Jess

I have to say I'm extremely impressed with the responses of this post and the original post. It's way to easy to misconstrued this post and its responses into saying "fat people are disgusting and you don't belong in this field or society." I've had to read and reread this post over and over again in order to make sure I'm fully understanding what is being asked here. Its human nature to form a judgment on someone with first impression. Everyone has done it and it will continue to happen. It's not fair to do nor is it acceptable. But this "I'm fat so what" attitude is not a good one to take. By saying that, you are accepting that your fat as in your going to be like this for life so why do something about it. Not to mention your basically telling everyone else that sees you with this attitude that you done care which gives an open invitation to judge you. Thats not a good attitude. Dwayne said it best though. By medical definition, I am overweight. Yes there are times that I used get upset about it, but the last time I got upset with it, I forked over the cash and got a membership to Golds Gym. I have a personal trainer there and a whole lot of motivation to shed the pounds. I must say I'm pleased with the results thus far! Some folks cant afford the membership to a gym nor have the time for it. But there are still things you can do if you are concerned about the publics physical image of you as a provider. I am also aware of the fact the some folks are just overweight due to genetics, hormone problems etc. I happen to be one of those people. I refuse to sit here and be upset because people are judging me because I'm fat and then just blame it on xyz medical condition and be content with it. Its perfectly fine to be comfortable with your own body but there is a fine line between you being comfortable with your body and yet being able to perform this job safely. The last time I was judged for being overweight was when I was in high school, big whoop, it was high school. This is adulthood and the real world. People will judge regardless of what I look like. I can accept that. But I do know for a fact that I don't have to accept being an overweight individual any longer. I don't huff and puff going up stairs, my bp runs low usually, and I've never had a heart attack. But that doesn't mean that my life will continue to be that peachy if I had continued to neglect my weight problem. DD made that loud and clear when he explained what happened to his friend. He made some very valid points in that post, some of which are some real eye openers. So the original question of "Can you look professional and be fat?" Of course you can! Its up to you to prove that though. It comes with self respect, competency, respect to others and appearance. I know lots of MORBIDLY obese folks in this profession that are OUTSTANDING providers! People will continue to judge though. Is it fair? Hell no its not but it's life. Which sparks another question, can you still be a functional provider at 5 foot 6in and 92 pounds? (and yes I do know a paramedic that is that height and weight) That can be just as unhealthy as a 350 pound medic. There are many more things that can cause one to appear unprofessional but I don't think weight is one of them. ** I know I somewhat rambled in this post but I want to make it perfectly clear that this post is not intended as an attack nor is its contents directed at any one person. Its merely my opinion based off my own personal experience of being an overweight individual. I hope it generates some insight among folks and sparks more well thought out posts from members!**

I hope it was a great birthday for you Stephy!!

Excellent post! However, I'd like to hear more about the case if you have more info. I'm learning hungry right now! I have actually considered doing some ER clinicals to keep up on my skills! But excellent posts kaisu and Dwayne!

Once again, Congrats Eric! I wish you both all the best! Since everyone else is offering advice, I can only provide a visual aid

Little Wonders by Rob Thomas This song is amazing. It makes you think of all the things that happen to you in life, forget about the bad ones, and embrace the new ones. It just goes to show that you should keep moving forward.

Thank you all so much! This has been quite the experience for me. But if I have one piece of advice to share with students, new EMTs just everyone in this service, its this: Never forget the feeling of uncertainty you felt when you first started. I share this because of course i was absolutely elated when I found out I passed. I busted my arse and it paid off! But after the initial shock, I realized that i now have to put my knowledge to the test and get a EMT job. With that thought came the biggest feeling of "Oh my gosh can I do this?" well of course I can! I worked hard to get to where I am right now and there is still so much more learning to do! As a respected member of this site told me last night when I asked him about this uncertainty feeling going away, he replied "Yes it will go away, but you never stop learning and if you're at the point you know it all, go find a new job" I just needed to share that with you all and I really hope some of the new folks starting out see it. Thanks again everyone for your continued support and spiritual uplifting through the rough patches! God Bless!

I go to the gym everyday and listen to the same stuff, JOCK JAMS! Thats exactly what they are called to. They have many different ones to choose from! lol! they used to sell them really cheap like at walmart or Kmart but you can download them off any file sharing program you prefer. they amp me up pretty good to the point mile 5 comes and treadmill, the treadmill is slowing down and its like "WHOA!" times fun when you're having flies!

