Sorry for not posting since the launch. I’ve been adjusting to a new schedule and it’s been somewhat of a whirlwind. I think I’m all adjusted to my new routine now and maybe I can get my thoughts gathered more regularly now.

There have actually been a lot of things on my mind. While in the grand scheme of things my fears of late may not really matter all that much, it did make me ask myself several questions. Tonight I’ll tackle a situation I recently found myself in.

Recently I was out with my wife and as we were exiting a restaurant I took a step wrong and twisted my knee. Thankfully no permanent damage seems to have been done but it scared me. The question of “what would I do if I could no longer work in EMS” came to my mind and quite honestly I didn’t have a good answer. The only education I have is my paramedic associate degree. I do have some customer service experience but the prospect of working in a call center or retail establishment appeals as much to me as a 14 gauge in my left hand. The realization came to me that I (A) need to make sure I have some short term and long term disability insurances and (B) I need to really consider having a fall back degree or some other career path in mind should I no longer be able to work on a truck. The obvious choices, of course, are emergency management, industrial safety or something along those lines. Regardless one thing I really need to consider doing is getting a bachelors degree but the question becomes “what should I get a degree in.” I have to be honest, having these thoughts is somewhat distracting. I don’t like being reminded that I’m mortal.

Having said that, I need that reminder sometimes.

Truth is, I’m not sure what else I would want to do if I couldn’t work in EMS anymore. As you can see I have some idea of possibilities but I’m not dead-set on a back up plan. When I look back on things I’ve done in the past, I’m not sure that I’d want to go back to them. I once had a job where I had to wear a tie everyday. Yeah, not going back to that mess again. At one time I also considered teaching before and I suppose that might be a possibility someday. Time will tell but I also know that I need to make a decision in the near future and start pressing on toward the goal.

You just never know.

Have you ever considered what you might do if you suddenly found yourself no longer fit to work on a truck? It’s something we all must face and something we must plan for. I know I don’t like thinking about it but I also have to provide for my family. With the plethora of online degrees that are available there’s no reason why everyone in EMS can’t work toward a bachelors degree in something. I suppose if nothing else it may look better on a resume.

It could even lead to a more secure future.