cancer. Of course I gave her a donation. A buck a mile. Good money well spent! A truly tremendous family! Andy (sorry I didn't get his last name) is playing in Ypsilanti at Pub 13 on July 14th and August 4th. I'm gonna be planning a little road trip! Stay tuned! Everyone is invited! Ooops! I kinda forgot my camera when we went to Mojo's (both day's even...boy, I'm getting old!). I'll do better next time! Well, I was pretty whipped after that so we went back to the Grand after that and crashed...apparently very hard (for me at least). Nicole went over to bother Brook Atkinson for an hour or so. I left a dent in my pillow! I was poooped! So pooped that I don't remember yelling at Nicole for jumping on my bed when she got back to the room. I also don't remember her trying to get me up in the morning to go to Melissa Gladieux's class at 0800. After that we went to see Randy's (Johhny Gage) keynote session on the beginnings of EMS, of which Emergency! was a big part. After that...time to work...if you want to call spending three hours at an arm's length from Mr. Mantooth work. We helped everyone get their autographs. He did the autographs for free, we just sold the pics and other memorabilia so he could raise money for the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum which is going to include the start of EMS, EMT's and Paramedics within the exhibits. Here's Randy's official website: Had a blast...another job where you can have fun while working! Always works for me! The man...the legend himself! Nikki and Randy! Mikey and Randy! Randy signing one of many photographs. He went through almost a dozen sharpies in the three hours he was signing! And only one potty break! Now that's dedication! After that we attended the Award's Banquet and Dinner like we always do. Luckily, Kolby's got contacts. He lost the banquet tickets! We still got it though! Good dinner! I even had seconds (ok...so it was whatever Melissa couldn't finish)! After that...martini's up in the tower again at Cygnus 27. Then back to Mojo's to finish the night off. Once again, a great time! Jerod (from Macomb County Medcom fame) joined us for dinner, martini's and Mojo's. Even an old sourpuss (JK Jerod!!!) like him had a great time! We crashed again and slept in a bit on Sunday morning. Grabbed a great breakfast at Bentham's after checking out (can't beat the sausage gravy and biscuits!). We finished our little vacation by taking a little trip through history at The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Jerod and another friend Kim joined us on our jaunt through history. Well worth it...I'll recommend it to anybody! And then the reluctant drive home... Epilogue: I am coming to the distinct impression that Grand Rapids is my singular choice for a weekend getaway. The city is absolutely gorgeous. Downtown is clean and well organized. It might be a little on the expensive side for a getaway but the amenities make it all worth it. And it's growing rather than the decay we see around here. Of course...I'll always be the eternal optimist. It is possible that Detroit could rebound and be as nice as Grand Rapids is. It's going to take a lot of work, though. Next blog is coming soon...featuring my new house!!! Pictures to be included! Stay tuned! God Bless! Mikey 21:19 0 Kudos ----------------------------------------- Well said Mikey!!! Let's do it again next year!!! Love ya nicole Posted by Nicole on [24 Apr 2007 | Tuesday] - 12:12------------------------------------------ You know it Beautiful!!!! I also wanted to add...because I was woefully neglectful...Randy Mantooth is the genuine article, folks! He doesn't act standoffish or celebrity. Heck, before the banquet I saw him standing in line with the rest of us waiting to get a drink. He is a genuine, down-to-earth, good-hearted individual on a mission. His only use of his celebrity status is to advance a good cause. Maybe that's why (well, there's plenty of other reasons too!) I remain the optimist in an ocean of pessimism...most people are basically good and good-hearted. And another reason I do what I do. Because I'm surrounded by good people and great friends. Muppet and I talked a little bit last night (while I was writing my blog) and we came to the conclusion (not a bit overly obvious) that, no matter how much our family and our friends love us and support us, unless they do what we do, day in and day out, they will NEVER completely understand us and why we do what we do. This is not said out of contempt, it's just the way it is, God bless them. And Us. God Bless! Mikey |
Monday, June 15, 2009
EMS Expo 2007 at Grand Rapids
EMT Class Final Exam