As most of you know, I took the National Registry for EMT-B on Saturday. I found out this morning that I passed! So i just wanted to let you all know. Thanks for all the support you all have given me. Take care and God Bless!

Brit: why go through all that trouble when you can just join MySpace...same thing!

ooooo Admin actually went and corrected it! sweeeeeet! That cures that particular OCD flare up

LOL! Thats funny Terri I know, I seriously need a life but i couldn't help but point it out! Just being observant is all

Okay this is kinda odd yet kind of funny...well to me. LOL :roll: Thus, the reason it's in the "funny Stuff." But under my screen name here, it calls me a "Sophmore." Did anyone besides me realize that "sophmore" is spelled wrong? I believe sophomore is the correct spelling Just some food for thought. :tongue8: I just figured if a thread could be started about leaving the bathroom door open or closed, I could make this one I know I know "Jess get a life!" :glasses7:

First and foremost, Congrats! Welcome to city as well! I've seen your posts and must say I'm impressed. I hope you find this site useful and fun. You will learn a lot from other members here! So never be afraid to ask questions and such. I hope you enjoy your visits here and look forward to seeing you around more! Once again Congrats!

wellllllllllllll you did always teach us to utilize the report button so we did! and now we are getting scolded for it and accused of trying to be moderators...you confuse me *sits in the corner and plays with matches* :twisted:

yea i usually keep the door open.. The last storm blew off the door and well the duct tape isn't holding it anymore :pottytrain5: :walk:

agreed Spen. I based my response on the fact he has not yet been found guilty of the crime stated. It's too easy to read these horrible things in new stories, point fingers as if the person is 100% guilty, hell i still think OJ is guilty but thats just my opinion lol

I cant agree with you more on everything.

Yea because everyone is out to get us :roll: Whether he committed the rapes in the ambulance or not, is irrelevant. Rape is Rape. Its a horrid horrid crime whether its done in an ambulance, to a child, to a 30 yr old, or in a church. If he's found guilty, I hope he rots for it. There is never enough the justice system can do, to instill the pain, suffering, and mental anguish on a criminal that the criminal instilled on his or her victim. just my 2 cents

Actually I've not been there lately and didn't realize that. But besides that I wouldnt go to gamble and drink. I'm just looking at having a good time putting names with faces and gaining more friendships. Last time i was there, I was quite young and remember how boring it was for me lol! But this would be great!

Yea i'm quite aware of that. I have a job too even in the real world. So I know what your saying. However, it was general statement that it does not matter where it is, not everyone is going to be able to show up because its too far. I You have to read into the point im trying to make...think about it for a bit..its not a bash on the folks that cant go and it has nothing to do with "Just dropping everything to go somewhere" it has absolutely nothing to do with that at ALL. The point i was trying to prove was, just pick a location and if people can show up thats wonderful, if they cant, that sucks maybe we'll meet some other time. You were talking about planning something for the East Coast folks so i didn't expect you to take offense to this. It surely wasn't my intention as I do realize, I know how it all works and know people cant just pick up and leave. that wasn't even being discussed. I'm sorry

Vegas would be hella cool! An Airline here offers a direct flight to Vegas from Peoria for around $150. It would cost more than that just to travel to St Louis or Kansas City by air or car. Vegas would be sooooo much better! Even though I'm sure most the activities we all will be involved in there would pretty much eliminates the under 21 folks...but who knows. Although I don't think Las Vegas was even a destination of choice for this meet up cant we at least consider it? No matter where we have it someone, is going to say its too far and they cant go. Like Dust said "I mean, let's face it; most people -- male or female -- are only one excuse away from taking a trip to Vegas anyhow." So may as well just name a place and forget the voting stuff :roll: Just my thoughts

Britt we get lots of free time in Prison! hehehehe! To you Drew! I'm looking to get into a nursing program as well to eventually work as an RN. I wish you all the luck! Also, Welcome to the site!

Everyone!

Thats one hell of a family reunion there Dust!

I live a couple hours from St Louis, so I think I'll just bunk up in my car or with Brent HAHA! even though my car doesn't lock :roll: But Yea St Louis would be cool because there is a lot to do there and I'm sure we could get some excellent and reasonable prices for things.