Steven Velásquez - Granting "Sirenity"

by Steven P. Velasquez December 31, 2011 Over the past few weeks, the EMS community in NJ has once again, endured the pain of having to bury a brother paramedic.  The details of why, how, ages etc… are irrelevant, for they all can be answered with the adjectives “painful,” “tragic,” “too soon,” “saddening” or “unnecessary.”  The reality is that we now have yet another, empty seat at our table.  Every calendar year ends with the Holiday Season, a time for celebration, family and joy.  For us in emergency services, the inverse is often true and can often weigh very heavily upon us.  The daily exposure to tragedy and pain can exact a sometimes deadly toll. Thus I encourage all my brother's and sister's – to take steps to actively become “our brother’s keeper” and let none of “our family” suffer in silence.  To borrow a saying from the Department of Homeland Security , “If you see something, say something.”   Strangely, even when w...

by Steven P. Velasquez December 2005 'Twas the night of the squad call when all through the town, Not a “hero” responded, not one could be found. Her chest had felt pressure, her lungs short of air, Praying for an ambulance soon to be there. The “heroes” were all nestled all snug in their beds, While images of heroism danced in their heads. And Mama in her jumpsuit and I, a job shirt Heard the pager & rolled over – “It’s your third alert!” When out on my scanner there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to view what’s the matter?! Away to the scanner I staggered – then belched, Raised up the volume and lowered the squelch. The dispatcher yelled to the officers on scene “Step it up! They called back. She's not breathing!” When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But career Paramedics, What? No volunteers? No little old drivers – jump - suits or blue lights, I knew in a moment our end was in sight. More rapid than eagles, their medicines came, As they pushed ...