As we round the final turn towards the New Millineum, where are we? I'll tell you where we are at. We are trapped in one of the most abused professions known to man. We trudge into work everday, leaving our families behind for up to 24 hours at a time, only to be verbally and even physically abused by the "GOOD" citizens of our communities. Why do we take this? Well, I can shed some light on this too.

We are all living the dream. Aren't we? Come on, at some point in your career you have to say or have said,"I've always dreamed of being an EMT or Paramedic". Unfortunately, most of us have had our dreams turned to nightmares by people who abuse EMS systems or personnel.

Let's try something different. Let's strengthen our dream by concentrating on the citizens that "pay" our salaries, the sick and critically injured. These people actually pay more than just our salaries, they pay us back for years of education and training. These people are the ones that need us. It makes us feel good to assist these folks, using our skills and knowledge to save or lengthen lives.

So, the next time you are dealing with a patient that most of us would consider SCUM, let's remember those patients who would not have called us for any other reason than to save their lives. Edna who has end stage CHF. Sally, she's been diagnosed with brain CA, and little Jeremy, lets not forget him. He was in a vehicle that was struck by a drunk driver. His parents? DEAD. Let's not forget that these people are why we are here. Don't let the "scumbags" break our spirit. There are people that need us, and want us to help them. So until next time, BE SAFE AND BE STRONG.

If you have any response to this editorial, please E-mail and mark it care of The Unknown Medic