Naresh Naveenthirarajah

COMM 1715
12895
Catherine Patterson
Friday, November 29, 2019

Taking the GO: Next Stop Paramedicine

The day I witnessed paramedics helping a woman who had a seizure on the GO train was

when I realized I wanted to be a paramedic because I saw how their ability to analyze the

situation, willingness to help others, and degree of knowledge and skills aligned with what I

aspire to pursue in my career. First, I saw the paramedics take control of the situation and clearly

showcase a high level of critical thinking skills. One partner prioritized moving people out of the

way to have easy access to the patient, and the other partner made the patient feel comfortable

and assessed her health. In particular, the speed and precision of how they handled the situation

was impressive, for it is a skill I look forward to honing. Essentially, the aspect of critical

thinking has always been an enjoyable component of life for me, and seeing it applied as a

paramedic made me realize my interest for the field. Secondly, I want to be a paramedic as I will

have the opportunity to help others. Paramedics are one of the first emergency medical services

to arrive on the scene, and I want to live a life where I can be there for those in need. For

instance, I have volunteered as a medical first responder at various events, so I have learned

firsthand how rewarding it is to help someone who is injured and provide comfort for both the

patient and their loved ones. Hence, seeing the paramedics in action helped me realize that it was

the right career if I wanted my work to involve making a difference in people’s lives. Finally, as
a Paramedic I will be able to gain knowledge and skills to build confidence in providing

diagnoses and treatment. Specifically, the paramedics who arrived on scene quickly checked the

patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Then, they inquired and documented pertinent

information regarding the patient and took her vitals, which included taking her blood pressure.

After analyzing this information, they provided the necessary care. Because I saw what the

paramedics could do with the skills they fostered over the years, I realized this is the path I want

to pursue to learn more and to be better. In conclusion, I want to be a paramedic because I want

to spend my life making critical decisions, aiding others, and continually learning medical

knowledge and skills.