Could u be a paramedic? I couldn’t! You need nerves of steel. The stress is unbearable for...

SageWanderer · 70-79, M

I did it for over 10 years. The PTSD didn’t start until my wife got sick however the training helped being a caretaker.

bowman81 · M

Sure. I wasn't a paramedic but was a first responder to accidents, shootings, and all sorts of mayhem. Usually called for paramedics but did emergency first aid, CPR and even delivered a baby. Where there is the need, you have a job to do, so your training takes over.

Stress comes from things you are powerless to address. Paramedics/first responders are able to directly address problems. The stressors are the peripheral things that go with the job.

OlderSometimesWiser · F

Very sad. I couldn’t do it, no. Another profession that doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the critically important work they do. Nor the support they need to keep doing it.

GeistInTheMachine · 31-35, M

I am pretty desensitized, so I briefly thought about taking up the sort of job that requires putting on a a hazmat suit and cleaning up corpses, but once I opened up to the spiritual side of life, I realized I would never be prepared to be constantly around that sort of heavy, dark energy most of the time. Ironically, when I was an atheist I felt very detached from people to the point where I could watch gore videos and it wouldn't bother me much. So I am glad that passed me by. Sometimes it's not good to be too desensitized.

Guardian

I was. I was forced to retire with PTSD when there wasn't a diagnosis or a name or treatment for what I had! I treated myself for 5 years, before I could get help. It was Hell on Earth!