Burned out?
Advice needed from those who have gone from a busy department to a slower one. I’ve worked for two busy urban EMS departments over the past three years, just leaving the most recent after 2yrs of being on a 24/48. We ran call to call (911) and my mental state was in the trenches for the majority of the time. I’d have legitimate physical reactions to being on shift, my heart rate was rarely below 120 and would have a huge fear of going to bed at night as I knew that going home the next morning to take care of my kids and fight to be awake was equally worse. I took a few months to myself and I’m now at a much slower department that is on 48/96 with an amazing environment. My issue is, my body is still reacting the way it used to while on shift. I keep telling myself that it’s okay to take a breath and relax, but nights are still hard to fall asleep without fear and when not consciously reminding myself I’m extremely tense. For those who’ve done similar, how long did it take to train your body to relax? I love my job and I’d like for my nervous system to love it again too.