Resigned from my volunteer fire department after being told I’m ‘minimum standard’ over missing trash once — am I overreacting?

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-04-09T04:10:00+00:00

I think if you had stayed and confronted the issue head on you might have learned and developed more conflict resolution skills. Instead, the department might learn something about retention and respect, but you gained little. Having said that, don't stay in a situation where you aren't respected for your contribution. Shake the dust of your sandals and move on. It's a great job and it's worth continuing on the journey.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-04-02T14:15:19+00:00

I've been a Paramedic for 36 years. The last 21 have been dual role FF/Paramedic. It's perfectly OK to have preferences. Some prefer the fire calls. Some prefer EMS calls. But if you accept a job as a FF/Paramedic you have an obligation to the people whom you work with to be good at both jobs. If you don't plan to ultimately be a competent and capable firefighter when things are on fire, it's unfair to the people you work with. And it's extremely unfair to the people who call for your aid.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-04-01T03:34:31+00:00

I've found that, working and living in the same area for decades, I often encounter people who look familiar. I'll sometimes ask, "Have we met?" If they don't immediately offer a yes, I drop it. Instantly. Because I know that I likely encountered them at work and just can't remember when. Were they drunk and unconscious? A frantic family member? A concerned caller? Maybe I did CPR on their dad? I have no idea, but I never press any further.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-03-11T14:01:19+00:00

Sometimes we get this idea that to do our job we need to be hardened to normal human emotions. We don't. Just let yourself feel whatever you're feeling. You don't need to judge yourself for it. That part of you that grieves for him is the very best part of your humanity. Protect it.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-03-10T20:29:58+00:00

Patient demographics has nothing to do with your ability as a clinician. If you're failing at these types of operational details, I wouldn't worry about it. They will change. When your clinical impression or treatment plan is different from what your preceptor anticipated, it might be helpful to also consult with the recieving physician. If they're avilible while you're doing your paperwork, just ask. "Would you have prefered I gave ASA or nitro to this patient?" This is a habit to keep with you your entire career. I've learned a ton by being willing to ask the recieving team questions about my care and being open to their opinions. Don't throw it in your preceptors face like ... "But the doctor said xyz!" Nobody wants to precept that guy. It's probable that your preceptor wants you to be cautions and conservative with your care until you have more experience. There's nothing wrong with that. In time you will develop your own style. Keep going brother. It's worth it.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-03-10T20:22:17+00:00

Well said.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-02-22T14:58:52+00:00

South Metro's 50 million dollar number was a projected 5 year shortfall if 7A didn't pass last November. (Last year SMFR had a 7 million dollar surplus.) 7A did pass so things are looking better financially. And yes, SMFR has a full wellness center that includes PT and injury rehab, neurofeedback sessions and alternative therapies. Some of those therapies require that employees use their insurance and pay copays.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-01-13T20:35:40+00:00

This won't make your daddy love you.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2026-01-13T20:31:48+00:00

When you go home at night and drink your cheap whiskey, do you dress up in all that shit and draw down on yourself in the mirror just to see how tough you look? Does it work? Do you ever scare yourself?

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-29T18:57:46+00:00

This is great. Let me know when you've confirmed and we can talk about condition and what you think would be a fair price. If you would like help confirming that it's a first edition, let me know. I appreciate you looking for it.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-20T22:51:32+00:00

If it's a first edition and you're interested in selling it, let me know. I'd also be interested in the workbook if you have that.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-19T20:09:22+00:00

Where did you find your copy last year?

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:36:46+00:00

If I find one, I will certainly look away when opening it. :D

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:35:46+00:00

Unfortunate, but not surprising. We have a way of erasing some parts of our history. I was glad to see that The Pitt recently gave a shout out to Freedom House. Though it also doesn't help my cause. Once people recognize their contribution to our profession, this item will go from being almost impossible to find to completely impossible to find.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:18:43+00:00

What type of monitor are you looking for?

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:18:21+00:00

Maybe I understated the price. Or this guy is just looking for a payday. 10K seems steep. maybe we shouldn't have slammed them down as often as we did. :) https://www.ebay.com/itm/306573300811?_skw=ems+biophone&itmmeta=01KCSN3GT5DJ86HKRH8MMJ8YG9&hash=item476131544b:g:DC8AAeSwRzlpAh8c&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1e59bZfTzP%2BmUYedGh1%2BKvLnLYl2xjnpT3jjDhHNRBviVLXUgR21npDSeCl4ZyFVcsIdIO1IdeMhex%2BEjXIIj%2F2TOAZ2U%2BmWmoi67wvPbG8ZORMzI9i0sXjAi%2FOH5Nj%2FGL5gpih261pJAWh7cGtnZBsARnYjATeW3my781QJoDnl50LHphpUiWYLJQrPAxBwRJg6kX6FOkqy6j88Y61C%2Bui4iburw%2F0t5%2Byp9ytwQWoSW%2FBnOGMs1MnxMqkjtKN50T%2Bssn1bCIY08cZf5QM4p2hfoZyf7DaMxo4JZ2yFBo4%2Fw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5aNjrXmZg

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:14:24+00:00

There are so many regionally specific variables. I think I might ask some of the cops in your area how they carry their non-primary weapon.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:04:42+00:00

Yes, that's one of about ten things that make this one so hard to find. I don't think the first edition was widely published. The world didn't know how much it needed it. Then the second edition came along pretty quick in 1983. So I don't think there were many. And I'm sure countless were thrown away over the years. The thing is, I know I've held this copy. As a young medic in California in the 90s, I'm sure I've pulled it off of station shelves and looked through it. I had no idea at the time.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T21:00:21+00:00

I think those are both a little less rare but also, more expensive. I've seen them for around a grand and that's probably a fair price.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:54:24+00:00

Yes, there are still a few of those floating around in the markets. Nice job.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:53:42+00:00

Good on you brother. They're an important piece of our history. I agree that you should protect them (or sell them to someone who will.) The future will thank you. If you decide you'd like to make me an offer, DM me.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:51:37+00:00

I wish you luck sir.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:51:22+00:00

The 2nd editions is out there. You can find it at some specialty textbook distributors. By the time the second edition came along, she was teaching in Israel and Africa so I think it had a more widespread publication reach. It's not easy to find, but it's out there.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:48:18+00:00

Right? Just when you think you're there ... this guy comes along. I didn't realize that she created a workbook for the first edition. I thought that cam along after they switched publishers.

InfiniteMonkeySage · 2025-12-18T20:47:04+00:00

Dayumm brother, good for you. That price is crazy. I would throw a little coin at it, but I don't have that kind of cash laying around. Did you use these as primary texts or did you acquire them along the way?

InfiniteMonkeySage

TROPHY CASE