Building up a positive culture

In an unpredictable—and sometimes frightening—world, the few events that bring some normalcy can be really comforting. Christmas was never going to be white, New Year's Eve was always going to be busy and the question, ‘what's the worst thing you have ever seen?’ will forever follow social introductions to paramedics. For the predictable conversations, you'll have developed a time-honoured response, perhaps a witty retort which minimises embarrassment and deflects the conversation away from the harsh reality of your role. The new neighbour's housewarming simply isn't the place to discuss the real answer!

Predictable situations can feel comfortable, safe—but I have found myself occasionally inventing an entirely new career, just to break the monotony or avoid the ‘worst thing’ question altogether! When I do disclose my role, I pray I can escape lengthy explanations. Alas, my career has been one long string of confusing job titles: ‘Ambulance technician? You fix the ambulances then?’; ‘Paramedic? Do you just drive the ambulance?’; and for the last 4 years, ‘Consultant paramedic—what?!’