With all due respect, veterans of EMS, enough’s enough.
I’ve followed the greats of the blog-o-sphere for over a year now. I’ve taken their word as gospel, digested and processed their points, and usually deemed myself unworthy of commenting on their posts. On the off chance that I do comment, there’s usually a fair amount of groveling and emphasis on political correctness. I hate offending people, and will do my best to avoid it at all costs.
But there aren’t enough of us out there to argue this point, and I feel passionately enough about this to get on my soapbox and speak my piece. Please know that I intend to do this with all due respect.
I have never been classified as anything but “young.” So it’s fair to say that I’ve spent my whole life listening to adults grumble, glare, and shake their fists at my generation—at me.
I’ve been written off as lazy. Self-entitled. Whiny. Stubborn. Disrespectful. All before you have even gotten to know me. Because I have more zits than wrinkles, more red hair than gray, and more time in school than out, I—and the rest of my generation—have been lumped together and labeled. We are branded with the adjectives given to describe every generation of whippersnappers. I’m certain your generation, in its “prime” (and Lord help me if these years are considered my prime), was not looked upon any more favorably than mine is now.
Think back to your teen years, if you will. At some point, your teachers, coaches, or parents probably stated, “When I was your age, I didn’t have it so easy.” Then they’d go on to describe whatever chore thickened their skin, put grateful words in their mouths, and lowered their head in obedience. At most, you may have rolled your eyes and tuned them out. At best, you were silently a little angry or hurt that they would write you off in such a way. Sometimes these things would come out of the blue—you never said you had it hard, nevermind harder than them. Yet there you were, being guilt-tripped for a reason no more profound than your age.
Frankly, I am sick of hearing about what a shallow, vapid, vain, inconsiderate person I am—especially from people who do not yet know me. And I can be certain that the vast majority of my generation feels the same.
That being said, I can certainly appreciate the kids who serve as living proof for your judgment. Just look at the TV show “Jersey Shore.” I’d go in depth about this, but—and let’s be honest with each other for a minute—I really don’t have to. It’s self-explanatory.
Obviously, there are plenty other prime examples of your expressed concerns, ones that aren’t broadcasted on television. And when I see them, I want to smash my head on a table. Bouncing my melon off a hard surface is not just because I am astonished by the shameless displays of ignorance and lack of self-control. It’s because it’s the select few disrespectful, obnoxious, self-absorbed jerks that are responsible for the grief I’ve received for being born in the 90’s.
So yes, there are twerps, losers, and other unsavory subjects in my generation. But you don’t need me to point out that there are plenty of their “grown-up” counterparts in your generation as well. You might pick some up on a regular basis. One might be the subject of a treasured war story. You might even work with one. Or for one.
The pompous, the snobby, the self-righteous, the idle, the inconsiderate, the rude…they all exist, folks. They are not exclusive to my generation.
It’s easy to generalize. And, believe me, I know how much easier to focus on the bad taste left in your mouth than to savor all of the good ones. If you please, give me just another minute or so of your time, and see what I’m seeing when I read your posts that slash, burn, and scorn my generation.
Keep in mind that what you post on your blog is public—and very public at that. Literally anyone with internet access can find it. It is the same as making a declaration in a crowded auditorium.
I choose to sit in that auditorium, to learn and consider what you have to say. Obviously, I respect you and your opinions, and think highly enough of you to keep coming back for more. I know I’m not the only 18-20-something that feels that way. And I’m squirming uncomfortably in my seat when you tell us that the younger generation—that’s my generation—is lazy, conceited, unwilling, narcissistic, and self-entitled.
We, as individuals, react in one of two ways. Some will be angry, denying that that’s the case, and insisting that they are different than the people you just described. And a little piece of each of them will, on some level, resent the older generation for doing what we’ve always known them to do: throw us into a category we may not belong. Or, some will be hurt and discouraged, feeling that they are now faced with the impossible task of trying to prove we are better than your condemnation. But the way they see it, you’ve already made up your mind about them, and there’s not a damn thing they will be able to do to change it. And that’s a pretty hopeless sounding battle to someone who’s just starting out.
I know this for a fact, because I’ve been there. And sometimes I feel like I still am there.
Regardless of which reaction we take, it stems from the same hurt, the same frustration that we’ve been dealing with for our whole lives. Because no matter how many times you say “your generation,” all we’re going to hear is “you.” It hurts to be put down and labeled. I don’t care how old you are, or how thick your skin is: even you can relate to that sort of pain.
