I’ve been thinking about how EMTs and paramedics process experiences from difficult calls after their shifts. I imagine there are situations that stay with you — intense calls, meaningful interactions with patients, or moments where you learned something important. Some people talk about it with co-workers, some write things down and others reflect on it, mentally, later. I’m curious how people in EMS usually process those experiences after a shift.
How do EMTs mentally process difficult calls after a shift?
- Thread starter EricJ
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Short answer...in about every way imaginable; some good, some bad.
Longer answer: each person deals with it in their own way depending upon their values, upbringing and emotional support infrastructure .
Longer answer: each person deals with it in their own way depending upon their values, upbringing and emotional support infrastructure .
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People in EMS are, well, people. We all process the experiences we have in ways that are as varied as people in other stressful jobs.
That makes sense. It sounds like people develop their own way of processing things over time, depending on their personality and support system.
Do you think most EMS professionals talk about difficult calls with co-workers, or do people usually process it privately after their shift?
That’s a fair perspective. High-stress jobs probably lead people to develop their own personal ways of processing experiences.
Do you notice if people process things at different times?
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Okay, now I'm curious about what the basis behind this thread is. Are you in EMS, have a family member in it, or is there another reason? Most new members who start this thread topic have used it to reach out for help, and we can't provide that without knowing a few things.