My son is an EMT now. Every shift is full on. 7 calls over 12 hours and often over time. In the old days it was 4 calls. Try not to call 995 unless you really need it. Also the call outs are getting longer due to stretched services. You may end up waiting for an ambulance to cross half the island to get to you. They only go back now to the station to get diesel and more supplies.
Also remember when you call 995 you'll get a 2 NS boys and a single Paramedic to take care of you. The EMTs have all of 3 months training and the Paramedic 1 year. Do you really want to be in the back of an ambulance with a 19 yo NSman if there are other options?
His stories are both inspiring and sad.
All of his cardiac arrest cases have been old men on their own in rental flats in squalor.
A case yesterday of a 80 yo uncle who choked on his food and the maid (his only companion) didn't know how to clear the air way. So dead when my son got there his feet and hands were already in rigor mortis.
Sticking an IV in the back of an ambulance at 130kph on the CTE. Alarms screaming. Patient projectile vomiting (vomiting is a unknown but common issue with heart problems). Ride so rough that even my son was ill. Patient made it.
Road traffic accidents involving huge amounts of blood. He never could handle blood but now routinely washes down bloody gear without a second thought.
Two great examples of Singaporeans contrasted.
Atas lady calling for an ambulance for a graze. Refusing conveyancing when told it will involve a $247 charge for non emergency.
Student nurse calling for help. She had, by the time they arrived, rendered first aid to a head injury caused by someone falling using bandages a bystander got from a nearby clinic. Patient was cleaned up, calm and stable when my son arrived.
Take care of your health. You'll be rescued by 3 strapping Malay lads if not. (They are ALL Malay or mixed race).
I'm extremely proud of him. I find it astonishing some parents want their sons to miss out on an experience like this.
