Panic Attacks, being an EMT

[T.Simmons]

Hi guys, I figured what better place to ask the advice than an EMT site. I just finished up my emt-basic class, and will be taking my NREMT exam next week. I only have one issue, I have tried getting on the local ambulance (through the fire dept) I am on as a probationary, want to be a FF as well, but I have panic attacks. I have had them since I was 16 (I'm 22 now). Is there anyone here who has them, and works in the EMS field? I do fine when I am in a situation like this: I am 2 cars behind a motor vehicle accident, I park safely and run up to make sure someone is on the phone with 911, and hold c spine and just try to help the best I can until the authorities arrive. (For some reason I am always coming upon scenes lol). I don't have an attack at all, it doesn't even cross my mind, and I am fine. But if I respond to the station for a call, I get in there and end up going straight to the bathroom because I get nauseated, and someone else gets my seat and off to the call I go. So, when thrown into a stressful situation I am ok, but when I have time to think about it on the way to the station, I lose it. Anyone else here had similar problems? Advice? I obviously can't take Xanax before a call, it just isn't a good idea. BUT, that's the medication that stops panic in its tracks for me. Thanks in advance.

 

[John E]

If you're relying on Xanax...

to function, you should get out of EMS now.

Not everyone is suited to work in this field, I would submit that having panic attacks on any sort of regular basis that need to be controlled by drugs should be a disqualifier.

John E

 

[daedalus]

Do not listen to people who say you can't do it. I run 911 calls and have a relatively moderate and sometimes severe panic disorder (it came on after I had major major surgery).

I know your struggles to well, and you will always be fighting anxiety and panic attacks. What you need to do is get off the benzodiazepines and start taking a once a day SSRI for long term control of your anxiety. Talk to your doctor and tell him about your aspiring career and the need to get off the heavy meds.

I use other non-pharm methods of terminating my anxiety attacks taught to me by an amazing therapist. I recommend you see one as well. It takes a while to find a therapist works for you. You will know within 5 minutes when you meet the one that can help you.

I also use Kava Kava when I am having a bad day at work. Sometimes I use sleepy time tea as well to calm down.

You can do it. PM me for any specific advice.

 

[firecoins]

try meditation.

 

[Meursault]

to function, you should get out of EMS now.

Not everyone is suited to work in this field, I would submit that having panic attacks on any sort of regular basis that need to be controlled by drugs should be a disqualifier.

John E

I'm curious about your reasoning.

 

[T.Simmons]

Do not listen to people who say you can't do it. I run 911 calls and have a relatively moderate and sometimes severe panic disorder (it came on after I had major major surgery).

I know your struggles to well, and you will always be fighting anxiety and panic attacks. What you need to do is get off the benzodiazepines and start taking a once a day SSRI for long term control of your anxiety. Talk to your doctor and tell him about your aspiring career and the need to get off the heavy meds.

I use other non-pharm methods of terminating my anxiety attacks taught to me by an amazing therapist. I recommend you see one as well. It takes a while to find a therapist works for you. You will know within 5 minutes when you meet the one that can help you.

I also use Kava Kava when I am having a bad day at work. Sometimes I use sleepy time tea as well to calm down.

You can do it. PM me for any specific advice.

Thanks for your kind words I have contacted a few therapists in the area today as a matter of fact. I will take you up on the PM in the near future.

 

[atropine]

You can probably get on with some sort of a private company, but if you want a real gig you may not pass the medical with your current condition, which consist of a pysch eval as well.

 

[John E]

My reasoning...

is pretty simple, a person who needs drugs like Xanax to function isn't someone that should be dealing with other people's medical emergencies. What happens when the panic attack comes behind the wheel of an ambulance? What ambulance company or fire dept. is going to hire someone who's using Xanax regularly?

Read the original post, would you want someone who has a panic attack from walking into a fire station treating a family member?

Would you want to be partners with someone who relies on prescription drugs to control their emotional state?

The original poster claims to want to be a firefighter, would you knowingly put your life into the hands of someone who might be seized with a panic attack while working? Really?

Nothing against the original poster, I'm sure that he or she is a great person but EMS work isn't meant for everyone.

John E

 

[Onceamedic]

I would say that your problem is the same as anyone else with some form of physical or mental issue. If the problem is controlled, then you are good to go. Your problem is not controlled at this point. Do whatever you need to be confident that you will not have an issue on the job and then go for the job.

I got bad knees. If my knee is not working, I can't work. I had surgery, do exercises, treat inflammations with NSAIDs, and the knees are good. It doesn't disqualify me but if I couldn't pull my weight on the team I would have to find something else to do.

 

[firetender]

This is really tricky.

While wanting to be supportive I have to be honest and say it would take me a while, and I don't know how long, before I would be able to muster confidence in you as my partner. The Flesh Mechanic in me would seek your breaking point. Sounds cruel but I'd rather artificially bring something on to see what happens rather than get blindsided on a call.

Daedalus, I'd imagine your attacks are more specific-stimulus related, like you have an Achilles heel for a certain kind of call which allows you to prepare. You've been in the game long enough to understand the compensation game -- and, many of us have to do so with one thing or another.

I had a major phobia about dropping a patient while walking backwards with the gurney. Naturally, I did that once, as a rookie EMT. I'd do anything to manipulate the situation or my partner to avoid it. No one ever knew.

A major concern is the anticipation factor. As I respond and psychically prepare for a call, I don't want to have to spend my time keeping my partner on an even keel.

