an unusual volunteer job

Our high school graduate is spending his summer bussing tables for a catering company by night and whirring around the city in an ambulance by day. The latter stems from Max’s training in the eighty-hour Wilderness First Responder course he took over spring break in Arizona, followed by a an Explorer course he took with a Kansas City metro ambulance company. He has always had a need for speed and a desire to help those in trouble.

So, this kid who usually sports flip flops, sagging shorts and a Lienenkugels beer ball cap and who doesn’t utter more than a few grunts and groans before 9:00 a.m. energetically left the house Saturday morning at 5:30, smartly dressed in the ambulance crew uniform - tight fitting cargo pants, a bright green polo shirt, a belt (to which was attached his cell phone) his new black shoes and, last but not least, a stethoscope (prized graduation gift) draped around his neck.

But let me back up a bit. Before any of this happened, I had to sit before a representative of the ambulance company who explained the risks involved in riding with a paramedic/EMT crew as they venture into any and all parts of town, lights flashing, sirens screaming, tending to wrecks, homicides, heart attacks and the like. Then I had to sign a waiver.

The guy behind the desk turned his attention at one point to Max: Have you ever been to a morgue? You’ll probably go to one this summer. Ever seen anyone die? You probably will this summer; maybe little kids or even kids your age. Ever been up close and personal with someone else’s blood, vomit or feces? Get ready to wipe all of the above off your shoes.

I felt a little woozy during this part of the presentation. I looked over at Max. It was obvious he was getting only more pumped up.

During the course of his first day on the job, our volunteer Explorer kept in close contact with us by way of text messaging:

8:27 a.m.
We’re making a Code One call with the lights and EVERYTHING. I’ll tell you all about it after we do it.

9:13 a.m.
We’re at the ER near Becca’s house… we picked up a lady from a nursing home. She had back pain, so they called us. Nothing big (yet) but it was fun.

10:16 a.m.
This is Unit 24. We’re 10-19 to North Kansas City Hospital. We have a Code Two…a.k.a. not a big deal. Guy has a swollen ankle. Got him from the police.

11:54 a.m.
This is Unit 24… My 10-20 is the back of the car writing graduation thank-you notes. I have seven done. Over.

2:32 p.m.
Just running calls. Still nothing too exciting.

4:05 p.m.
Oh hell yes we got a call to Rockfest. Woop woop woop!! We have an ETOH patient (that means he’s drunk). Also on coke.

Max came home safe and sound and says he can’t wait to go out again.