New Arrival By Robin R. Neher I am nervous as I arrive for work at the brand new Station 51. Like the station, I am also brand new. While not new to the rescue squad, I am new to the title of Firefighter/Paramedic. I'm not sure why I just wasted five weeks for training that I may never use. And what of the man who is to be my partner here? He is an older man who has spent the last six months sitting behind a desk My new partner is a family man with a wife and two kids. Do I want to be responsible for making sure this man gets home to them safely every morning? Do I want the lives of victims in my hands? After all, I'm just a fireman. The paramedic part is in word only until the bill passes. My new partner is sure it will or I wouldn't be here now. The question is, what did this man do prior to volunteering for this ridiculous training? "Morning." My new partner grins as I pass him in the bay. "Get into your uniform, then I'll show you our equipment." "Okay, Roy." I grin, and then head toward the locker room. |