Get to know us as individuals. Give me an honest chance to succeed. Give me the opportunity to prove you wrong. And if I don’t inspire you with confidence, try and maintain a hope that I just had a bad day, and that I’ll do better tomorrow. And if, after all that, I’m still everything that you’ve claimed I am, then fine. Smack that label on my forehead.
Just make sure you label me, and not my generation.
To start with, “with all due respect” usually means “I’m about to insult you.” But, on to my point. As a member of the generation preceeding yours, I can understand your frustrations. But, if I may point out, your generation, not necessarily you, are all the things you mentioned: “shallow, vapid, vain” etc… You have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong. I was much in the same position 14 years ago. It’s a tough, but rewarding road.
While I am certainly not suggesting that members of my “EMS generation” or the generation that came before me should prejudge you, I would also suggest that you not prejudge the veterans because of the opinions of a minority. Your “honest chance” will come, but it will take a little while longer than 10 months. As an idea, I was considered “green” until I renewed my EMT license, and “fresh” until I could legally buy beer.
Welcome to EMS, and good luck. You have lots of support here on the blogosphere.
Thank you for your comment! I’m not pre-judging the veterans–at least that’s not my intent. This post was written mainly because I’d read three blog posts on three separate blogs about the shortcomings of my generation. The vast, vast, VAST majority of older EMT’s that I’ve met, I have nothing but respect and adoration for. I’d even go so far as to say that most of the EMT’s of the prior generation that I have met do NOT hold a grudge against myself or other “90′s kids.” This post was simply a rebuttal to the other posts I had read. I felt it necessary to post my view, and I truly meant no disrespect or hard feelings towards anyone, and I apologize if it came off that way.
Look forward to seeing you around the blogosphere!
Excellent writing. I am guessing you could teach a good swath of us older generation people a thing or two about writing a patient care report narrative.
I agree with CCC. Being one generation up we heard it too. One thing I can say I stopped reading this about 3/4 of the way in. You were whining. Not all of lump new, young EMTs together. We want you to succeed and not make the same mistakes we have done a decade before you.
I didn’t mean for this to sound whiny, and I’m sorry you felt that way about it. My intent was to express my feelings on the matter, as I’d seen several posts lately about my generation. I know not all prior generation EMS providers lump young EMTs together, and, rereading, it does look hypocritical of me to come across as throwing all experienced EMTs in the same pot.
I appreciate your comment, and hope you haven’t written me off as a whiny, bratty kid. Thank you for writing!
Great post. I am in my 50s and a professor of paramedicine at a community college. I’ve heard many people my age and many in their 40s and even 30s describe “your generation” as you say your generation has been described. I consider myself a rare person who hasn’t forgotten the flaws of my younger years. I think most people as they get older suffer from amnesia about their past. I agree that the attitutes you describe stretch across all ages. I am frankly embarrased that others my age who have an attitute of entitlement when it comes to demanding respect. Respect is earned no matter what your age. I like to think I treat my students as colleagues and I love how they respond to that. I hope you’ll listen to some of my classroom Podcasts and see if you agree…now how do I teach the older generation to get over thenselves? LOL Thanks for your candor.
I would love to listen to some of your podcasts! Please, either email me a link, or publish it in a comment here. Thank you for your support!
Rob, I think you remember your youth so well because you were a rock and roll band hero.
People like to vent.
As a member of your same generation. (Under 20 years old and a sophomore in college), I feel your pain. I’m sick and tired of our generation pretty well damning the reputations of the good members.
In fact, when Kelly & TOTWTYTR wrote on this subject, my response got so long I posted my own opinion as a blog post over here: http://fire-rescue-newbie.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-generation.html
Not gonna lie, kinda ticked about our fellow generation members, but then again, I’m in college with a bunch of underage drinkers, so my opinion is kind of skewed.
I’m a fellow newbie (age 20, about two years out of EMT class, and a college student to boot), and if there’s one thing that I’ve learned about being a newbie anywhere is that one should “do first, expound upon injustice later”.
You’d be surprised how people’s opinions change for the better when what they see is you just buckling down, doing what needs to be done, doing it well because you derive personal satisfaction from a job damn well done, and not expecting any special recognition for it–even if that recognition is only being thought of a different from “our” largely negatively stereotyped generation, and being seen as the exception not the rule.
