A call

There are people who come into your life who are able to see the bigger picture. They see beyond what is really going on and can help you through a really tough time. I remember such a moment in my life, and I didn't realize at the time what a gift I had been given.
In college, I volunteered at a rescue squad. My second call as a basic EMT found me on the interstate in the middle of a huge car accident. I was alone out there with a driver. Being the only certified EMT on scene, I was in charge of triaging the patients. I was not prepared for what I was being asked to do. I literally had to step over patients to go account for everybody and communicate the need for resources. I found one patient had died, but was not willing to pronounce him dead. I just didn't feel like I could. Who wants that responsibility?
After 2 different extrications and 3 trauma patients and couple of other patients, we finally made it to the ER. While walking back out to the ambulance, I started looking for a place to vomit. I didn't know what else to do. This call had overwhelmed my ability to cope. I wobbled along, feeling like a total failure. It was then that my rescue squad chief caught me. He grabbed me and looked me dead in the eye. "You did good, don't worry about a thing. Next time, go ahead and pronounce the patient dead. You have to be able to do that. Other than that, you did good."
It was truly a moment in my life where I could have gone either way. I think if he hadn't spoken to me in that moment, I would have never set foot on an ambulance again. He saved me with a few simple words.
I realize, now, how much strength I have drawn from having someone I respect give me honest, heartfelt support. I have been able to face many challenges in my life with the confidence knowing that I had faced a pretty awful scene, and come out if it with the words "You did good."
Leadership is one of the most underrated forms of service in this world. It is rare that you come across leaders who are willing to see the bigger picture and make sure everyone is taken care of. The chief always wanted the patient taken care of, and he went the extra mile in taking care of the rescue workers. His vision for making his community a better place served all sorts of people. He even served this smart-mouthed college kid. I can't imagine where I would be in life without him. I wish I had listened to his words better, and I wish I had showed him more respect. I guess it is one of those things in life where you don't realize what a gift is until much later. You need to be older and wiser to see it. And then when you do realize it, you forget to go back and thank the person. Life is busy and full of other things to take care of. Now, I look at my life. I spent 5 years on the road as a paramedic, and now work in the Emergency Department as a nurse. I have also worked on 2 different programs to help first line responders with critical incident stress management. I've done my best to honor that gift given to me so long ago. A gift given to me by a very, very special man. Thanks, Ron, I will always be in your debt.