This job kills my self-esteem sometimes
Just now we brought a patient into an ER. Afterwards I took a piss and when I came out a tech says “Everything come OK?”
Playing along I say -
“*Hesitates* ehhhh I might I need to stay a little while…get checked out..”
“I’ll have to put a foley catheter in…I don’t know if you’d want to!”
“oh..I would love that!”
“OK, I’ll order a pediatric one for you!”
“Awesome!”
My thought was “pediatric = smaller, he’s being nice cuz it wouldn’t hurt as bad” but after I responded I realized he was making fun of me, assuming I had a small dick. What an ass (and I made a fool of myself in front of the whole ER staff).
Then earlier, again dropping someone off in another ER, I see a fireman I went to medic school with. One of them who got caught cheating, I believe, mind you. He ignored me until I saw him in the medic rooom (they called me Jesus in class)…
“Jesus!”
“Hey, what’s up, did you goto the EMS BBQ today?”
“Yeah, did you show up late to it?” (I was always late to class).
“*in sarcastic tone* Of course, I have to! I was late all the time because I was always studying before class!”
“You retaking medic school?” (implying I wasn’t smart enough to pass). Then another FF from his department pointed at my medic patch and said “well, he’s got the patch right there…” in my defense.
“Are you kidding? I passed with flying colors!” (Couldn’t think of anything better – I have a lack of wit).
Made fun of 2 times in one shift – do I set myself up?
I’ve had many, many, many moments like that in my years on the street. I just try to laugh them off. I’ll either laugh about them or do something I’ll regret… And I don’t like regret.
Just know that when people do that shit, they do it for a reason. Jealousy…Flattery…Sure, sometimes, it’s spite, hatred, etc, but most of the time, I just don’t think so. Maybe I’m twisted though, because I try, albeit, not always with success, to see the good in most people. Serial killers and animal abusers exempt, of course.