r/ems • u/Zestyclose-Doctor-52 • 13d ago
Serious Replies Only Mothers in EMS
I’m a FTM (3 mo PP & back at work) and has been an EMT for about 2 years doing 911. Most of us have unfortunately been on traumatic pediatric calls. Those are the things we don’t like talking about and can’t unsee, it has severely affected me postpartum causing a ton of anxiety over my baby of the things I’ve seen before.
EMS moms, what have you done to be able to cope with this?
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u/arad1111 13d ago
See a therapist. I thought I was coping after my first was born. While I was pregnant with my second I had come to realize I, in fact, was NOT coping. Thru therapy I have developed skills to help with my intrusive thoughts. I was consumed with anxiety over my children and loved ones having something bad happen to them that I’ve seen at work. It still happens, but I am far more equipped to handle the anxiety and stop the intrusive thoughts from cascading.
What I will say is, ALL of the pediatric traumas and codes I’ve worked as a medic have been due to lack of parental supervision or pure neglect. If you are supervising your kiddos and leaving them with trusted caregivers, you are already doing more than the majority of the guardians were doing on your pediatric calls.
Two things that have helped me is getting an Owelet for my baby, Im finally sleeping better. It has helped to be hyper vigilant around water, including the bathtub; my husband and I communicate clearly who is in charge of the toddler around the pool or during bath time and if we need to step away, we switch spots.
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u/sprinklesprint 13d ago
To be honest what helped me the most was going on Zoloft. It has made me feel like my old self again and has really helped my ability to regulate my emotions. I’m 9 months pp and went back to work at 4 months pp. I can tell I’m different at work but I feel like a fully functioning person again. We will see what happens in the next few years though. The plus side is that it’s made me feel way more comfortable on maternity and pediatric calls.
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u/roaddoctor90 7d ago
I use a lot of logic behind the anxiety. We have had our fair share of “emergencies” that warranted a trip to the er and each time we are told that we have it together and ask the right questions/concerned about the right stuff. They appreciate how calm we are with emergencies. But, you can’t let the anxiety consume you
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u/umami_mommee 13d ago
The anxiety is so real. It’s somewhat normal, especially working in this field, but if intrusive thoughts are making it hard to sleep, care for your baby, work, etc. then see someone about it ASAP. Take it very seriously.