Whatever I Can Do
If you’re unaware…and chances are you don’t know, it’s National EMS week. I said I would do what I could to promote awareness. Writing this seemed easier than standing outside and screaming about it at the top of my lungs.
My first dealing with Northwest EMS…and they may have had a different name back then. It was early in my comedy career. I won’t tell you the year because I don’t want you to have to call the paramedics for yourself. If you knew my real age it would probably send you into shock because of my good-looking, youthful appearance…yeah, OK…shut up.
Anyway, I had some friends from school, including John Chamberlin from “YaJagoff,” working as paramedics. They had been called to the scene of an accident where a little boy had suffered injuries that would require multiple surgeries. The family didn’t have the insurance to cover the boy’s needs, so the EMS group decided to do what they could to help.
One of the ideas they came up with was to do a comedy fundraiser show. They approached me and Billy Elmer, since we were both “Rocks” boys to help put it together. We were able to put together a show with most of the best local comedians. It went so well that we did it again the following year.
Despite what you might hear, comedians for the most part are good people. If you need help, we will do whatever we can. OK, I should say within reason. If you want a fundraising show or a funny video or article for your charity, we’re there. Just don’t be ridiculous and ask us to help you move or something.
My second dealing with Northwest EMS was when my mother broke her hip. It took us over half an hour to convince her that we needed to call an ambulance. When the paramedics arrived they were not only very knowledgeable and professional, but very patient with my mother.
She was scared and was in no hurry to go and kept saying,
“Just let me sit here for a minute.”
The paramedics were understanding and just said,
“We’re in no hurry, we’ll go when you’re ready.”
If it was me, I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from saying,
“What do you think lady, if you sit there long enough it will heal on its own?”
OK, maybe I did say that, but hey, she’s my mother.
I can’t blame her for being in no hurry to get to the hospital. Nobody looks forward to surgery. If you can put something like that off for as long as you can, you will.
A few years ago, I needed hernia surgery. I knew it was there, but like my mother, kept hoping it would heal itself. It wasn’t the surgery that bothered me as much as the examination. That’s kind of a personal area.
I had that area felt and poked, not just by my doctor, but also the surgeon who would perform the operation. So, now that’s two guys I get Christmas Cards from every year.
Fortunately, I haven’t needed EMS so far, but it’s good to know they are there if I do. Support your local paramedics, it’s not an easy job. This is my way of helping to spread the word. I do what I can. Just don’t ask me to help you move.
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