subject: The Characteristics of Effective Paramedics: Kindness [print this page] The Characteristics of Effective Paramedics: Kindness
An effective paramedic needs to have kindness. When dealing with co-workers and the public at large it is essential to be kind. Being kind to people always has its rewards especially when you provide medical services to the community.
Being kind to co-workers is important because things can get rough when treating patients especially during dangerous situations. By being nice to fellow paramedics, they are more likely to care more about your safety and welfare. There needs to be a give and take so that things get accomplished. Paramedics should not be selfish and should always be willing to lend a hand when people are in need.
Being kind to patients helps to keep them as calm as possible. It is important to do this for the safety of everyone because patients can become combative and act violently to those who are giving them medical care. Being kind, reassuring patients that everything will be okay and comforting patients is the key.
People call 911 because they are hurt or injured and need immediate medical help. When a paramedic comes on the scene, they need to treat their job as an act of kindness, not something to just trudge through and be done with. Kindness goes a long way with people, if the people who are giving them medical care are aggravated, pushy, and rude then they will be more tense and anxious which can cause further medical problems.
Being kind and patient with firefighters and police officers is a good characteristic for paramedics to have. Paramedics cannot enter a dangerous situation unless the police have deemed it safe to enter. Paramedics also have to work with firefighters and not step on any toes while trying to get access to the patients that need care.
The first duty of a paramedic is to do no harm and to treat every single patient with the utmost kindness and respect. The job is like an ambassador of community services, if patients are not treated nicely then the whole health of the community can take a hit. It is important for paramedics to act with kindness and give patients not only care but comfort in their times of need.
