Hmmm.... that's a good question. From a family member I think there's been some positives and negatives I've noticed.
Negatives
*Sort of like the mechanic who doesn't work on his own car, I've seen that some times if one of our kids is hurt and it's not "life threatening" then the compassion isn't quite the same.
*His sleep pattern is screwed up for his days off - which can sometimes make for him being a little snippy
*Family members automatically assume he should have the answer to every medical problem they may be experiencing at any given moment.
Positives
*Our boys and I are so incredibly proud of him. The boys love to say, "Well, my dad saves lives!"
*He's home after school for the kids while I'm working.
*He usually has a pretty good "generic" answer to the family members!
One other thing that I've really noticed is that I can't relate to what he feels when he's had a bad run. (Define "bad" however you interpret it.) I'm not always sure how he's feeling emotionally about what he's had to deal with. I let him talk and hopefully that helps.
In turn, I know he's proud of me and what I do. But I sometimes don't think he understands the magnitude of some of the issues I deal with at work. No, I'm not saving lives, but my job is important for the company in which I work. My "bad" days in comparison would be like his days that if every run were BLS and every patient died. Or if the patient didn't die, he was darn close - and no one ever told you that he didn't. I know that's not a "fair" comparison per se, but it's the best I can do.
It's a balancing act, for sure. I know for our family, it's been a good move. He's much happier than in his previous job. He knows and feels that he makes a difference every single day he works. Happiness goes a long way!