Across Canada, thousands of first responders are struggling, frequently in silence, with the consequences of their jobs.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget about these unsung heroes.
Diana Adams, an EMS worker from Stoughton, has worked in health care since 1995. Before returning to her hometown, Adams worked as a care aide in Alberta and also as an aide that helped rehabilitate people of all ages.
“When I moved back to Stoughton, I started working casual in Estevan as a special care aide and was then approached by Stoughton ambulance to see if that would be something that interested me. Wasn’t sure at first but thought why not give it a try.”
When asked how she prepared for the job as an EMS worker, Adams stated that the team would meet monthly and develop skills that helped them work efficiently and effectively as a team.
“The lady who ran things with the ambulance made sure that you understood what she was teaching you. It was an extreme help,” Adams explains.
Adams worked with the ambulance for about five years and then decided to go for a course which she attended part-time in Weyburn through SIAST.
“Between working at the nursing home in Stoughton part-time, going to school every other weekend, taking calls with the ambulance and raising two girls, I had a pretty busy life, Thank goodness for family,” she says.
Adams explains that since COVID-19, things have changed in her job.
“Making sure you do self-screening every day so that you are safe to be at work. You have to keep on top of changes and safety regulations so as to keep yourself as well as everyone around you as safe as possible. Wearing of PPE. Making sure you have all the proper PPE available for everyone working in the unit.”
Adams explains that everyone needs to remember that in order to keep other people safe, you have to keep yourself safe.
Adams says that one of the biggest struggles is not having enough staff. “Our ambulance is a volunteer service and everyone who works with us has another job to go to. They pick up ambulance shifts when they can. I honestly feel our community would feel a great loss if we didn't have this service.”
EMS workers, like other first responders sometimes come across scenarios that are harder to handle than others, but Adams explains that everyone is there for everyone. If someone is having a difficult time with something, she tells them to speak to one another.
She also explains that other ambulance services will often call one another to make sure everyone is doing OK and handling things.
“The biggest thing is to talk and not keep things bottled up inside,” Adams insists.
When someone has to attend a scene where human life may have been lost, Adams said they do what they can to help but sometimes there is nothing that can be done.
“When we get back to our station we tend to go through the scenario and walk through what we did or what we could have done differently. Every situation is different.”
As human beings we sometimes take things for granted, but services like the Stoughton Ambulance are priceless in our communities so if you feel like you want to join their team you can contact Diana Adams and sign up. The world could use more selfless people in it.
