A different kind of funeral

In addition to all the transitions in my life as I leave classroom learning and enter clinical rotations, there has also been another big announcement which I'm still processing. Due to cuts in Medicaid funding in the state, the ambulance company I worked for is closing. While it isn't a change that will upend my life (I've only worked 6 shifts in the past 6 months), it does directly affect friends who relied on those jobs and the benefits they provided and indirectly brings me a certain sadness.

It was a difficult transition for me when the company lost the 911 emergency contract for the city the North station is in and where I spent most of my time. Many people transitioned to the company which won the contract and many more just went on to other things entirely. When I went there after the change, the place was a ghost town - empty bays, plenty of seats on the couch, empty beds at night, barely a peep at shift change. The South station always had a whole different type of personality, plus upper management in the station, and was just not a place I ever felt as comfortable.

Now, the entire company is closing and I'm watching an outpouring of grief on Facebook from current and previous employees.  I've never seen a Facebook funeral before - maybe it is more like a wake, with everyone sharing their memories of good times. While no company ever has fully satisfied employees, most are choosing positive statements and support for the displaced employees over any sort of nitpicking.

Thank you to the people who have served both the North and South cities, providing great EMS care and supportive training for the ever-growing community of EMTs.