As an EMS captain in the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, one of my greatest privileges is witnessing the success and growth of my providers: celebrating their achievements, offering constructive feedback and ensuring they feel supported in their roles. However, one of the biggest challenges I face is reinforcing the underlying mantra, “This is why we do this.”
Through the trials of COVID-19, the heartbreak of supporting departments facing devastating loss, the struggle to balance family time, and the relentless expectation to uphold the highest standards, the weight of our profession can feel overwhelming. I have certainly felt this pressure myself. Yet, in my most difficult moments, I have found profound support from my workplace—especially from my direct reports.
A CALL TO REMEMBER
Each of us has experienced those defining calls that remind us why we chose this path. Recently, I had the opportunity to support our medics on a high-acuity call. In collaboration with personnel from the Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD), every provider played a critical role in overcoming challenges. Even VBPD officers stepped in, offering help in any capacity they could.
As cliché as it may sound, it was like witnessing art—each of us applying a brushstroke to create a masterpiece. We did this together. It was evident to the patient’s loved ones that we were giving it our all…