香蕉视频直播業t keeps you coming back香蕉视频直播�: Summerland man reflects on 27 years as paramedic

Helplessly watching as his daughter was struck by seizure while sitting in his lap, changed something in Larry Bate.

It was this fateful day in 1986 that spurred him into pursuing a career as a paramedic. And, 27 years later, he香蕉视频直播檚 finally hanging up his jacket.

香蕉视频直播淚 had no first-aid training whatsoever at that time, and it scared the hell out of me,香蕉视频直播� said the now-retired Summerland paramedic.

The 60-year-old is looking forward to a life of rest and relaxation.

A part-time paramedic in the South Okanagan town for 27 years, Bate has gotten to know many people and has been inside many homes.

It was also by chance that he landed in Summerland. In the early 1990s, Bate was seeking a transfer to the Penticton RCMP, until the opportunity unexpectedly fell through. However, an opening in Summerland with the BC Ambulance Service was available. As soon as he switched, he was hooked.

That being said, many difficult moments and situations throughout the years brought him to the point of quitting more than once.

香蕉视频直播淵ou kind of think about it every two or three years, where you香蕉视频直播檙e ready to quit. And then you get a call where you actually make a difference, and it kind of just sucks you back in,香蕉视频直播� he explained. 香蕉视频直播淭he part about the job that香蕉视频直播檚 the best is being in that car with that one other person, you香蕉视频直播檝e got each other香蕉视频直播檚 backs, and you can make a difference.香蕉视频直播�

A challenging time for B.C. paramedics

Bate leaves the industry at a challenging time. On top of ongoing salary debates, Bate explained BC Ambulance workers have faced immense pressure since COVID-19 hit communities.

March, was a frustrating month for the Summerland paramedic. After hurting his back, he was forced to watch his co-workers struggle to deal with the increasingly-worsening pandemic.

香蕉视频直播淚 was so upset for at least four months, that I wasn香蕉视频直播檛 there to help. It almost drove me nuts. It香蕉视频直播檚 really hard to make that decision to quit,香蕉视频直播� said Bate.

Now, he explained, is the most physically and mentally demanding time for frontline workers. He said workers on the scene not only worry about the patient and themselves, but they also worry about the possibility of taking something home with them to the family.

Since the pandemic began, some paramedics have chosen to not go home to their families. Sleeping in camper trailers and hotels, for some, has become a reality.

With cases escalating again, Bate said it is frustrating for paramedics to watch.

香蕉视频直播淭hey kind of get mad at the people they see who aren香蕉视频直播檛 listening to what we should be doing,香蕉视频直播� he said.

Bate said the suicide rate within the paramedic community is far too high. Although he isn香蕉视频直播檛 exactly sure why this is, he said, it香蕉视频直播檚 likely because of the things they see. Often, they香蕉视频直播檙e first on the scene.

香蕉视频直播淚 had a brother in the armed forces. I香蕉视频直播檝e seen more death than he has. There香蕉视频直播檚 bad one where you香蕉视频直播檙e actually there and trying to help them when they go and that香蕉视频直播檚 really hard.香蕉视频直播�

Reflecting on 27 years of changes

Years ago in the 香蕉视频直播榦lden days香蕉视频直播�, Bate explained, paramedics were placed in extremely difficult and potentially dangerous situations. Any calls in Summerland after 2 a.m. that required medical and police intervention, would be first assessed by ambulance workers as first on scene. RCMP at that time were paid on-call only.

However, as of five years ago, the industry adapted and policies changed, dictating RCMP would be first to arrive on the scene and call upon ambulance workers once it香蕉视频直播檚 safe.

Also within the last five years, Post Traumatic Stress Injuries have become more accepted and more widely discussed, within the ranks. Now, there is a support line paramedics can call to work through situations. Bate has been able to process difficult moments with the help of his wife, a nurse, however, he said not everyone is as lucky.

香蕉视频直播淚n the old days, everybody just kept it inside if they didn香蕉视频直播檛 have someone to talk to.香蕉视频直播�

Despite the challenges, Bate will miss his work, and the people he worked with. He stressed as it香蕉视频直播檚 a hard industry to leave behind.

However, he admitted it香蕉视频直播檚 time for a break.

香蕉视频直播淵ou hit 60, the warranty香蕉视频直播檚 up on your body. (You) can香蕉视频直播檛 get new parts. It香蕉视频直播檚 time for a new car, so time for a new paramedic. This one香蕉视频直播檚 broken.香蕉视频直播�

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com

Like us on and follow us on .

香蕉视频直播