So I made my television debut last night. Wave 3 news here in Louisville did an interview with me, regarding my goal to return to work post amputation. Apparently people are interested and some what amazed that I want to return to work on the streets as a paramedic as an amputee. I stressed that I know this is going to be hard and that I am up to the challenge. The interviewer was somewhat amazed that I didn't want to go on disability or just move to a desk job. The part I stressed that wasn't on TV was that once you work in EMS, there is a freedom there that you don't get anywhere else. There is a liberty in EMS that no other profession affords you. As a medic you get to make the decisions about what type of treatment you're going to give to your patients. You decide when and what to do for each patient, sure you have protocols, but I've always viewed those as suggestions rather than a cookbook for how to treat. So, I have to return to my line of work, I can't see myself anywhere else. I also explained that the word "can't" is not in my dictionary. She got a laugh out of my country accent saying "Can't never could do nothing." So to all my EMS brothers and sisters, take pride in the work you do, we may not get the thanks or the pay we deserve, but we do a job that a number of people can't do. We are wired differently than most, we walk into danger instead of away from it. We get kicked, pushed, cursed at, puked on, and we still come in for the next shift without worrying about what that day will bring. I can't wait to get back on that truck. I miss my days of taking whatever dispatch dolls out. So if you haven't watched the story feel free to check it out. If you are able please think about donating a little money our way we need the help since I'm not bringing in a paycheck right now. Thank you all for all you have done thus far.
Oh wow, just found out that I was also on the radio and on TV in Lexington, Ky as well. I'm shocked it went outside our viewing area. Who knows maybe I'll get on the Today Show!
Follow along on the adventures of an amputee Paramedic. I have now fell into activism/advocacy work for Insurance Fairness for all amputees. I occasionally do some Motivational Speaking, I'm writing a book, and of course blogging all that stuff here. Follow me through all my wins and losses in the fight to break the stereotype of what amputees are capable of. I may write about EMS, Healthcare, Amputees, or Nonsense. Follow the blog and see what today brings!
"Can't never could do nothing"! Its awesome that you can move away and still say that!!!! I think that saying only comes from Pike County and I would like to say how proud I am of you Joe!!!! :-) I am lucky to have even went to grade school with you. You are an amazing person and I wish you all the best at getting back to work! :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent interview Joe! Now I feel like I've met you--and I bet your story will spread. I looked up the Otto Bock Genium & damn! I want one! I haven't run since I was thirteen years old..fused knee for thirty years...anyway wish you the best. Let me know how you make out with your insurance company--they can be pretty snarly. I'm currently trying to get a new knee brace for my remaining organic knee. When I read your posts I remember so clearly how the waiting--for the fitting, for the leg, for the PT with the leg--was the hardest part. You can still call me anytime if you need to. Keep on keeping on! ~Liz
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. BTW, saw it linked off of JEMS.com, so I imagine you will get even more views. Listen...you are right on target about EMS. A wreck a decade ago left me with a lot to overcome. I didn't lose my leg but I had nerve damage to the point of having to learn how to walk again and figure out how to adjust to my new normal. Some of my PT's would say you are going to have to find a new job now. No way. For the same reasons you said. It took me a while but I overcame it and got on with my career. What inspired me? A medic I work with who has a prosthetic leg and has been doing it for WAY longer than most anyone else. I used go to PT and say..."if he can do it, I can do it". You will do the same because of your drive and passion. You will be someone else's inspiration just as my friend was mine. Keep fighting, Brother!
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