| Current mood:  tiredCategory: Jobs, Work, Careers 22 February 2007 Sitting in front of my computer (at oh-dark-thirty in the morning) and way too tired to sleep; I just had to write something, to do something after what transpired earlier this evening. I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling presently. Yeah I'm truly exhausted and way past tired, but I think the feeling is an overwhelming gratitude that I feel for "my peeps" and "my posse" that went well over what most would describe as the call of duty. You are the truly dedicated and you are true professionals. You are also truly great friends. What you guys and gals accomplished tonight to ensure that all the EMT students received a fair (albeit long) final practical and to finish what Nicole so eloquently remarked we should have done in two days (due to the large number of students [twenty-two]) is nothing short of amazing. What started at 1800 ended shortly after midnight, and I will tell you that every single EMT student appreciated what you (forever known as "my posse") did for them tonight. You gave them a chance to be EMT's. In no particular order (and not wanting to diminish the importance of any): Frannie Forsythe: You've come a long way, baby! It seems like only yesterday that you just started here. You are welcome to come teach (or work) with me any day you wish! It is obvious to me that you love to help others and that you love to teach. You are an excellent EMT and you will be a great medic (soon)! Rob Limpert: Partner, you may not look it and you certainly don't act like it, but you, sir, are a consummate professional! You should have been an I/C a long time ago. You love what you do. You are passionate and you take the extra time and energy to ensure that your FTOlings know their profession. You should have been a great medic a long time ago as well (and we will rectify that situation soon)! There is no "basic" in EMT! Allison Biliti: Thank you for the "drop of the hat" help tonight. You came through in the clutch! You may not have stayed to the bitter end, but your timely assist has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. It's hard to believe that you were once an EMT student not so long ago yourself. Tammie Mandeville: Another one that answered the call to the medic class. You were a great patient all night long! I think you might be a bit taller in the morning after oh-so-many traction splints! And yes, I believe you! Your daughter didn't need any help in the least! Your daughter has a dedicated mom! Richard Tripp: My good friend, you didn't start with the rest of us, but you finished with the rest of us! You are truly a dedicated student to the science of ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /> Kelly Soulliere: I asked for some help from the medic class, and you answered in spades! It takes a truly dedicated person to subject yourself to (almost) twenty-two EMT students at the longest station in the practical (the airway station). You are to be commended for your dedication and your fortitude! A great medic in the making! Amy DelVecchio and (so cute!) Melina: You didn't have a babysitter but you came anyways to help out like you always do! That's dedication from a great friend! Melina was the belle of the ball tonight! I think she gathered more looks than anyone else! You da Mom!! I think it's time for another I/C to be born! Tim Swinyer: Another assist from a clutch player! Couldn't have asked for any more than you gave tonight. The crazy man of the group, you're always keeping it light! Thank you, sir! Peace out! And last…but certainly not least: Nicole Plauman: How can I thank a best friend for just being you? You kept us all organized at the end and you bugged the hell out of me all night long! You keep me on the straight and narrow. Best friends compliment each other, pick up each other, and make up for the faults of each other. The proverbial yin and yang! I couldn't do this job and my life certainly wouldn't be as much fun if you weren't in it! There are no words that I can think of or say so mightily that would accurately express my thanks to each and every one of you for your help, your dedication, and your passion tonight. You made a long night truly memorable. As far as my students are concerned (and they made it quite clear to me tonight), you are the BEST! May God bless you all! I need to thank a couple of others as well: Julie Szuminski and the rest of the Medstar Management Staff: Thank you again for another great opportunity to instruct and teach our students. I didn't have a whole lot of time with them but I assure you that you will not be disappointed with the results. Respectfully, Mikey --------------------------------------- Thanks Mikey,
That's what friends are for. Besides I like bugging you even if you were in the bathroom!! ha ha I think it was a great night with friends. We all multi-tasked. I would not have wanted to be Kelly she did have the lllllllongest station in the world but she got it done and even helped on the other stations in the end. The only thing we did not accomplish was a drink and a burger from The hut so put that class on the back burner. I truely love working with everyone at Medstar we are a team and will always be a team. Next time though we do need 2 days that way I can go get my drink and a burger with no problem. I think you have a great basic class they just need to take a breath and have faith in themselves because did show us they can do it. I love ya Mikey don't ever change and keep on writing because it makes me smile everytime I read your blogs. Medstar needs Mikey's cup of coffee again we miss it. (I can do the proof reading to make sure you are politically correct lol) I love ya have fun in Washington -------------------------------------- You are truly the coolest friend I could ever hope to have!! Love you!! |
