Desensitized to blood--or not?

Oh, I'm not worried about it - it is what it is. Does make for some interesting encounters, though. Besides, as a relatively new EMT I'm hoping that more frequent exposure will help to eventually desensitize me. Sort of like the OP was referring to with blood.

Ever seen a medic get puked on, then puke right back on the patient because he coudnt move in time?

Anyone who remembers the 90's, Kodak moment.
 
I know one of my old instructors doesn't mind other people's blood, but freaks out when she knows its her own. :blink:

That's me right there, I pass out getting blood drawn and cannot donate blood for the same reason. If it's coming from someone else, I don't have much of a reaction except to stop it if possible, "go back to your home dammit!"

When I see something gross I just concentrate on doing my job and get it done. Only then do I realize how gross such and thing is. It is your job, therefore it's best to just get over it and do it.
 
Blood has never bothered me. It's red, it's liquid, so is cherry Kool Aid.

Other things, the idea of it bothers me more than actually seeing it. So once I actually saw it, I didn't bother me anymore. Bad explanation but yeah :P
 
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I have a friend in nursing school with me who is deathly afraid of needles. She literally shakes and passes out during sim labs just holding one. She is incredibly smart and would make a fantastic nurse however I do not see how she will be able to do her job if she can not get over that fear.


I never had a problem with blood, guts, vomit, etc. Sometimes the smells do get to me (Ex. GI bleed / C diff) but not enough to stop me from doing my job. If you are not comfortable with trauma there are a lot of websites out there with tons of pictures of accidents, GSW and stuff that you can look through and get used to. It may help to get used to seeing pictures before you see it in real life.

Well, I screamed a little when I read your suggestion, lol. BUT, that is a really good idea.
 
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