That kind of attitude that I’ve just described earns you far more respect early on in your career than a blog post ranting about the injustices and stereotypes that every “young” generation faces from their elders. Instead, use every moment you are in the company of your EMS peers as a chance to prove your maturity and ability, and this includes the company of your peers in the EMS blog-o-sphere.
I get that venting is necessary and healthy, but in my opinion your choice in placing this on your blog hasn’t proven the older generation wrong about anything that your post addresses.
CW, I share your opinion. I do subscribe to the notion that respect needs to be earned. But, I also feel that everyone should be entitled to an equal chance to earn that respect…have everyone begin at the same starting line, so to speak. I think that’s the biggest problem when it comes to some of the more experienced EMT’s that harbor these misgivings about new EMTs.
Posting this probably wasn’t the best idea to start off my career in blogging, and I fear I may have inadvertently burnt many bridges, instead of posting another viewpoint in what seems to be a current topic of interest (which was strictly my intent all along). I feel I have proven myself to my coworkers in the real world, and I feel that I have started to earn my respect. However, I’m not sure how to prove myself to the blog world, because they can’t see my work ethic, or my skills at patient care. If you (or any of you out there) have any ideas on how to do this, please let me know (and I’m not trying to be smart or sarcastic with you…that’s a legitimate request.)
Thank you, CW!
Do what you do best. That’s my advice. You are clearly a passionate, dedicated and driven EMS worker with a talent for expressing yourself. So use that to your advantage.
Write about what you do know, your experiences, your education. Write about what you’re passionate about–not what’s a one time rant (at least, not until you establish yourself in the community). If you think there’s a slight chance that you might regret something you put out here, hold off a day (or two, or five) before you post. Keep things positive. Use this space to stretch your brain and work through scenarios that you otherwise might not get a chance to work through with the feedback of so many other respected and veteran EMTs. Ask a question for every answer that you contribute. Verbalize your confusion when you have it, because there’s a chance that there’s someone else out there who’s wondering the same thing but can’t find a way to express it–but you can because you have a way with words.
Building yourself up and earning respect in the blogging community is a lot like what you do to earn respect at your station. Work hard, demonstrate competency, build relationships over time. Then, once you’re secure in your relationships find a way to address the things that bug you in a respectful manner. Show the courtesy to other bloggers that you’d like to see in return, and I would gander you’ll like the results.
Look on the bright side, you’re almost guaranteed to have a spike in blog hits.
Welcome to the blogosphere.
If you’d like a little perspective, about 15 years ago, I went to war with an old coot on one of the EMS forums, over much the same things. He was a bit jaded and cynical, and I lashed back with an impassioned defense of my own naivete, and accused him of being a burnout.
That guy was TOTWTYTR.
Turns out he wasn’t a burnout, he’s just blunt. And once I got to know him, I realized there was much I could learn from him, and much of that was stuff I considered trivial when I was a new EMT. Now, I realize it’s the foundation of good patient care.
Now, I count him among my dearest friends, and those I can count on the fingers of one hand.
Keep in mind that his beef isn’t necessarily with people of your generation, even though it may seem that way to you both. His gripe is with a certain personality type, and it only seems that they’re from your generation because that personality type doesn’t last long in EMS – they leave after a few years, only to be replaced by another group only a few years younger. The newbies are almost always young, so it’s easy to think it’s a generational thing when it’s actually a newbie thing.
You don’t tend to notice the newbies who don’t display those personality traits because a) they don’t stand out in a bad way, and b) they stick around long enough that nobody remembers they were newbies once.
He’s the kind of guy who will – and has – stapled a Taco Bell application to a probie’s field internship evaluation, as an eloquent and minimalist critique of their EMT skills and aptitude. The guy throws around compliments like they’re manhole covers.
On the other hand, if he thinks you’ve got the right attitude, he’ll be a friend and mentor like few others.
Keep that in mind when you spar with him. Don’t back down, but don’t take it personally, either. Behind that crusty exterior is a wealth of wisdom, if you choose to accept it.
Should I take that as a hope that I may not have necessarily burnt all my bridges with TOTWTYTR (before said bridges were even built?…Man, does that take talent.)
In all seriousness, my post was not meant to be a slight towards him, you, or any other member of the experienced generation of EMTs. It seems as though my post came across whinier, brattier, meaner, and more self-entitled than I ever intended. In fact, that is just the opposite of what I wanted to portray. I simply wanted to explain my viewpoint, but that might not have been done in the best way I could have–which is my fault as a writer.
