I'm pretty brand spanking new here (a week maybe?), but if it isn't too big headed of me, I'd like to put my two cents in.
First of all, this forum has inspired me more than ever to become a paramedic. I won't be attending classes until August, but the depth of knowledge, personal anecdotes, years of combined experience, quirky stories, and other various interests that are expressed here are getting me more and more excited about the profession! I don't think many of you realize how much of a help you have been to me and other aspiring paramedics (or EMTs) who are curious about such things, don't know what types of questions to ask, or need some advice. Every time I hear or see an ambulance whiz by I give a little woo hoo and yay (I know, I'm cheezy!) because now I finally see how truly passionate some of you are about your work.
Secondly, I have to admit, it can be a bit intimidating posting or chatting with seasoned veterans. The first time I came into chat and asked about certain things I just didn't know because I haven't started school yet, I got slammed down hard. What is extremely basic knowledge to you may not be to others who are just curious. There are now more and more people who are trying to do more research into whether this is the profession for them, or on the various schools because it's getting to be a more popular field and harder to get in. If it helps newer people speak, may I suggest starting another subforum for people who are just interested but may not be medics?
I do notice there's the occasional bickering, but what forum doesn't? Most admins don't even lock threads or give warnings in other forums as they should be doing, so this is actually a lot more civil than many I've seen. Not only that, but you can't really change the personality or heated emotion of the writer, you can only ask them to choose their words wisely. Yes I agree that there should be a standard to which EMTs/medics uphold their professionalism even off duty to set a good example, but the occasional slip is okay.
Obviously, I'm quite comfortable with chatting or posting now, probably because I'm used to crazy patrons yelling at me at work for no apparent reason, and maybe I just can't shut my trap when I feel really passionate about something. I truly hope new members will see how many nice people there are in here who are so patient in taking the time to answer questions or give some helpful tips. I may not be very knowledgeable about the field at this point, but at least I'm making the effort in trying hard to learn, regardless of how many people roll their eyes at me.
Anyway, thanks to all those who've been so friendly and helpful.
Cheers!