New Partner By Robin R. Neher ______________ He looks so young, so innocent. His eyes are bright with excitement and anticipation. According to his record, he is twenty-two years old, though to me he looks barely old enough to drive. His record states that he has been in the department for four years, having spent the last three on Squad 10. As I look at him, I can't help but worry. Can he handle being a paramedic? Does this youngster have the patience and theself-discipline to do the job? He wasn't exactly thrilled about joining us. Will this man listen to and have respect for the doctors? Junior comes across as the type that plays by his own rules and has little patience for the opinions of others. Though that may just be because he's young. Will I be able to get along with young Johnny Gage? He seems so different from me. Unmarried, no kids, no problems. I know I promised this guy he could be my partner if he joined the program, but the truth is I'm not sure I want him. "Mr. DeSoto, are you gonna show me the squad?" Newly certified Paramedic Johnny Gage asked. "Yeah," I reply. "In a minute, Johnny." |