TROUP COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) — The life of a first responder is far from easy. With summer, it comes with additional stressors.
Troup County Emergency Medical Response’s Stacey Elkins was promoted to the rank of Captain in February. She knows the challenges of paramedic life well.
“A lot of times we see some pretty horrible things, other times it’s not as bad,” said Elkins, who was recently recognized alongside her partner for actions taken in rescuing a cardiac arrest patient.
Though the patient was able to go home and live a normal life, sometimes the outcomes of Elkins and her team’s calls aren’t so positive.
“The way I deal with it is just being able to talk to my peers, people here that were there,” Elkins. “And learning how to process things.”
Paramedics with Troup EMS, part of American Medical Response (AMR), also have access to resources, such as a hotline, to use when they are unable to reach out to peers.
Beyond daily stressors, the job also comes with seasonal stressors as temperatures heat up for the summer. It’s essential for EMS crews to stay hydrated, especially while working inside the ambulance, according to Elkins.
“It’s very hot. Very, very hot. We have to be prepared to come to work so whether that’s making sure we eat, making sure we get enough sleep,” Elkins said. “Especially, making sure we stay hydrated so we’re not becoming one of our own patients.”
Despite the stress of the job, Elkins remains passionate about her job. She said that the bottoms line is, she loves being able to help people.
The Troup EMS captain said, “Even if it’s a call that most people would say, ‘Oh that didn’t need 911,’ I may agree, but at the same time, some people just need you to be there and that’s what’s important.”
0 Comments