PULSE Magazine | April 2019 Issue

ur COMMUNICATION MEDICS cont.

I am lucky cuddle up with the grandbaby. If, after all that I am not okay…it is time for the professionals. My 2 cents on misconceptions… Being called a “911 operator” is akin to being called an “ambulance driver”. We don’t simply con- nect the public to someone that can help them. For most of us…this isn’t the “backup plan”. We may have happened into the career, but we stay because we love it. Like our field counterparts….the calls that do damage, do REAL damage. Unfortunately true devasta- tion has a unique sound. Those of us that choose to wear a headset can create our own images, smells, and temperatures to accompany the screams. “Multitasking” and “global listening” are words that cannot be fully comprehended until you have worked a BUSY shift in an Austin communications center…or any other big city for that mat- ter. When my kids were young they would always ask me to tell them about a funny call when I got home. I made it a point to have one…even if I had to make it up. Don’t ask anyone in public safety about their worst call…even a dispatcher. They will just make something up.

I work with an extremely talented, educated, dedicated group of people who choose to serve the public in a unique way. It is often thankless and hard….but it is equally rewarding.

Noshin Ferdous. I’ve served Austin-Travis County EMS as a Communications Medic for two years (Class 0417).

1. What drove you to purse a Communications Career? I chose ATCEMS Communications because I was fascinated how linguistics and different computer gadgets are used to provide medical/life-saving instructions. My mom is from Bangla- desh- she grew up in a culture where women are given less opportunities and less respect than other people. I chose this career to break those stigmas, and be a unique, positive role model for the community. 2. Tell me about a day in the life of a Comm Medic: We have four squads in Communications, I work in C-Shift under Commander Thornhill. Our hours are 7:00pm to 7:00am. After shift I go to sleep, wake around noon, spend time with my mom and sisters, pack food, and head back to shift. 3. What would you like the public to know about the work you do? I love the City of Austin’s personality and uniqueness. I always give my best effort and knowledge on every call because I genuinely love the people who live here. It really is an honor and privilege to be trusted with the city’s public safety, physical, and mental health. 4. How do you decompress after a difficult call? To decompress, I step away from the Operations Floor after the call. I carry different facemasks in my backpack and spend about ten-minutes on self-care. We also have a gym at CTECC, so I’ll do small (but relaxing) stretches. 5. What misconception about being a Communications Medic would you like to clarify? All ATCEMS Communication Medics are credentialed to at least an EMT-B level. Some also achieved additional certifications for knowledge, such as in mental health. When a civilian calls 911, our questions are pinpointed to better understand the patient/situation – as well as provide as using our knowledge to provide immediate life-saving medical aid the over the phone. 6. Any other pertinent information you wish to discuss? Text-to-911 is available in Austin and Travis County! If there is a situation where you cannot speak/hear the call-taker, text 911 for help. Replying back is still very vital for us to best assist you. Also, deactivated phones can still be used to call 911. Many people carry them as backup emergency phones. Being aware of these resources can really change lives during an emergency.

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