There are a lot of guys here who come in and try to short circuit the process. They've done some level of self-evaluation and determined that they are already operating at a fairly high level. All they need is this one thing. That one aspect, the one part that will complete the package of being alpha. After all they have a great job, lots of friends, they own the world. They just can't get the bitch to fuck right. Maybe if they just go to the gym? Yeah. Lose weight and then it'll be just fine. But why should they relook at all the other stuff. They are successful and gosh darn it people like them. They are invited to all the clam bakes. They can buy anything and anyone.

Then they come in and negotiate with those further along. Tell me the one thing. The one thing that made it work for you. No. Don't tell me that. I am rock solid there. The best. I am awesome

It's like walking into a dojo and offering 10K for a black belt. I've seen it, but those guys have no self-respect. They've never earned anything. They don't get it.

As an EMS professional I've made a lot of runs that were hard cases, some that were just pointless. But you go through with it as a professional should. You have to. For yourself and for the family of the patient you've been called to save. Many times I have pumped on an infant's chest that I knew, my partner knew was gone.

The ride to the scene is stressful. The rig can't move fast enough, time is of the essence.

You arrive, the moment is a blur as you grab the go bag and rush inside. Charging up the stairs your mind runs through your processes. The steps you need to take. Doubt is there. Can you do this? You enter the room, scan, see the parents and the infant. He's there in the crib and already the signs of lividity are present. Cyanotic, pulseless, apneic, cold, and stiff. The parents don't see it. They can't. So what can you do? You can go to work. You can show them through your actions that you have this. You've been here before, and you can handle it. It's just another day. You show that you are not afraid and you have what it takes. They need to see it. So.

You roll up your sleeves get to work.

You assess the patient, begin CPR, assisted ventilations, look for signs of life that you know are not coming, your partner puts in the IV, administers the drugs. You make the call in the Med Control looking for assistance. Have you done everything? Is there nothing more? What else? You know, they know, but you look the parents in the eye and say, "Let's go. We are on the move."

So you make the call to dispatch and prepare the hospital for arrival.

You do it because you need to. You need to know you did everything. A man doesn't back down. He doesn't take shortcuts.

So when's its done...well and truly done you can say I went the distance.

Half ass this process and it won't work the way you think it will. Look for shortcuts, avoid the things you find distasteful and you won't understand what many here have learned.

Go the distance. Put in the work even if you think it's pointless, even in the face of defeat.