A St. Petersburg paramedic, Ilya, 34, recounts his experiences in emergency medicine, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards of his profession. He shares stories from his decade-long career, including difficult calls, encounters with death, and personal struggles with burnout.

Ilya’s journey began in Perm, where he worked for the ambulance service for 10 years. He describes some of the most challenging calls involving dysfunctional families and neglected children. These situations often involved drug abuse, violence, and severe neglect, making them emotionally taxing for the medical team.

The paramedic recalls instances of aggression towards ambulance workers, including attacks by dogs and intoxicated individuals. These dangerous situations underscore the risks faced by first responders in their daily work.

Ilya also reflects on the emotional toll of dealing with death and dying, particularly among elderly and palliative patients. He shares a poignant story of a visit to a nursing home, where he encountered a neglected and despondent elderly man. Such experiences highlight the importance of empathy and compassion in emergency medicine.

Ilya also addresses the challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he describes as the most difficult period of his career. The surge in critically ill patients, coupled with resource constraints and the emotional weight of witnessing so much suffering, led to burnout and his eventual resignation from the Perm ambulance service.

After a break, Ilya returned to emergency medicine in St. Petersburg, working for a commercial ambulance service. He finds motivation in sharing his experiences through his Telegram channel, “Arteria,” which has garnered a substantial following. He aims to provide a realistic and empathetic portrayal of his profession, connecting with readers and fostering a sense of understanding.