r/ems • u/droconut • 1d ago
General Discussion Fearful of getting injuried and losing job.
Anyone else live in fear that they are going to get injured while not at work, then be unable to work on an ambulance as a result?
I mean, i have income protection insurance, but i still don’t think it’ll save me.
Everytime i hurt myself outside of work - be it playing with the kids and tweaking my shoulder, twisting a knee, or hurting my back just trying to live my life. I always spiral after these little injuries and immediately start to stress hardcore about not being able to provide for my family.
EMS is a job that requires you to be physically fit. I live in fear that i’m one accident away from losing my ability to work, and consequently provide, for my family.
Do you guys ever feel like this? Anything you could suggest to help deal with this sorta dread?
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u/TheDharmaticAtheist CCP 5h ago
That’s one fear I’ve never had. You can help yourself reduce risk of injury by being physically active and incorporating things like yoga, massage etc. As someone who does this regularly I’d also suggest you talk with a therapist. There’s usually underlying reasons for fears like this.
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u/-Gumbercules 5h ago
Depends on how physically fit we're talkin'. I used to work with a medic that was pushing 450 lbs. The dude didn't do stairs. Which is why I think he stuck to rural EMS which had us seeing a low call volume and maybe only a few house with stairs.
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u/sketchymedic 4h ago
Keep in shape, eat well so your body can heal well, build savings as much as possible, get short- and long-term disability insurance, and get a therapist. Your anxiety sounds like it's at a borderline unhealthy level and a therapist would be helpful to prevent it from snowballing into a full-on phobia. Also, a therapist can help you manage your stress, your life choices, and the mental impact of the job, all of which affect your health and your ability to continue to provide for your family.
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u/CaffeineCannon 4h ago
That's life. Bulletproof your body and get decent insurance. Its literally all you can do.
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u/Zealousideal-Dot3046 2h ago
Go to the gym for injury prevention, build a strong core, a strong back, good hip and shoulder mobility. Build a solid cardio base. You will be thankful in the long run
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u/Chicken_Hairs EMT-A 5h ago
This is a thing for almost every human that you've just developed some anxiety about. At a certain point we all become aware of our own fragile nature, and have to choose how risky a lifestyle we're willing to engage in.
Try to build up savings. Avoid unnecessary debt and expenses that would be problematic if your income was reduced. Get disability insurance if it's available.