Fire!!! Just Show Up!!

If you think about it, being a firefighter is the EASIEST job in the world.  I know because I did it.  You show up when things are going to hell, you do whatever you can and it gets better.  Even if you do nothing and it burns down, it will eventually get better.  It’s a no lose situation.  Show up at a CPR and maybe you get a save, maybe you don’t.  If you don’t,  no worse than when you started because you started with a deceased patient.  Console and support those who lost a love one and you are way ahead.  Winning is easy!!

Ok, that was a little tongue in cheek, but only a little.  Let me tell you about one of the calls I remember most fondly.

When working in Des Moines, we used to go out to Huntington Park (retirement community) all the time because the residents were all elderly.  We used to go see this one guy that had a stroke (and other ailments) that would fall regularly.  His wife was a lovely little woman that was providing great care for him; compassionate, loving, gentle care.  But he was a lot for her to handle and he was declining pretty rapidly.  Over the course of a couple years I saw this couple probably 12-15 times.  I got to know them, understand their situation and to a degree, their commitment for one another.  

One day we get called for difficulty breathing.  I arrive with my crew  and find this gentleman at the end.  It wasn’t difficulty breathing, it was difficulty living.  He was truly end of life with compelling reasons to withhold care.  The options for care were limited to full CPR, supportive care for the patient or withholding care due to end stage illness.  We could have provided oxygen for the patient which would have delayed the inevitable for a short period.  As I talked with his wife about what to do, we discussed all the past, present and future.  She decided that supportive care was not the best option and I stood with my arm draped around her shoulders as her life partner passed.  It was horrible and amazing at the same time.  It was so sad to see life long partners part ways but amazing to be allowed to be present at this crossroads.  I am honored she called to share this moment with us.  

The only thing that was needed to be successful was to be present.  I (and my professional crew) was there for the survivor at her time of need; she was the patient.  I did nothing except share with her our options, let her decide and then stand next to her as he took his final breath. No heroics, no dramatic actions.  Just being present.  

You want to be a hero?  Ok, show up!  Be present! It’s not that hard.  It isn’t about the heroic action, it isn’t knowing the answer.  It’s about being present in your moment, being compassionate, being empathetic, about caring about others.  Be present.  That is what will make you a hero.  In the life of your kids, your partner, your work team.  Being a hero isn’t about saving a life, it’s about giving OF yourself to others.  Be present.