SUV Ends Up In The LA River, Female In Critical Condition

What a crazy, horrific, yet inspiring story... This only strengthens my desire to become a paramedic. This woman's SUV plunged off of a bridge and ended up at the bottom of the dirty Los Angeles River. 17 feet underwater. For over 20 minutes. Firefighters and Paramedics performed CPR and Advanced Life Support procedures on the rescue boat and on the way to the hospital. The woman is in critical condition, but has a pulse! INSANE.

Check out the Long Beach Fire Department's blog story here.

Another great account of the story is on Contra Costa Times.

What's going on??

I took a photographer position with Lifetouch Church Directories and Portraits, and so far I'm liking it. It's very similar to what I did before with Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch (high school seniors)... except now I get to photograph all ages, groups, even doggies! So far so good and I'm really enjoying getting to know my coworkers. I am already perfectly suited for this job.

I believe that this came to me at the perfect time. Unemployment was starting to worry me, and it looked like it would take a while for the EMT certs to come through. Don't get me wrong though. I am completely dedicated to my goal of Paramedic. I am actively applying to EMT jobs all over So. Cal. and hoping for the best. If possible, I'd love to do both jobs for a while. EMTs work minimum of 12 hour shifts (some up to 24!) so I'd only be working 2 or 3 days per week. It would be simply amazing to be able to do them both. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Passed the NREMT!

I now have national certification to work as an EMT.. I even got a patch! So now all I need is my LA county cert and I can work. This process is longer than I expected, but I can only see it as a great thing. I mean, if I didn't have to go through all of this, I'd have little faith in the pre-hospital care we receive. soon.. very soon.. =)

Haiti

I've been watching CNN coverage for the past 2 days, just wishing that I were further along in my schooling. I want to be there, I want so badly to help, to provide medical care for these people. I am making it my personal goal to be able to help in the next major emergency, in some way. Any way. I've thought of joining the Peace Corps, but I think linking up with the Red Cross or a similar aid organization would be even more fulfilling. Many doctors and nurses are on their way to Haiti to do whatever they can to help these people. I want to be that help...

In the meantime, Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross Haiti relief.

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Soon to be.... EMT!

It was only 3 weeks long... but the most crazy intense immersion program I could have imagined. I have been eating, sleeping and breathing nothing but basic life support and I wouldn't have it any other way! Literally, since I finished I have dreamt about saving people's lives every single night. I met a lot of really great people in my short time there, and I intend to grow those friendships as I make my way through this insane career path.

I learned so much more than I ever thought I would, and this is only the beginning! Everywhere I go, I see potential to save a life. I know why the body reacts to things, I know how major disease affects us, I know how to keep someone alive if they suffer an accident or heart attack or diabetic coma. I can stop bleeding, splint an extremity, deliver a baby (if I HAVE to)... I can breathe for someone, keep their heart pumping blood, treat for shock, I can triage, I'm prepared for mass casualty, this is just madness. The body is an AMAZING thing, yet so incredibly fragile.

I have a ride along scheduled for this Sunday, actually with one of my instructors, so hopefully I'll really get some hands on action. I'm doing my ER hospital shift next week as well. Then I take my National Registry Exam, then get Certified in LA County.. and THEN I can get a job. I am looking forward to so much!! It can only get better from here. I can't wait to save my first life. I realize I'll be taking the bad with the good, but I know that the positive experiences will FAR outweigh anything traumatic. I'll see some things that I'd never wish upon anyone else... but I'll also see some things that I will cherish forever.

YES YES YES YES!! It's about to begin!!!!

I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait!!!! I have all of my pre and co-requisites taken care of including physical and vaccinations, my books are purchased, I scoped out my classroom and parking locations (as well as lunch options!)... My journey is about to begin =). I finished reading an anatomy book I got from the library, working on the physiology book now, gotta brush up on CPR before I start, but I'm SO ready for this.

By January you will be looking at LA's newest B-EMT. I still need to decide between working for an ambulance company vs. an ER, but I'm guessing that will fall into place as I go through my classes and studies. Wish me luck, it's gonna be a shock to this girl's system. I'm used to getting my 8+ hours of sleep and cooking whatever I want whenever I want it. But for those of you who know me, I'm all about change and diversity, so this will be a welcome challenge.

For real, this time

The LAPD venture is officially over for me. I received another letter saying that something was off and I could either start over or appeal. I don't feel like starting over AGAIN with them, and I'm not getting any younger. When I started this almost 3 years ago, I was strong enough, agile enough and energetic enough to do well in the 6 month long academy. Now I'm not so sure about it. I still feel like I'm in good shape, but.. I'm almost 30. Gees that sounds old... Also, my desires have changed. My main goal is still ultimately the same, but I have now chosen to take a different path (or trail in my case).



As of Saturday I am certified in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. It's the first requirement I need in order to start EMT classes. Down the line I'll work toward ultimately becoming a Paramedic and who knows from there... The world is my tofu! (cuz i don't do the whole oyster thing). I'll be starting classes at UCLA within the next few months.

This is SO FREAKING RAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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