As you well know from my Social Media essay, I just about worship those more experienced than I. It’s not my goal to pick a fight with anyone from that generation. I hate confrontation, and if I can’t think of a respectful way to say something, I usually don’t say anything. You, TOTWTYTR, and those others that have commented on this post are people I would be privileged and honored to learn something from, if you saw fit to share such lessons with me.
I feel like this whole thing was taken the wrong way, and probably not my best, most flattering introduction to blogging. I’m not sure how exactly to word my feelings on this issue now…all I can do now is hope and work so that I can be understood better in the future.
Thanks for the welcome, and thanks for commenting!
Nah, you haven’t burned any bridges with him. He’s a bigger man than that.
Of course, he’s not going to handle you with kid gloves, either. In his view, you’re in the big leagues now – both blogging and EMS – so you’d better be prepared to play like a pro. When he thinks you’re full of shit, he’s going to tell you so, and there won’t be any chance of mistaking his point.
All you need do is keep trying your best, develop a skin thick enough to handle the criticism, and pause for self-reflection often enough to realize that, maybe, sometimes… he might be right, and you actually are full of shit.
My advice: Keep doing what you think is right, stand up for yourself and don’t apologize for your views, and be ready to handle vigorous debate. You’re going to offend people, MK. That is a given, if for no other reason than the internet is full of people searching for reasons to be offended. Don’t let trolls get to you, and treat legitimate disagreements as what they are: healthy debate.
I’m not exactly a shrinking violet on my blog, in case you haven’t noticed, but the one rule I enforce is that no one can engage in personal attacks on my blog – either in support of, or against my position. Debate all you want, get as passionate as you want, but the first person to resort to ad hominem attacks and name calling gets warned once, and banned forever thereafter.
My bridges are pretty much fire proof. You have to blow them up and you are nowhere near that.
McDonalds, not Taco Bell. We have a new group of newbies, so the printer is warming up.
Q.E.D.
=P
No apologies to the Vegetarians here but this is one MEATY post, so much so I made a meal out of it here:
http://emsoutsideagitator.com/2011/09/fngs-and-fogs/
IMO Russ has a very strong good on this.
Always remember that the “other side” is always coming from a place of its own, and it’s an equally human one.
Nice post. Always start strong!
Appreciate the passion and frustration.
While every generation goes through this process, your generation is fighting the most self-important, smug and arrogant generation – the baby boomers.
As we age we become the most entitled, demanding, petty and vindictive consumers of public and private services. Just see what baby boomer politicians are doing to the federal government.
Eventually we will die out … you will be in your 60′s.
(evil laugh)
Mike
Sorry to hear about your experiences in EMS.
This social difference rubbish is ridiculous and is created because people feel intimidated by your level of education, knowledge and lateral thinking! There is no such thing as veterans in EMS. It’s a term that should be used, and solely used in the military. This is healthcare – not a battle zone, nor is it a dictatorship – we teach and nurture all health professionals of all ages. That is the real challenge of clinical education.
If you feel like you’re undervalued, then I suggest you come to Australia. Complete your 3-4 year degree in Paramedicine, and start being recognised for what you know! We practice autonomously, and our level of education puts us equal to all other health professionals. There are no veterans in clinical practice.
Good luck!
Veteran has more than 1 meaning, and the military does not get to arbitrary claim words just because.
…and when my IV antibiotics outflanks first pass metabolism in order to directly assault the infection’s command post, don’t tell me this isn’t a battle zone. When my aspirin enters the proverbial pub of the body to protect the women as the ultimate cox blocker, don’t tell me this isn’t a battle. This doesn’t even touch the battle against the maniacs of mass destruction, also known as surgeons.
Hey MK, and welcome to the world of blogging. You can thank AD for sending me your way, and I’m glad he did, as you seem to have a talent for writing and a passion for EMS – a fabulous combination.
As a medic in the middle, not one of the older generation and, with almost a decade in EMS under my belt, no longer a newbie (just…), I have the comfortable view of both sides, and can see and understand both arguments.
The best way I can suggest that you “prove the oldies wrong” is by doing what I’m sure you do best – be the best you can be. Be prepared to learn something from everyone, know and understand that experience speaks for a hell of a lot in this job, and don’t let the cynics get you down.
AD and TOTWTYTR are by no means cynics. Harsh, brutal, upfront and honest maybe, but not cynics. If you’ve got something to prove, they’ll let you prove it, and probably help you along the way too.
