Security

We are all in this field for similar reasons. Saving lives, helping the sick and injured, making money, gaining self respect and the camaraderie are all part of the bigger picture. The people I work with in the local emergency rooms are just as dedicated as the firefighters I live with.

A group of people that seldom, if ever get mentioned or praise is the Security Guards. These men and women are vital to the successful operation of the ER, especially those at Rhode Island Hospital. Just today a guard named John, a big quiet guy from the South Providence neighborhood helped get a patient who refused to leave the back of the rescue into the ER. I never asked, just informed him that I was bringing him a combative patient. He took it upon himself to help us out. Another guard, Amir, also from South Providence helped a Spanish speaking patient communicate with the nurse trying to figure out what was ailing her. I’m sure no compensation is involved for the extra work and it would be just as easy to walk away, but Amir and most of his peers are willing to help when needed.

I’ve seen these people respectfully restrain the most violent, abusive patients in a calm, professional manner, never losing their cool while taking some obscene abuse from those they are helping. Black guards are routinely called niggers by drunken fools, the female guards endure their own share of harassment.
They somehow manage to turn the other cheek and do a great job.

A lot of pieces have to come together for things to work, lives to be saved and safety ensured. These folks are a bigger part of the puzzle than most people realize.