Driving/Riding Fears

Robby1974

Robby1974

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OK....I wanted to post this thought and see if there are others who have had similar experiences or if i'm just A bonafide psych patient myself and need to check into the nearest facility:rolleyes:. I am a new EMT....(Finished school in November) I've found that after my orientation and riding on a few code calls, I have become a bit over anxious when I am riding in my POV (while someone else is driving). It makes no sense to me that I'm fearful in a POV but have no problems with lights and sirens driving at 50mph on a gridlocked Las Vegas strip. I have been experiencing little panic attacks while riding. Convinced that we are about to hit someone, something, or that someone will hit us. I'm completely fine while on the rig, on a call, driving or riding but riding in my POV on my off days is really freaking me out. Anyone else have this issue and if so does it resolve itself? Thanks for any info.
 
Okay, being in EMS gives you an automatic yes for the rubber room, but aside from that, what you are experiencing is very normal considering that your base of knowledge has increased in the area of what happens to human bodies during MVAs.

I used to be quite the lead foot behind the wheel. AFter watching a deputy pulling a young man's teeth out of a pine tree, my driving habits altered considerably.

The key is, does it interfere with your day to day life? Are you simply being more careful, or are you avoiding driving, or experiencing panic attacks at the thought of a road trip. As long as you are able to quiet the screaming voices and get on with your day, you are probably going to find it fading with time. probably.. maybe.. well.. most of it anyway!
 
I haven't had the problem you are facing, simply because I don't let anyone else drive my pov! hehehe However, riding in the rig responding to a call I do get anxious at times. We have some people who like to take risks that I am uncomfortable with. For example, I live 30 miles away from a popular mountain. The road going up it is really steep, full of 90 degree switchbacks. We have one EMT who will take those switchbacks in the oncoming lane at 70+ mph. I feel this is really stupid, putting everyone in harms way. We aren't going to do anyone any good if we wreck before we get there!!!

I have always been an "alpa" when it comes to driving. I would much rather be the one driving. But over the years I have learned to accept that other people can safely get us from point a to point b. It just took time and experience.

So my best suggestion is to just give it time. Most things will work themselves out with time. Good Luck!
 
Thanks

I feel better after reading this so thanks guys! It's nothing that is very severe and my driving/riding has not been affected so hopefully it will pass in time. Thanks again!
 
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