Leave work on time
•David’s story: a skilled, compassionate paramedic who deeply connected with patients, especially during psychiatric crises.
oStruggled to separate work from life.
oRelied on alcohol as a coping mechanism, which ultimately cost him his life.
•Core lesson: In emergency medicine, you must leave work at work—emotionally and physically—otherwise burnout and unhealthy coping are inevitable.
•Healthy separation:
oBalance connection with patients while avoiding over-identification.
oRemember: “It is not your emergency.”
•Practical strategies to get off on time:
oCheck labs/imaging in real time.
oComplete charting as you go.
oPlan handoffs 1–2 hours before end of shift.
oControl what’s controllable—systems, shift crossover, advocate for better staffing.
•Mental discipline:
oSet down burdens from tragic or unjust cases (e.g., drunk drivers, preventable deaths).
oFind something greater than yourself (faith, higher power, or another anchor) to release what you can’t control.
•Work–life balance:
oCreate a clear line between work and home (physical transition, dedicated space, or ritual).
oAccept that some seasons demand more grind, but don’t let it become a lifestyle.
oYour family will notice the time you miss more than your employer ever will.
•Identity check:
oYou are not your job title; resilience and character matter more.
oOver-identifying with work justifies staying late and sacrificing home life.
•Universal takeaway: No matter the field, burdens from work will bleed into family life unless you intentionally lay them down. Getting off on time = preserving resilience, family, and long-term health.
Chapter 3: Take Care of Yourself Before You Take Care of Others
•Past struggles:
oPrioritized school and work over health.
oPoor sleep, binge eating, energy drinks, inconsistent workouts.
oLack of discipline → foggy brain, poor performance as a paramedic.
•Core principle:
oYou cannot care for others well if you neglect yourself.
oIn EMS/ED, emergencies are unpredictable, but most patients are not crashing—there’s time to hydrate, eat, and reset.
•Practical applications:
oDrink water, eat proper nutrition, and rest before/during shifts.
oPrioritize morning routines (hydration, exercise, food) → sets the tone for the day.
oMeal prep to avoid cafeteria junk food and impulsive choices.
oCreate habits that are accessible (water bottles, packed meals).
•Mindset shift:
oCaring for yourself is not selfish—it makes you a better provider, coworker, and family member.
o“Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping” (Jordan Peterson).
oSupport coworkers’ wellbeing, too, to improve team effectiveness.
•Family and personal stories:
oGrandfather ignored health → massive stroke left him debilitated.
oShows consequences of postponing self-care.
•Longevity in emergency medicine (and life):
oSelf-care prevents burnout, depression, and chronic health issues.
oEmergencies will come eventually—better to prevent them by acting early.
oDaily discipline (waking early, working out, eating well, quality sleep) stacks the odds in your favor.
•Takeaway for all professions and parents:
oNo matter your job, putting yourself first makes you more effective at everything else.
oFor parents: wake before kids, establish morning rituals, and protect personal energy.
oSleep hygiene is critical: avoid late-night eating, screens, and poor routines.
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Everything you hear today from myself and my guests is opinion only and doesn’t represent any organizations or companies that any of us are affiliated with. The stories you hear have been modified to protect patient privacy and any resemblance to real individuals is coincidental. This is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice nor used to diagnose any medical or healthcare conditions.
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