Recently I was introducing someone to myself and in the situation I was in I have to use a certain model of introducing myself that requires me to share a little bit about my background. Well, being an EMT student is a part of that background so the person looked at me immediately and said "well isn't that kind of a rough field?" Well yes, it is but I'm used to it. I've seen things that I would never want to experience and at first had absolute nightmares but you eventually master the art of realizing it'd happen if you were there to help or not. So I explained to this person that I am a firefighter so a lot of what the EMTs go to I have to help out with anyways. Well this person's reaction actually confused me. "Have you looked in the mirror lately?" I actually went and looked in the mirror because I was afraid I had food on my face or something to that affect but he was referring to the fact I am a female.
Now I get it, females wear their heart on their sleeve. Trust me, I'm no stranger to a good cry and I do get teary eyed at sad stories. But when it comes to my job, I have mastered the art of detaching from the situation by reminding myself that if I get upset or have severe empathy for the person, I'll be doing more harm than good. Now, if someone needs a shoulder to cry on as they watch everything they own go down in flames or because they just watched me declare their family member DOA, I'm there. I'm not going to say I am cold and heartless because there's a difference between emotionally detached and cold/heartless.
There's one problem with this whole equation. It doesn't fit well with a dating life. Some guys don't understand that if I get a 10-70 (fire) structure call, I have to go. I mean if that was your home would you want a girl to say "Hey, sorry I didn't assist my fire department and help one more hose line to put a fire out at your home but I was curled up on the couch with the guy I am trying to establish a future with". I don't think so. But I have a feeling if a guy was on a date and he said that then he'd be a hero and awesome all of a sudden. Man, it stinks being a girl.
So going back to my point, when in society did we become so dense to think that women can't make good firefighters? I mean sure, you have to prove yourself, but doesn't every firefighter have to do that? When in society did we think that women can't be good EMTs? I mean if you really want to be honest, an EMT is a nurse in the field who just has to step up their game.
Anyways, enough rambling. It's been a thoughtful morning, not just about this but about a couple of situations in my life. So. So. Confused.
B.
I don't understand why anyone would think women wouldn't make a good EMT??? That just doesn't make any sense...
ReplyDeleteas for the firefighter thing...I mean honestly if my dad were in my burning house, Yes i would prefer a large and strong man to be there to rescue him rather than a woman that may not be able to because of his size. I do think that when it comes to being there, taking care of the water, doing other rescues--women would be just as good as any man, it's just certain situations that would worry me, but you know what you can do and what your limits are so you should do well!!!
I would want a female firefighter to help comfort me if I were in one of the situations you mentioned as well!!!
it will be tough for you dating wise. you just need to find a man who secure enough in himself and in your relationship to understand and support your career!!!
Oh My....working in law enforcement I have the same problems as you, Bren. But I got news for those peoiple who think women can't do as well as men. Women in our fields have to do as well as and then EXCELL past what the men can do just to be accepted in the field by the men we work WITH.
ReplyDeleteI'm Qualified as an expert marksman. The last time I qualified for my weapons permit, I out-scored not only my immediate supervisor, but the district MANAGER as well!!
So don't mess with us women. We got it going ON!!!!!