Compassionless comments can also damage our co-workers. Do we know everyone that we work with well enough to know what life has given them along the way? Have they experienced the call to which we had just responded?

We’ve been called to a multiple trauma. Upon arrival we find the door open to the home. As we enter there is blood everywhere. Further investigation discloses two young college age women who had been murdered. It must have been a terrible, terrible ordeal. One of the women had a husband, who for whatever reason, decided that his wife and her friends should die. There had been a struggle and efforts to escape while is was stabbing them.

One of the women was found in the bathroom. While examining her to determine if we could do anything to help her we hear a noise. It seems to be coming from under the vanity in the bathroom. My partner opens the door and finds another young woman clutching the child of the murdered mother. I unbuttoned my job shirt and maneuvered the child under it holding her closely so that she doesn’t see her mother lying there. My partner all but carries the surviving young woman out shielding her from the horrible images that would last a lifetime.

By the time we get outside police officers and other emergency workers are arriving. Before we can get the surviving victims secluded a neighbor who had heard the battle inside the house comes out and yells, “That’s his car coming down the street!”. Not knowing if he has another weapon we hit the ground and shield the woman and child.

Every move made by everyone on the scene was made with the survivors in mind. Shielding them. Comforting them. But questions need to be ask. And along with remaining on the scene some remarks from unthinking co-workers. We must always keep in mind that we are there to relive suffering and be careful what we say.

Almost thirty years have passed. When I teach or talk about experiences through out my years of EMS and Firefighting Service I often wonder if that little girl is someone who is sitting in the group. Is another close friend or family member going to hear this story? What words should I use. This too is compassion.