In the meantime, I can only wish you good luck!!!
PS – If you fancy adding another blog to your reading list, I’d be honoured…
1. Just because you’re a member of a defined group doesn’t mean you have to act like the average member. Furthermore, if you aren’t like the average member, then don’t take criticism directed against the average member to heart. Simply take solace that they aren’t talking about you and keep on trucking.
2. Never forget that revolution occurs when a small group of people take action. You just need a majority of the people who actually care.
This post did not strike me as whiny. You’re a good writer and you said what you wanted to say. I read TOTWTYTR’s post when he put it out to the world and I understand where you’re coming from. I think you nicely put my feelings into words and I for one appreciate that. I’ve taken crap from some of the more seasoned medics that I’ve worked with and I’ve proved them wrong. Nothing feels better than to prove someone wrong. I’ve also had some wonderful mentors so I understand that not everyone can be generalized-older or younger! This blog was for you and no one else so keep writing what you want. I look forward to reading more!
Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,…
Hey, did you know that the guy who sung that and made it famous was sued by the guy that actually wrote the melody? I wonder how he felt about that?
Feel free to ignore No Veterans…., he know not of what he speaks. After all, he lives in a country where he is standing upside down all the time.
There are veterans in EMS, as there are in many fields. There are also, to steal a phrase from AD, Paramedics (or EMTs) with 20 years of experience and Paramedics with one year of experience repeated 20 times over.
You want to be one of the former one day, although I see you want to be a nurse. Although I know plenty of people who have gone that route, I’ve never felt that it’s a natural progression.
The problem with “No Veterans….” line of thought is that it is very much of the “everyone wins a trophy” school of sports. In real life, there are winners and losers, those who excel and those who fail. EMT or paramedic school is just the first of those barriers. The bunny slope of EMS, to coin a phrase. A veteran (oops, there’s that word again) instructor I know tells me that what current EMT classes do is teach people to pass the EMT exam. Actual knowledge is an afterthought. Along with that is the sense of entitlement that seems endemic to the current generation. No one wants to be the new guy, everyone wants the same benefits from day one. “How come I have to work the night shift, why does the guy with 20 years get the Christmas off, wah, wah, wah”.
Maybe that’s not you, there is no way for me to tell. At 18 you have no real track record to examine. Time will tell what you will become. In a year or so, maybe a bit more since your ambulance service is ultra low volume.
For all the joking around we do, for all the complaining about “the renal round up”, “GOMER runs”, transfers, returns, and all the other detritus that composes about 90% of what we call EMERGENCY Medical Services, a few times a year you are going to have to make decisions and administer treatments that will make the difference between whether a person lives or dies. At that point, everything else in EMS is secondary, whether you are hungry or not, cold or hot, going to be late for a really cool party, or even have to go to the bathroom worse than you have since you stopped wearing diapers. None of that will matter, the needs of the person in front of you will be the only important thing. At that moment you (and the world) will know what kind of provider you are.
Then I’ll know if you are part of the problem or part of the solution.
Karma
You’d be wise to listen to a few of us who have been around the block more than once instead of trying to re-invent the wheel. Slow down and enjoy the ride, you’d be amazed what you learn along the road of life. Also, on that note, have an “out” to deal with stress. I swim daily. Welcome to the world.
Here’s are really good blog post from a friend in the field. I have shared it with many. Enjoy.
http://sevyrr.blogspot.com/2011/01/big-picture.html
Also, you’re okay, please know that. I started at 18 also (over 20 years ago) and had to endure the same sclop as you are going through. Due to being married to a military man, I’ve had to re-invent/start over myself over 10 times since becoming an EMT. Each time the same, always being seen as the newbie, even though I have more credentials than most I work with. It is what it is. I just remember that I am new (to the area and folk) and that I have to learn. Never lose sight of the big pictrue. AND just because we’ve been around the block a few times, doesn’t mean we know it all or have seen it all, either. I view every call as a learning experience. The one thing that has helped with age is maturity. I know when to lean in and stand up and I know when to sit/stay back.
I look forward to following your journeys. Sit back, enjoy the ride, don’t lose sight of the big picture.
Thank you – I know I’m a little late on this, but thank you. I’ve been a volunteer firefightee/EMT for the last two years, and during that time, this is the one argument that gets under my skin faster than a belligerent drunk at 3am.