this is how I felt this morning.. Let me know if you need help tonight. You can call me anytime and I will be there.Tactical Medic Class
| Current mood: tiredCategory: Jobs, Work, Careers Hiya Everybody from warm and sunny southern California! Yeah, yeah. I know all of you are really jealous of me right now (well...except maybe Beasy) for being in some place warm. Heard it's pretty chilly up Michigan way. Just so I can brag a bit...I'm in Palm Springs. Basically a little oasis in the middle of the desert. Appears to be quite the place for the rich and famous. Gorgeous mountain scenery and beautiful weather. 90's, sunny and no humidity...perfect! Anyways, I'm almost at the end of the first week of Tactical Medic school. Pretty cool class. Really awesome in fact. Lots of tactics and shooting. I'll be honest...there is NOTHING like shooting a MP5 at full automatic. Basically, this class (school) tries to turn a lil' old Medic like me into a SWAT Medic. The class itself is actually two classes. The first week is all "basic" stuff. Learning how to work as a team, shooting, tactical movement, etc. Everything you see from a real SWAT team performance. Next week is the advanced course. More tactics, shooting and a bit more medical treatment. Quite an eye-opener of sorts. Most of the class is geared toward teaching tactics but what really does it for me is the teamwork and the medical treatments. Very unlike being a paramedic in the field. Being a field medic is (for anyone that's done it for a while) is pretty straightforward. You and your partner fixing people. You're in charge. You do what needs to get done. Tactical EMS is a whole new ballgame. You got to work as a team with a lot more than just one partner. Try six or more. Your objective is not treating the patient (at least not at first). It's get the bad guy, save the good people and fix them afterwards. Very different perspective, to say the least. Well, it's late. I got finals in the morning and our "practical" finals in the afternoon. Time for bed! Take care all! Mikey -------------------------------------------------------------- Lucky MFer! Posted by We be Jommin', Mon! on [08 Nov 2006 | Wednesday] - 23:21 |
Rewind Button?
| Current mood: peacefulCategory: Life Every once in a while, the subject comes up. It came up again while working this week. The subject? How could I have turned down an $80,000 per year (to start) job to be an EMT (and eventually a paramedic)? Well, if you've read my short history, you can probably figure out what kind of job it would have been. Long story short, I turned down a job at Detroit Edison's Fermi 2 nuclear power plant (in Monroe) way back in 1994 (has it really been that long?), pretty much right after I got out of the Navy. I went through the entire interview process after being selected in the top 20 of over 2000 applicants, and was offered the job at the end of the interview process. I turned it down, because I wanted to give EMS a try. That's what I told them. Nicole (Muppet) and a few others who already know the story have a hard time agreeing with what I did. That's when I hear "You're a flippin' idiot" or "You're crazy" or something similar. Why did I do it? To be honest, I couldn't really give you an answer that you'd accept, let alone one that I'd really believe. I don't really know, other than I do remember really wanting to give EMS a try. I think I had just finished my EMT course. Heck, I'm getting old. I might not even have signed up to take the course yet, for all I know. Had absolutely NO IDEA if I'd like it or if would be something I could call a career. I did know that I did like my job in the Navy but I wasn't entirely sure if I could do it for the rest of my life, even for the money. I'm absolutely positive that if I had taken the job at Fermi that I'd easily be making six figures by now. I'd probably be married and have a couple of kids, a nice house and a few nice cars. Probably a nice life. Wild guesses to be sure, but when you think about "what would've happened if....", I think you can grant me a few wild, educated guesses. I guess the most important question would be: Was it the right choice? Or: If I had or could do it all over again, what would I do? Obviously, there is tremendous speculation any time you have a chance to hit the rewind button, but the question still remains. I am fairly certain that any and all of us wish we had a rewind button at some point in our life. We said the wrong thing; made a right turn instead of a left; basically made a wrong decision. I guess that the reason we don't have a rewind button is because we need to learn and grow as we age, regardless of the decision made. If you make a wrong decision, well...you have to live with the consequences of your actions. It's called building character, taking responsibility for your actions, and learning from your mistakes. No matter whether the decision you made is the right decision or the