ON SEPARATION FROM SERVICE

Growing up as a young child in the 70’s I was at an impressionable age and easily captivated by the world of television. From 1972 through 1977, I watched one of the most influential (to me) shows of the time: Emergency! This was a procedural drama that followed the day in the life of Los Angeles County firefighter/paramedics John Gage, Roy DeSoto, and the crew of Station 51. This show was the first to bring the concept of paramedicine into the homes of the American public. At that time, there were very few paramedics in the United States- therefore, the show was groundbreaking. Unlike the television dramas of today, Emergency! had little character development that sidetracked the main message: paramedics, are an extension of a doctor (in the field), who were able to provide advanced life-saving interventions long before patient care was transferred to the emergency room staff.

I was completely enamored by how cool it would be to have a job like that where I could help people in need, wear a uniform, and be respected by the public. In fact, many times me, my twin brother (who is a retired police sergeant), and a good friend of ours would spend hours re-enacting scenes from our favorite show in the basement of our home. It was thrilling to pretend to be Johnny or Roy and “help” others in need. When we needed to “cook” for ourselves, we used my sister’s Easy Bake oven. From the ages of 8 to 13, all I ever wanted was to be a paramedic like John Gage. In February of 1994, I realized that dream when I became a certified (now licensed) paramedic in the State of Illinois.

I would serve in this capacity (as a firefighter, paramedic, and Lieutenant) for 25 years with the Alsip Fire Department caring for the sick and injured in this Village and surrounding communities in need. This “cool job” quickly turned into reality, and the traumas of real-life continued to mount until I finally sought help for job-related post-traumatic stress disorder in 2014. Through a combination of therapy, peer support, and a holistic lifestyle – I have made great post-traumatic growth and healing. I openly share my story in an authentic and vulnerable way with the hope that it will resonate and inspire others to begin their own healing journey. So why blog about this?

Well, my 4- year paramedic license was renewed in 2018 and expires on this date (June 30th, 2022). I have come to the end of an era where I will no longer have the ability to care for the sick and injured in an official capacity. As this day has finally arrived, I close my eyes and fondly look back on the road that led me to becoming a paramedic, along with the trials and tribulations of this time-honored profession. I bid adieu to this chapter in my life without regret.

To John Gage and Roy DeSoto – you inspired myself and countless others to become Emergency Medical Service workers, and I trust I did right by your example.

Namaste,

Tim

As a side note to my readers: Actors Randolph Mantooth (John Gage) and Kevin Tighe (Roy DeSoto) actually attended paramedic school in preparation for their roles in Emergency!