In a previous post I wrote about the plight of our brothers and sisters at Detroit Fire and EMS, specially as told by author of The E.R. Loading Dock, Eric Liddy Sr. He will often post of things going on in the D and his life on the fan page for his book. To hear Eric tell it, things in Detroit are even worse than we thought. Recently he posted about some of the same issues that he has discussed recently (staffing issues, substandard equipment, more trucks in the shop than on the streets, etc.) but he also said something that I had not considered and something that most people are clueless to.
According to Liddy, the majority of DEMS personnel with five or more years under their belts have some form of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Most lay people wouldn’t fathom that EMTs and medics would suffer from a stress disorder that is most commonly associated with those in the military but Detroit’s EMTs and medics are exposed to so much violent death that they might as well be corpsmen. Unfortunately, like pretty much everyone else in EMS, they’re all overworked, underpaid and are essentially the red headed step children of their city.
Did I say city? I meant “cesspool.” Maybe “warzone” would be more accurate.
I’ve never been able to understand how Eric and his co-workers have been able to withstand all of the issues they face – and then there are the patients – but somehow they keep on keeping on. I know I wouldn’t last one shift there so I ertainly salute them.
Eric has been very outspoken about issues with Detroit Fire and EMS and I’m sure the brass hasn’t appreciated it. However, I’m glad that he’s spoken out. Maybe because of his raising alarms things might improve.
Recently Eric announced that he will retire from Detroit EMS next month in order to spend more time with his wife who has been battling serious health issues as of late. He plans to continue in the field with his county rescue squad and he may also teach. I don’t know Eric personally but I’ve been following all of his commentary and I know he deserves this retirement. I’m thrilled for him but at the same time I can’t help but he saddened.
EMS suffers from so much instability due to a myriad of issues but one thing that seems to rear its ugly head from time to time is lack of dedication. The average career in EMS lasts 5 years so having well seasoned and dedicated veterans is very important for us. People like Eric are a rare breed and I hope that Detroit Fire and EMS someday realizes that they are losing a very important cog in their machine.
As for Eric, I know his life has been forever affected by the astounding amount of suffering he has had to see and endure but maybe with this retirement he can start getting somewhat back to a normal way of life. I especially am happy that he’ll be able to spend time with his wife and help her in her recovery.
Mr. Liddy, thank you for showing us a side of EMS that we often don’t like to think about. Thank you for your insights and thank you most of all for serving the people of a city that needs competent and dedicated people to help them. I also want to thank you for something you might not expect.
I want to thank you for having the guts to put your family first – something we seem to suck at – and for being able to admit that enough is enough.
Enjoy your retirement, sir. I look forward to hearing how how goes for you and how your wife’s recovery goes.