wrong decision (or even no decision), there is always repercussions (effects). Those repercussions or effects may be felt immediately or possibly not for years. Your life changes a little bit on every decision you make or don't make. Left or right, right or wrong, black or white, night or day. What may seem like a small decision might turn out to be life-altering. I think that some of my patients over the years would agree with me on that one. The best that any of us could possibly hope for is that when you go to bed after a day of hard decisions, is that you're able to sleep soundly. And I sleep soundly. So, to answer the question: Yes! I think I made the right decision. Did I think so at the time? Probably not. I am fairly positive that I knew there was a lot of unknowns that didn't have answers at the time. There were lots of uncertainties. Did everybody think I was crazy? Absolutely! I know that today, right now, I can honestly say that I did make the right decision. How could I pass up the money? I don't know...but I did. For some reason, I guess I felt it was just the right thing to do at the time. Why do I think I made the right decision? Imagine looking through my eyes for a second. What do I see when I wake up every morning? I see two loving parents that wish their son was married and had a few kids that they could call grandchildren. But I know that they love and respect me for who I am regardless. They know I love my job and that I am happy. I see my brothers, my aunts and uncles and my cousins. I see Nicole, Cherie and their families. I see John and Karin and their family. I see Kimmy and Chuck and their family. I see Dave and Kyrsten and their family. I see Amy and Keith and their soon-to-be family. I see Melissa and Mike and their family. I see Marianne and Mike and their family. I see Beasy and Mike and their family. I see Mary, Rob, Sarah and Steve, Rich, Ryan, Holly, Christie, Megan, Apes, Sandy, Heather, Lisa, Poonie and Lucy, Sassypants and Alex and Grandpa, Eric, Jeff, Alyshia, Carmen and Jim, Trina and Mark, Andy and Sandy, Carrie and Jason and all of their families (if I didn't include you, it's not because I didn't think of you. I'd be here all night!). I see literally hundreds of friends. I see people I didn't know two minutes ago, with pained eyes and hearts, pleading to me to make them feel better. I see doctors, nurses, unit clerks, PCA's, EMT's, and paramedics. I see EMT and paramedic students. I see police officers, sherriff deputies and firefighters. When I finally close my eyes at night to rest a tired mind, body and soul, I sleep soundly because I am blessed to know each and every one of you, to be able to call you my friends and my family, because I helped you or taught you or just because I know you. And (as it turns out 12 years later), I have the best job on the planet! I have a job that I love to come to work to every day. That's how I know I made the right decision. The other answer? Not on my life would I want to do it over again! One tiny decision made everything right in my world. I can sleep soundly with that decision. Throw away the rewind button. I don't need it. I'll live with my decisions, good or bad. I don't need the money either. I have something far more valuable! God Bless! 02:03 |
Stories Told
| Current mood: touchedCategory: Jobs, Work, Careers Why do you do what you do? Crazy question, but can anyone answer it? Why did I become a paramedic? Was it for the excitement (right!)? Was it because I love blood and guts and puke and pee and poop (doubt it!)? Was it for the money (what planet am I from?)? Or was it because I wanted to help people? All of us, no matter the job, have the same or similar questions that we can ask each other or of ourselves. Anyone that really knows me, knows that I absolutely, positively, without reservation, love what I do. Sure there's excitement. Lot's of pee, puke and other bodily substances that most normal people wouldn't touch with a ten meter cattle prod. The money wasn't great when I started and I'd probably agree with the rest of the planet that what I'm making now isn't what I am worth or should be getting. And I sure do help people! I've saved more than a few lives, helped many people suffering suffer a little less, and I've helped little old ladies and gentlemen to their feet after they've fallen. I've made people breathe just a little easier, I've reduced the catastrophic effects of full-bore heart attacks, I've stopped people from seizing and, (The Lord only knows) how many diabetic emergencies I've fixed. I've dropped probably a hundred tubes, started thousands of IV's and interpreted just as many ECG's. I've stopped allergic and anaphylactic reactions, chemically and electrically cardioverted tachycardias, and paced bradycardias or complete heart blocks. I've administered hundreds of medications and (it seems) millions of liters of oxygen. Does it "do" it for me? Sure it does. All of us have our favorite war stories. I make a difference. People are glad, happy and relieved (and angry) that I've stepped on their doorstep or visited them in the middle of a busy intersection. But does it really "do" it for me? Not as much as I'd like to think. What really does it for me is just being there. I've had some great calls. Calls where I've really actually, positively, beyond-a-shadow-of-doubt saved someone's life. I am so proud that I did it, have done it and I'll probably do it again tomorrow. But my BEST calls are the ones where I can just sit there and talk. Get to really know someone. Most of those tend to be transfers from one health care facility to another. Woooohoooo! A transfer! Everybody loves transfers (can you sense the sarcasm?)