I won't get too existential on this one, but a friend just brought up a good point in a Facebook thread:
"I'm planning my funeral and had to ask: If fire gets a full military funeral and so does PD, what should EMS get?"
Damn.
Good question.
I've seen full honors given to EMS brothers and sisters who fell in the line of duty but it didn't have nearly the impact to a fire or PD funeral. You're right.
We refer to one another using the same term, "First Responder" so why not the same type of honors every time a Medic or EMT falls in the line of duty?
Fire lines the streets with flag wavers, so does PD and rightfully so, but what about EMS? Still the redheaded stepchild of the 3 disciplines?
As I've said before, perhaps it is time the red headed step child stands up and shows his step father how to treat his mother.
If you have the unfortunate burden of planning a funeral for a fallen EMS brother or sister, don't try to re-invent the wheel, reach out to those who know what to do.
Call the local FD and PD and ask for help in making arrangements. There's a good chance you are working for a company that doesn't have the resources or the will to give your fallen comrade the respect they deserve.
Don't get caught up in that now, get caught up in what you can do for your friend, their family and your co-workers in this troubling time.
You don't need a color guard or random EMSers unsure of what is going on. Chances are, if you ask, PD and the FD will be fighting to see who receives the privilege to honor your fallen brother or sister. Let them help. They need to help as much as you need the help.
We may not have our own traditions dialed in yet, but many organizations do. Look to the older third service agencies for guidance on dress and protocol. If you don't know anyone there, like I said, reach out to PD and fire. No doubt they'll post a watch on the door, help the family and help your agency recover from your loss.
It is my deepest desire that no one reading this ever needs it.
Ever.
But if it helps, you have my condolences.
"I'm planning my funeral and had to ask: If fire gets a full military funeral and so does PD, what should EMS get?"
Damn.
Good question.
I've seen full honors given to EMS brothers and sisters who fell in the line of duty but it didn't have nearly the impact to a fire or PD funeral. You're right.
We refer to one another using the same term, "First Responder" so why not the same type of honors every time a Medic or EMT falls in the line of duty?
Fire lines the streets with flag wavers, so does PD and rightfully so, but what about EMS? Still the redheaded stepchild of the 3 disciplines?
As I've said before, perhaps it is time the red headed step child stands up and shows his step father how to treat his mother.
If you have the unfortunate burden of planning a funeral for a fallen EMS brother or sister, don't try to re-invent the wheel, reach out to those who know what to do.
Call the local FD and PD and ask for help in making arrangements. There's a good chance you are working for a company that doesn't have the resources or the will to give your fallen comrade the respect they deserve.
Don't get caught up in that now, get caught up in what you can do for your friend, their family and your co-workers in this troubling time.
You don't need a color guard or random EMSers unsure of what is going on. Chances are, if you ask, PD and the FD will be fighting to see who receives the privilege to honor your fallen brother or sister. Let them help. They need to help as much as you need the help.
We may not have our own traditions dialed in yet, but many organizations do. Look to the older third service agencies for guidance on dress and protocol. If you don't know anyone there, like I said, reach out to PD and fire. No doubt they'll post a watch on the door, help the family and help your agency recover from your loss.
It is my deepest desire that no one reading this ever needs it.
Ever.
But if it helps, you have my condolences.
Comments