Intense amount of time

Academy day one objective: Don't let them see you sweat and don't make them question who you are!!!

Day one of EMT academy was supposed to be like any other day with one exception my optimism had to overrule my pessimism.

Now the last time I was addressed as Miss Andersen it was in a correctional setting usually by co-workers, supervisors or inmates often if not always wanting something. Today was no different each time I was addressed as Miss Andersen it was to get my attention and to ask for something or to advise me of an unwanted behavior the instructor had viewed me participating in.  Okay thank you now that the entire class is aware of my last name I will do my best not to get on a first name basis.  The day started out with formation and uniform inspection. My only thought was oh please oh please do not let the tac officer comment on my hair that is willfully disregarding any attempt I made to keep it in a ponytail and off my collar.  Phew so my boots needed polished my shirt needed tucked in better and I had a thread that needed attention. I nearly felt violated when the tac officer pointed at the thread on my zipper.  Awww the best part was the pushups and the markings on my hands that nearly drew blood from doing so many on the black top covered with gravel.  I thought for certain I failed the professionalism and conduct part of the day, but somehow managed to earn 195 out of 200.  I did get a card pulled on my first day but so did my squad leader who is also female so I couldn't feel too terrible.

I participated in the various patient assessment stations and am wondering how in the world I will remember each step and its order of progression, but I'm certain with a lot of repetition it will come slowly but surely.

The next fun part is getting signed off on the 50 vital sign checks I have to have completed in one month. That means finding 50 individuals in 5 different types of settings to let me take their pulse, blood pressure, and respiration.  I think I know just the day to do it.  Super Bowl Sunday is just a few days away that ought to get some blood pressures elevated.