By Ryan Vance
Project Purpose
The goal of my blog “A Little Bit About First Responders” was to bring a positive light to our first responders who serve our communities. I did this because I want to be a firefighter/EMT. I believe that first responders deserve a lot more credit than they often receive. This project was an opportunity for me to learn what it takes to be a first responder and to share that with others. My goal was not to get the most views or go viral. Instead, I wanted to focus on developing a project that would be meaningful for everyday people as well as any first responders.
The Project
My blog can be found at https://ryantalks0.wordpress.com. I included a few images that I took from my blog that I created for this project.
Challenges Encountered in Completing The Project
One of the biggest challenges that I had in completing this project was actually getting the opportunity to talk to local first responders. They are often busy and it was difficult to find the time to interview them. I ran into multiple scheduling conflicts throughout the completion of this project and I was not able to interview a fourth first responder like I had originally planned. This made me appreciate the interviews that I did get and what I was able to learn from them. I also wish I would have put in more of an effort to get my blog out there despite the original intention of not seeking out as many views as possible. Although I feel like overall the blog was a success, I think it had the potential to have a bigger impact if I would have focused a little more on the promotion of it.
Project Processes
In order to complete my project I called around to the local police, fire, and sheriff departments. When there was someone available I would schedule with them for a short 10 to 15 minute interview. I voice recorded the interviews with my phone in order to focus on the first responder instead of trying to take notes. After the interview was complete I would go back and listen to it and pull out key points that I thought I could include in the blog post. I would do research before and after each interview so that I was well informed and I could include supplemental information to the blog. I would write my blog and go through a couple of drafts until I liked the way everything flowed. This process enhanced my attention to detail and helped me provide a presentable project.
An Overview of My Experiences
I had the opportunity to talk with a firefighter/paramedic, a police officer, and a patrol officer at the sheriffs department. In talking to a firefighter/paramedic I had the opportunity to go to the fire station and look around which was really neat. I learned about the intense physical training and how the skills needed are all perishable so firefighters are constantly training and learning in order to be at their best. From the police officer I learned that it takes a special kind of person to dedicate their career to serve and protect. From the patrol officer at the sheriffs department I learned that we have a responsibility as citizens to vote for the sheriff because he plays a vital role in how the county runs as the only elected law enforcement.
Insights and Take-aways From My Project
This project was really eye opening for me. Before I began I knew that being a first responder was no easy or simple task. I knew that it was physically challenging and had heard that it was mentally taxing. In talking to a firefighter/paramedic, a police officer, and a patrol officer at the sheriffs office I learned that it takes more than a desire to help people in order to be a first responder. It really takes a special kind of person to put others needs before their own in dangerous situations. One of my favorite questions to ask the first responders I talked to is “what is one thing you wish the general public understood about being a first responder?” The individual responses were eye opening, including a plea to stop distracted driving and to participate in the election for the county sheriff. One thing that was always mentioned is that the first responders are just ordinary people that are tasked with doing extraordinary things that most people can’t even imagine.