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Creature Comforts

Have you ever thought about all the creature comforts that exist in the world of fire and EMS.  Really, you haven't?  That's because we don't think about them until they are taken away.   Now, there are some of you that are going to argue with me that they don't exist, but I disagree.  I am not going to give a list of comforts that each agency has because each and every agency is different because the comforts are those that are created by a specific agency employee...wait, just flipped the page quickly. 

Creature comforts are something that exist in each profession that exists in the world.  That is why things change with our careers as time goes on.  As individuals we take a look at our surroundings and say what can I do to make this more comfortable, more enjoyable.  We really do this in our entire lives.  The choices we make in housing, food sources, vehicles we purchase, and the pictures we put around us.  Think about it a little.  Why do some very well off, energetic people pick apartments/condos to live in...they want the comforts of not having to maintain the overall building or mow the lawn, while others love the responsibility of fixing a roof if it leaks, or jumping on that big john deere lawn tractor to smell the air when it is perfumed with the scent of fresh cut grass.  On another topic, some like the overwhelming feeling of sitting over everybody else when they are on the road, that is why they choose the Yukon to the Smartcar, or the Dodge Ram pick-up to the Toyota Camry. 

It is interesting to watch "seasoned" fire and EMS providers when they come on shift first thing in the morning.  They will have a routine they will conduct before they can get settled down in the station or on the ambulance.  They will have to change the thermostat, or open the blinds.  They will have to remove something that was put in from the shift before, or they have to change the location of a piece of equipment before their first call or all will seem lost.  (Are things starting to become more familiar) 

What are your creature comforts?  I am sure if you look around you can find a good dozen or so for your workplace.  If not, I venture to say that you are new to the profession.  The more important question is this...how do those creature comforts affect those around us?  Have you ever thought about whether our habits bring a positive or negative atmosphere to our workplace? 

Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed a number of law suits stemming from "antics" that are occurring in the emergency services professions.  From sexual harassment suits, to discrimination suits, to many, many more.  And here are the things, people are now seeing large amount of tax dollars go the to payment of suit settlements and/or judgments because of it.  When governments are trying to do more with less, it is very difficult to have to pay out large cash amounts to those that have been faced with creature comforts in our profession.  There are traditions that are great to keep and some that should go. 

As you start your shift today, think about your daily actions...your creature comforts and determine if they are simply pet peeves, or are they going to create a negative atmosphere that is detrimental to daily operations. 

Take Care and Stay Safe!!!
The Combomedic 

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