As a rule, when a first responder hears screaming, their index of suspicion spikes, looking for mayhem around them. I cringed recently on one of my daily walks along the Thames, but only for a moment. A few feet outside Storybook Gardens, I realized it was not a distressed yelp. As a matter of fact, it was a crowd full of shrieks and howls coming from young children enjoying the splash pads and bouncy attractions.
We have survived some tough times and witnessed folks that have had it far worse than I can remember over my lifetime. A global pandemic, war, social unrest, environmental events, you name it. At the risk of sounding too optimistic here, I am looking forward to a couple of months of laid-back times, including a BBQ, a cooler and some lounge chair time. It’s a big ask, I know.
Can anyone tell me how or why so many terrible things converged on us with such precise timing? I am all ears if you are inclined to respond. Any single catastrophic event or ongoing situation would be enough in and of itself to challenge a region, country or the world. The thought of multiple events overlapping has me in a state of overload.
My recent hiatus was partly owed to some health issues, but I am glad to be back on track. It is difficult to find anyone that has not been faced with a few hurdles to navigate. A friend in healthcare confirmed that the public is waiting longer to seek care, placing them in more difficult circumstances. Thankfully my challenges are minor compared to others.
Following media reports, it is no surprise that the emergency services and healthcare professions are seeing a growing staff shortfall. The exodus is due to system overloads, burnout and retirement. The public is feeling the crunch, and by all accounts, a quick solution is slipping away. On that pessimistic note, it is time for a shameless recruiting pitch. Who better to draw in new blood than experts on the front line.
Thinking back, who has not had someone ask questions about their work after hearing what profession they serve? You have likely responded to some degree. You are an ambassador, whether you realize it or not. There has never been a greater need to backfill your industry than today, with a more urgent demand for responders and caregivers.
Let us dispense with the naivete that every recipient of your mentorship will land a lifelong career in your shadow. But, by sharing your experience, knowledge and skills, you might send someone to the doorstep of their future. With some luck, your introduction will spark a search on a computer. Your professional passion might result in a trip to a college or university for more information or a visit to an information meeting with a future educator or employer. The idea is not so far-fetched.
I had the experience of meeting two fellows at my front door fifty years ago representing our volunteer fire department canvasing for muscular dystrophy. A week later, I began a journey as a volunteer that led to a lifetime in EMS. Despite sounding slightly idealistic, your effort might be all it takes to plant a seed that flourishes into a career. Please take a minute when the opportunity presents itself. Your kids, friends, and someone around you probably already know what you do or who you are. Their curiosity only has to be teased. Your influence will open the door.
Social media today uses the term “networking.” Informally mentoring someone is, in my opinion, a glowing example of networking. First responders, dispatchers and healthcare practitioners need the help. Who better to spread the word than providers still working in their respective fields, giving honest answers to curious candidates. Our respective fields could use your help to attract the right people with a genuine interest after hearing your story.
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