Cop / Firefighter - Anyone Here Either of These Two?

[DesertDweller]

Any body in the forum a Cop or Firefighter? have some questions if anyone is... thanks

DD

[TinCanCommando]

Well I am Canadian military police DD... not sure if that's exactly what you're after. Also, I am a family member rather than a sufferer of PTSD. However I'd be happy to answer any question if I'm able.

Cheers, Brian

[Terry]

Hey DD, Memphis cop here. Former volunteer firefighter and an EMT andddddddd Totally screwed up. I should be able to help. Shoot me a PM if you need to.

Terry

[mouse]

firefighter Medic here PM if you like

[Scott_Fraser]

Former British Soldier here if any good.
Scott:kickass:

[DesertDweller]

Hey guys thanks for the replies! I was wondering how PTSD has affected job performance. I am trying really hard to become a firefighter. I am in the process of becoming an EMT and going to start volunteering in an ER. Lately I have been doubting if it is possible because of how these departments might look at PTSD and/or how it affects everyday life while working in such a high paced job. As for my PTSD, I have it under "control" for the most part but who knows what might trigger me as I am still learning about my triggers and my med records are not readily available to anyone but the Department of defense, so I am not terribly worried about it poping up (but you never Know)!!

[Terry]

Don't worry bout what anybody else thinks. If it dealing with the system becomes a problem use the system to your advantage (ADA).

[Scott_Fraser]

Hi DD.
Good luck in the Fire Department. But just be careful mate and don't overdo it. Afterall you still have ptsd. But also your military training should give you the disiplin for the job.
Cheers Buddy
Jock (Scott):occasion:

[firefighterchic]

DD,
Hi! I'm a Fire Fighter/EMT and an ex-911 dispatcher. Its a fun job being a fire fighter/EMT, you learn so much with a job that never stops. Granted not all the calls are "fun" but they are definately a learning experience.
An ER tech is a good position and depending on the requirements of the hospital your applying for, the job is relatively calm. Your main job would be checking patients in on the computers, gathering medical hx, taking BP, and pulses.
I am unfamilar with hospital's comaraderie, but I know that while Im working at the fire dept the guys are awsome and will get you through anything. They understand that things happen in our lives and that we can't handle or do every aspect of the job whether it be due to your physical or emotional being.
Good luck with your endeavors!
Casey

[Scott_Fraser]

Hi there. I've nothing but admiration to all firefighters, especially the guys in FDNY. There bravery during 9/11 was truly awesome, they are a credit to your country. DD, you are a credit to your country as well for applying for this job. My local Fire Station had a open day and raised over £10,000 for the FDNY guys benevolent fund, and the Station Officer went over to the Remembrence Service as well. I'll raise a few beers to you mate.
Cheers
Scott:occasion: :occasion: :occasion: :occasion: :occasion:

[DesertDweller]

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and encouragement. This is something I really have my heart set on. I am not sure if I had mentioned it but to me this is a kind of redemption for all the negativity I have seen. Almost like a way to right my wrongs.

The guys from the FDNY really do deserve all the admiration that they get. I am more than sure that they things that they experienced were enough to drive just about anyone mad.

Thank you all again!

DD

[Scott_Fraser]

No problem DD, old buddie. We're all proud of you here, I wish I had your will power to beat PTSD and start again. Let us all know how you get on.
Cheers
Jock:occasion: :occasion: :occasion:

[mouse]

DD I would just like to to let you know that I knwo a few guys that were ex-special forces who joined the dept. they are great at there job strong, obey orders the types of guy syou would follow into a fire anywhere cause they have your back--I do caution you but hope to not discourage you but this is a high stress job full of black humor, and life or death decisions, sometimes juat as in war we have to make a split second decision as to who will live and who will die, NOT to put a damper on it It helps me so much to focus and do my job that I wish you the sam e just dont think its a cake walk compared to th e horrors of war it is just a different type of war fought with different weapons. Mouse

[DesertDweller]

Thanks Mouse,

I do realize that it is a war. I can deal with black humor, to be honest, most my conversations include black humor,... I think fast in emergencies, I have been around for a couple and it seems that I am the most calm and take charge, its second nature so I dont need to think about it, its more a reaction. Team work runs through my blood, comming from an environment where no one is left behind (dead or alive) and we depend on each other for survival. I have never fought for politics, religious beliefs, land or OIL, I fight for those men fighting besides me. I guess all and all, the thought that it is a war attracts me in the sence that in those conditions I feel like I am in my prime state, that and in this war you fight to save lives. I do appreciate the heads up and concern. I can see how it can mess with someone who does not expect to come across traumatic situations. It would be a reality check.
Thanks again Mouse,

DD

[DesertDweller]

Jock,

Thanks for your support. It really does mean alot to me.

DD

[Scott_Fraser]

Hi DD. You're an ex-serviceman like me and we all stick together buddy. Just like in action you rely on the guy next to you. Well being a Civvie (Civilian) like me now we still all stick together. You know I think that if we both served together we'd be great buddies.
Cheers buddy and good luck with your training.
Cheers
Jock.:occasion:

[wildcritter44]

DD :smile:

Wishing u the best of everything in your new career choice.
If this makes u happy then best I can say is: BE SAFE

Take Care

D (wildcritter)

[DesertDweller]

Thank you ,

Words like that mean the world to me!