My suggestion is find a situation where you can work third man and get used to it, using all the wonderful tools Daedalus offered. Don't waste any time getting in touch with him.

 

[imurphy]

I have to say I agree with firetender.

There really seems to be, in society, too much of a huggy-feely coddleing attitude. People seems to tell you "You can do anything". In reality, some things are not for you.

If you get anxiety attacks in streeful situations, this is NOT the field for you. Well not the 911 side. Get a job in an IFT only service till you get it straightened out.

Before you really think about going in to this field think how you will react, think not only of the patient but the patient's family and above all your partner. Say you get dispatched to a case of "Infant not breathing" and, if you make it to the scene at all, will you be a help or a hinderance? Will you be able to keep it together or be in a corner hyperventilating while the family, already devestated, look on?

If you think you can handle it, and you're sure you're not just fooling yourself, then go for it. If not, then this is not the career for you.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, but honestly, I think reality really has to be taken into account sometimes.

 

[firetender]

My suggestion is find a situation where you can work third man and get used to it, using all the wonderful tools Daedalus offered. Don't waste any time getting in touch with him.

Just so it's clear, I meant DO get in touch with Daedalus. It should have been "Don't waste any time WAITING to get in touch with him"

Glad I caught that.

 

[daedalus]

I have to say I agree with firetender.

There really seems to be, in society, too much of a huggy-feely coddleing attitude. People seems to tell you "You can do anything". In reality, some things are not for you.

If you get anxiety attacks in streeful situations, this is NOT the field for you. Well not the 911 side. Get a job in an IFT only service till you get it straightened out.

Before you really think about going in to this field think how you will react, think not only of the patient but the patient's family and above all your partner. Say you get dispatched to a case of "Infant not breathing" and, if you make it to the scene at all, will you be a help or a hinderance? Will you be able to keep it together or be in a corner hyperventilating while the family, already devestated, look on?

If you think you can handle it, and you're sure you're not just fooling yourself, then go for it. If not, then this is not the career for you.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, but honestly, I think reality really has to be taken into account sometimes.

While there is some truth in what you are saying you should remember that there is no one type of person that "is for this field". I love working with a diverse group of people, and I really am able to draw on a strength when it comes to calming patients down and talking to people because of what I have been through as a heart patient and an anxiety patient. I know how scary it is to face a potentially serious and/or fatal disease.

 

[imurphy]

While there is some truth in what you are saying you should remember that there is no one type of person that "is for this field". I love working with a diverse group of people, and I really am able to draw on a strength when it comes to calming patients down and talking to people because of what I have been through as a heart patient and an anxiety patient. I know how scary it is to face a potentially serious and/or fatal disease.

True, there is not one type of person for this field; it is also true that there are types of people not for this field. For example, I don't have the temperament to work with special needs children, whereas my wife does. I recognize that this would not be the field for me. The OP needs to do the same.

I agree with using your experience to calm patients down. I just wouldn't want to work with a partner I have to treat / calm down. No point in making every call an MCI with just one EMT on scene.

 

[denverfiremedic]

Its not posible to have panic attacks and be a fire fighter!!! Period

 

[daedalus]

Its not posible to have panic attacks and be a fire fighter!!! Period

That is the epitome of ignorance. Welcome to my ignore list.

FYI this is an EMS forum, not a Fire forum.

 

[mycrofft]

It does shorten your air pak time...oops sorry.

Just kidding.
Talk to a professional. If you are beig prescribed Xanax or other benzos for any great length of time (maybe it started with a crisis period and went past that?) consider getting more complete, professional help. Also, before you quit them, talk to your doctor frankly about how much you are using and how often. Barbara Gordon qut Valium cold turkey and was hospitalized (and got a bestseller and a movie deal, but that was sheer luck and personal hooks).

Probably if you stay with it or any other exciting or scarey job etc., you will find that your body just "prepares for battle" that way. Famous actors have reported for decades that they always have stage fright, some to the point of vomiting each performance. Like pain, however, being afraid of it makes it much worse and can lead to panic. It's ok to be tense and antsy and feeling a little out of control, you don't need to deaden it, just remember your successes, barf in the bucket, then go get 'em.

Oh, and see your doctor and a counselor.

 

[Summit]

Seek more professional help. It's something you can probably overcome. When you do, EMS will be for you. Until then, it is going to critically interfere with your ability to function professionally.

 

[DV_EMT]

as a person who has had some really bad anxiety as well as insomnia... there are multiple medication out there that you can take. From personal experience, I have taken Lamictal and Ativan for my anxiety. But, the doc also mentioned that taking OTC GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) or Gabapentin. Though some of those are technically also used for seizures, my psychiatrist suggested that I take them to manage the anxiety attacks... and it seemed to work. Just make sure you take to your MD before jumping to one medication or another.

best of luck to ya!

 

[Aidey]

**quoted post removed**

Dude, calm down. For starters, there is no need to get so worked up and call people names in a mature discussion.

Having panic attacks does not necessarily preclude one from working in EMS OR Fire. It is possible for people to overcome panic attacks, and also sometimes panic attacks are only triggered by a specific thing. For example, someone who was attacked by a snake as a child may only have panic attacks when near a snake...that is very unlikely to affect someone going into a burning building or treating a patient.

It may be that working in Fire/EMS isn't the best thing for the OP right now, but that doesn't mean that they can never work as a fire fighter or EMT. Working towards a goal can be a really good way to help people overcome all sorts of issues.