! What happens on most transfers? You just put the patient on the stretcher, take the patient from point A to point B, maybe get a set of vital signs, and drop the patient off and then you get ready to take another transfer. No interaction whatsoever with the patient (or very little). Sure doesn't sound very exciting, but that's the fact of life in a private ambulance company. The bread-and-butter-pays-your-bills isn't the emergency with all the excitement, it's the boring transfer. Believe me, some of my transfers are just that...boring as hell. But I like to take the time to get to know someone. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's worth more than each and every exciting balls-to-the wall emergencies you'll ever take in your lifetime as an EMT or a paramedic. Most of our patients tend to be elderly; there is no disagreement with that. But I do not think for a moment that every single patient I've ever had has led a dull, boring existence on this rock. Each one of us suffers the full range of emotions and experiences at some point in our lives. In short, everybody has a story. I love stories and these patients of ours love, absolutely love, to tell their story! I love to listen and they love to talk. They love to talk because nobody seems to want to listen to them anymore. They feel discarded, worn, old, and displaced. It seems to me that we, as a culture or even as a generation, tend to or have forgotten the old, the forlorn, the weak, the displaced, or the discarded. When something breaks, we get a new one, a better one. Fix something? Pah! It's easier and quicker to replace it. The world is revolving way to quickly lately. Way too busy. Everything has to be instantaneously, now or quicker. Well, I'll clue you in. You can't replace your parents or your grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters. We can't trade them in for newer ones that work better. So we tuck them away in nursing homes and forget about them. It's easier to do that then to slow down to their pace and to take some extra time out of our busy lives. I met a gentleman today, not too much younger than my own father (on a transfer believe it or not), whose story enamored me such that I stopped my life for a moment to listen to his. Well, I guess I didn't really listen to him. I read him. He has a tracheostomy and is on a ventilator. So he wrote his story to me and I listened to it. We both laughed, remembered, loved, anguished and were saddened. We experienced and enjoyed each other. I enjoyed it so much I went back for more. After work, I went back to the facility where I dropped him off and spent another hour and a half talking with him. He had a rather tragic story that he told rather tragically. But it was worth the mistiness that I felt well up in my soul and I showed in my eyes. And I saw the happiness in his eyes, that someone he had never met but several hours earlier, because I took time out of my busy life to spend it with him. To listen to his story. I'm going back again to listen to him. We already promised each other we'd go fishing together when he gets back home. And I know he's going back home. He's not the sort to have it any other way. Everybody loves a good story. There are many great books of fiction to be read. Great movies to watch. But the greatest stories to be told aren't works of fiction, they are works of life. And all you have to do is take the time and listen to them. I am and I am better for it, for it enriches my own life and it makes my own story worth telling. You just gotta listen. God Bless, Mikey ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Amen, you are such a CHAMP! It is soooooo true . I do love and miss the gore of EMS and people think I'm a bitch, but when it comes to my patients and the elderly., Listening and holding their hands somtimes is all the medicine they need. Society has forgotten the people that brought our parents and us into this world, you call (ROCK!)..lol.I love you Mikey and you are 100% right on everything you said. Tell your new friend, I said hello. God Bless, Brenda ---------------------------------------- Mikey I just love ya and I think you are truly amazing. I am honored to call you my best friend /brother Love ya nicole Posted by Nicole on [20 Oct 2006 | Friday] - 01:46 |
You Never Know Who You'll Meet
