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To the editor:
The FDNY gave us four-digit salaries. And then we were tasked to save lives. But who was there to watch after us?
After all that training to “save lives” that they put into us, we found that we could not fully provide for our families, or easily pay our rent. We found that we were of no value to this city's government, though its citizens call us day and night. We found ourselves working all the time, in the business of human suffering.
We were taught to be heroic and to get ready “for when the next shoe fell” upon this city. Be fearless in our work, but also ever compassionate. They said our work was “different” and we did not have the same risks as the firefighters or police.
So for 30 years no one tried to make us full-fledged first responder.
And then one of us went up a mountain alone and died in a snow storm. One of us was found dead in a basement. A few thousand of us have been spit on or punched in the face. One of us was murdered, run over by an ambulance.
COVID killed a dozen or so. One or two warriors were bullied by BITS to death. One lit himself on fire and drove his car into a wall. One was stabbed to death at work. One was shot in the back of the bus. At least five took firearms and ended it. Two hanged themselves. One of us went to a firing range and used the weapon on themselves. And one of us had their face bitten open. One lost their leg when a drunk driver ran them down. Then over 50 people died of cancer. Many younger than 40, some who served during 9/11.
One person killed himself because he'd never seen so much death, when 47,000 + New Yorkers died in fever and cough. One person was stabbed six times, she survived. Some died of varying medical issues in their fifties. Some overdosed on drugs. Everyone forgot how to sleep. One of us died behind a door someone didn't bother to take down. People have killed people with ambulances.
When we signed up for this. It was glorious, it was righteous. We were “living the dream.” They then exploited our empathy, they used us to make money. Some lives in the process were saved or prolonged. But the toll on us was like warfare. And it changed us all, it made us dissociate. Made us different.
But those of us that remain are still prepared to fight. For our patients and for our service.
Walter Sebastian Adler
Adler is a former FDNY EMT and founder of EMSPAC
Walter Sebastian Adler
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Valete
This letter, written by a former FDNY EMT and founder of EMSPAC, is a heartfelt, serious, and moving piece. It paints a vivid picture of the financial struggles and undervaluation EMT workers face as they work to save lives. Mr. Adler shares the physical and emotional toll EMTs have endured over the years, highlighting the tragic losses, including those due to COVID-19, violence, and suicide. Despite these challenges, EMTs remain committed to their patients and service. This letter is deeply emotional, offering a glimpse into the hardships EMTs face and the daily struggles they encounter in NYC.
This letter is truly moving, offering us a glimpse into the difficult experiences EMTs endure and the daily hurdles they navigate in NYC. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all EMT workers for their unwavering dedication and passion for their work, as well as their steadfast commitment to saving lives under the most challenging situations.
Mr. Adler, your letter is truly well written and an undeniable vivid depiction of the challenges that FDNY EMTs confront in life and on the job—touche’.
Thursday, April 16 Report this