Rough night for EMT's

My son is currently an EMT and will complete his requirements to be a paramedic next month. He hasn't been doing this a long time and already has more interesting stories than my father did who retired as a policeman. Just got a text from him that stated they have 9 trauma calls and 2 cardiac arrests waiting for availability of anyone to respond. He was on his way to a scene with multiple people shot when he sent the text. They'll have to wait on state troopers to secure the scene before they can go in and help anyone.

Last weekend he had to help a 5 year old boy who had apparently slipped under his dad's lawnmower which mutilated his leg below the knee. My son said he was trying to keep the boy distracted while the police that arrived were walking around looking for his toes. He also responded on a call where a young girl had been sexually molested by her uncle and had to call the police when the mom informed them her husband was on his way to the uncle's house with a gun to kill him. I guess she called for an ambulance before explaining the full reason.

I don't think he ever anticipated the amount of bad stuff he would continuously be exposed to. Surprising, as an EMT he makes about $15 an hour. Not much pay for a job that requires you to attend school and obtain state certification by exam. Hence the reason to continue his education to be a paramedic. Here is some advice, don't get drunk and do anything stupid tonight. It will take a while before anyone can respond.