Advice for Firefighter with Phobia

[WildFED]

I am considering entering the structure fire career path but I have a phobia that has plagued me for all my life. I have a phobia of medical topics, strangely enough only when in the classroom (in real life situations I do fine...I worked for 6 years on a small paid dept that didn't require medical certs...we would just assist the private ambo company).
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me or has anyone faced the same obsticle? I love firefighting but I have such a hard time trying to sit through medical trainings I don't know if I can make it.

Thanks, Private Msg me if necessary.

[BULL321]

I am considering entering the structure fire career path but I have a phobia that has plagued me for all my life. I have a phobia of medical topics, strangely enough only when in the classroom (in real life situations I do fine...I worked for 6 years on a small paid dept that didn't require medical certs...we would just assist the private ambo company).
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me or has anyone faced the same obsticle? I love firefighting but I have such a hard time trying to sit through medical trainings I don't know if I can make it.

Thanks, Private Msg me if necessary.

Just suck it up and go! If you want it bad enough you will adapt and overcome. I have faith in you.

[snowball]

I was able to outsmart my EMS classroom phobia by taping actual pictures of my open eyes inside my Coke bottle glasses. Knock back a couple of Xanax and a shot of Jameson and you're golden. Slept like a baby through the whole thing.

[slackjawedyokel]

I am sure I am going to get flamed --- but not every one is suited for the job.

[WildFED]

slackjawedjokel,

I hope you don't get "flamed" because I know you don't mean ill will. But what is truely madening in that I can do the job and with no problem but for some odd reason the training makes me really uncomfortable and I didn't know if anyone had any experience or advice for working though this type of experience.
As I stated before, I was on a dept. for around 6 years but working for a city with more medical related trainings is my cause for concern...

[slackjawedyokel]

Now you have me confused ---is it just the training aspect ?-- or the actual medical calls also? If you can handle the actual blood and guts (and puke-my favorite) - but the class room is the problem --- that just sounds like a "minor quirk" that can be talked through. On a medical call - the carnage doesnt bother me because I have a job to do and am focused on my job. Try and apply the same mindset to the class room.

[Hopster]

What part of the training bothers you??

[WildFED]

just the classroom/talking about it! I do just fine on calls...several where I had no problem (bleeding, severe trauma, etc)...

[Dickey]

If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to deal with it. If not, then it just isn't for you. I agree, not everyone is cut out to do this job. No harm no foul and no offense but some people are just better at things than others.

Maybe make a career out of something you love to do or make a hobby a career.

[nmfire]

just the classroom/talking about it! I do just fine on calls...several where I had no problem (bleeding, severe trauma, etc)...

I'm the same way. A few weeks ago, one of the guys working on his paramedic wanted to practice looking for veins. Not doing anything. Just taking my arm and saying "look, there's a vein". I almost passed out from him pointing at my own vein. When we had to watch a video about hemophilia in school... splat. Needles and anything else that pokes and bleeds on a video or in simulation and I'm CTD. No explanation, I don't know why. I look the other way and whine when I have to get a shot.

But, you could get run over with an out of control lawnmower and I will be fine. Nothing bothers me in real life. And hey, look at me. I turned out FINE!

[ChiefKN]

And hey, look at me. I turned out FINE!

Don't scare the poor guy!



How does this training phobia manifest? Do you vomit?

[CGITCH]

I was able to outsmart my EMS classroom phobia by taping actual pictures of my open eyes inside my Coke bottle glasses. Knock back a couple of Xanax and a shot of Jameson and you're golden. Slept like a baby through the whole thing.

Wow, that is too descriptive to not be true.

[ChiefKN]

I was able to outsmart my EMS classroom phobia by taping actual pictures of my open eyes inside my Coke bottle glasses. Knock back a couple of Xanax and a shot of Jameson and you're golden. Slept like a baby through the whole thing.

Proving that EMS really does means, "Earn Money Sleeping".

[johnny46]

Have you actually been diagnosed?

[Dickey]

Drinking a 5th of Jack Daniels helps me get through the day.








Seriously, you should maybe see a doctor and get some good drugs!