b'An Ode to EMSBy Hannah Griffiths, MS-IV at PCOMMy first day on the ambulance as aown rhythm of history and physical on technician, my partner and I wereeach chief complaint and switch quickly called for an impending labor. Whenwhen things changed. I was chosen we arrived at the patient, the head ofto be a field training officer and loved the baby was delivered and we assistedbeing able to pass on the knowledge with the rest of EMS, especially a thorough of the delivery.history. The thing that I love most All at once,The thing that I loveabout EMS is the camaraderie. the baby didmost about EMS isDuring the downtime of the day, not cry andeveryone at the station would the motherthe camaraderie.Thesit around the long dinner table began to seize.ability to decompressand exchange stories. The ability My partnerwith people that feltto decompress with people that Hannah Griffiths, MS-IV at PCOM and I jumpedlike family duringfelt like family during good times Medical Student Council Secretary-Editor into action togood times and bad. and bad solidified my desire to stabilize thecontinue to work in emergency A pool of a few of my classmates atmother andmedicine.Philadelphia College of Osteopathicthe baby. The baby began to cry afterMy time in EMS gave me opportunities Medicine demonstrated that exposurebeing stimulated and I felt some relief.to expand on my problem-solving skills to emergency medicine was eitherOnce the mother was stable and moreand taught me countless lessons. I was through working as an EMT ororiented, we spoke about the babysable to learn from seasoned emergency paramedic, scribing in the ED, aname. I felt an honor to be a part of themedical service workers such as EMTs, personal experience in the ED, or otherbeginning of life. This is just one story offirefighters, and paramedics. I worked medical school experiences. I wasmany that had an impact on me whilehard everyday to gain confidence in fortunate enough to have worked asworking in the pre-hospital setting. Ihandling emergencies and remaining an EMT for the last 6 years. My journeyexperienced new life, death, and thecalm in the midst of chaos. Working began when I joined the Christiana Firestruggles of our current society. directly with my community allowed Company in Delaware through a courseBefore I even started medical school, Ime to share in the complexity of at the University of Delaware. I hadlearned the importance of a thoroughhumanity and inspired my decision very little experience with emergencyhistory. I was able to ask patientsto become an emergency physician. I services prior to this and to be quitequestions and relay the informationwould not be who I am today without honest it was a little nerve wracking.to staff to have them triaged well. Ithe influence of everyone at the Thoughts ran through my head likewas able to advocate for my patientsChristiana Fire Company.would it be like the TV shows? Would Iand relay information such as housing be able to cut it? Could I save people?situations and suspicion for elder abuse I put one foot in front of the other andor neglect. I was able to develop my jumped into a new territory.SAVE Future PACEP Scientific Assemblies at KalahariT H E Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor, PA DATES2024May 14 2025April 2326PACEP News | Winter 2024 5'