Page 57 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Summer 2022 - Online Magazine

FIRST RESPONDERS

most don’t take insurance. Thankfully though, I have This authentic insight into the lives of two of the heroes
found a therapist who has helped me tremendously in serving our community was humbling. They represent
processing the stress in my work as a first responder. a host of others. Please be kind to them, thank them,
and pull over when you see them. They are human, too,
Scott: There are plenty of resources out there, but making sacrifices to care for us when we need it most.
there’s also a stigma that, if you ask for help, it means
you are weak. No one wants to feel weak, so many go
without asking for help. Mental health has [gotten more PRACTICALLY SPEAKING:
attention] recently, but changes are still needed. I have
heard of people who have asked for help and received What are the rules for traffic when lights and
none, so first responders need to “normalize” asking for sirens are approaching:
help. We need more on-site help for employees. A few
months ago, I was in rough waters myself.... Asking for Alex and Scott both agreed that the most important
help was the best thing I did. thing is to: Pull over to the right as far as you can and
slow down or stop. If you’re at a red light, don’t run the
Do you see yourself doing this until you retire: red light because that puts everyone else at risk. We will
Scott: I don’t think being a first responder is something maneuver around you. We are taught to drive in the
I could do forever. Burnout is real. With all the short far-left lane when responding with lights and sirens, so
staffing, long hours, and minimal pay, at some point, having the public pull to the right creates a clear lane
it will be time for me to hang up the badge and find of travel to get to the scene to help those in need. Going
another career path, but for now, I genuinely enjoy lights and sirens is dangerous anyway and having to
helping my community. dodge drivers who are not paying attention makes it
that much more dangerous. Just like you, our goal is
Alex: I know I don’t want to do this forever. It is hard on to go home at the end of the day, and having the public
my body and mind. I love it, but I want to retire in a job cooperate with proper driving etiquette can help ensure
that is less taxing on my body and mind.
that we get to make it back to our families.

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Lubbock Senior Link 57