| Current mood:  contemplative Category: Jobs, Work, Careers Crazy story. I had to come all the way back home just to write this (well, not really...I had to teach, too). Anyways, I was up north (Barton City) like I said I was going to do. My parents and most of my aunts and uncles all had a swell time talking and reminiscing about the old days when they were growing up. Anyways, mid-Sunday, they all headed back home, leaving my Uncle Paul and I to fend for ourselves for the day. First day of the NFL football season, seemed pretty easy to fend for. After the Lion's game, we headed to Mikado, where we had gone to church earlier that day, but also because there also happened to be an American Legion Post there. My uncle is prior Navy as well, and we figured to grab a few beers. We walked in, there is about ten people huddled around the bar with only two seats left, way back in the far corner of the bar. We sat down at the bar and ordered a couple beers. The guy next to me introduces himself as Dennis, and then proceeds to introduce us to everybody else at the bar. Really friendly fellow, exactly what you'd expect in a one-horse town like Mikado. Dennis owns a local business up there and lives up there all year round. He mentioned that he was prior Navy as well, and we started chatting like we had known each other for years. I somehow mentioned that I was a paramedic and Dennis finally launched into "my story". I won't be able to do it justice, but it's something I just had to tell. Dennis said he started his Navy career (10 years all told) at boot camp in San Diego way back in the late 50's. After that he went to Corpsman school, where he obviously became a corpsman (read: military paramedic for those of you that don't know). After that, his first duty station was to be a submarine, the USS Thresher, one of the first nuclear submarines ever built. Due to a flight scheduling problem with TWA, he made it to Maine to join the crew just a tad late. Good thing too, because the Thresher, after going out on sea trials without Dennis, never came back. It was one of two US Navy nuclear submarines that went down with all hands aboard. The Scorpion was the other submarine that was lost. Both went down relatively around the same time in the early 60's. The US Navy, after both disasters, revamped a couple of major programs that they believe was the cause of both sinkings. The US Navy has not had a problem since then and has since not lost a nuclear ship or submarine. It also just so happens that my Uncle Paul was on one of the ships that was sent out to look for the Thresher after it went down. Weird coincidence! Dennis was reassigned (he never got on a submarine the rest of his career) to a Marine unit and saw duty as a corpsman/medic in Vietnam. He was doing helivacs, riding the side baskets of helicopters, caring for his injured. He gave me a unique perspective to really think about. Anybody in our line of work knows how amazed some of these docs and nurses are when we bring a patient after we intubated the patient in a snowbank in the middle of the night or lying in vomit (or worse) or having gotten large bore IV's while driving pell-mell through the streets. Some of these nurses have a hard enough time getting a 20 or a 22 gage IV in an AC. Some of these docs can't or couldn't intubate in a nice clean and sterile ER (with lots of lights). We do the impossible. Well, I think Dennis did it one better. He used to do all that, including surgical airways and other field surgeries, while hanging in a patient's helo basket while flying through the air! Perspective is everything! He eventually got out and came back to Michigan where he became a police officer in Detroit. He then joined Detroit FD as a firefighter and when Detroit EMS split off from FD, he became an EMT and a paramedic. He was one of the first paramedics in the State of Michigan. He also described a CPR assist device designed by himself and a few other EMT's/medics that basically incorporated a belt that alternately tightened and loosened (compressing the chest) using a Briggs and Stratton 1 1/2 HP gasoline motor that sat on top of the patient during CPR. He said it worked pretty good except for the (obvious) carbon monoxide poisoning that some of them got. It became fairly obvious to me over the course of our two hour conversation that he was particularly proud to have done what he did over the course of his life. He has no regrets and he made the most out of the life he was given. To really give it perspective, imagine if TWA hadn't screwed up his flight plans and he had gotten on board the Thresher. Nobody would've been there hanging from a helicoptor saving a fellow soldier's life as he did. Nobody would've been there to pull trapped people out of burning buildings or destroyed cars as he did. Nobody would've been there to help deliver the children he helped deliver. Nobody would've been there to administer CPR, intubate, defibrillate and administer drugs to the people he gave a new lease on life to, and nobody would've driven the ambulance to the hospital because he wouldn't have been there. I'm not a big believer in fate or destiny, but it appears to me that there was a reason there were only two seats left at the back of the bar, next to a certain kindly gentleman in a small town called Mikado..... Dennis, may the wind be at your back and the sun in your face! Respectfully, Mikey |