A paramedic named Ilya, 34, who works in a private ambulance in St. Petersburg, has gained a following for his Telegram blog, “Artery,” where he shares stories from his experiences as a medic. With over 26,000 subscribers, Ilya recounts both difficult and touching moments from his work, offering insights into the life of an ambulance doctor.

Having previously worked in an ambulance in Perm for 10 years, Ilya recalls that one of the most challenging aspects of his job was responding to calls involving dysfunctional families, where children were being removed from their homes. These situations, often characterized by drug abuse and neglect, took a significant emotional toll on the medics. Ilya noted that the condition of the apartment, often marked by disrepair and squalor, served as a warning sign of what they might encounter.

Ilya describes the risks paramedics face on the job, including attacks from patients and even animals. In one instance, his team was confronted by an aggressive dog set upon them by a drunken individual. Another time, Ilya had to defend himself from a patient experiencing a psychotic episode who wielded an axe.

Ilya also shared deeply moving experiences, such as visiting a bedridden elderly man in a nursing home and transporting elderly couple with intertwined fingers. He highlighted the challenges of dealing with lonely pensioners who frequently call for attention and the emotional strain of caring for palliative patients whose families plead for them to live just a little longer. He also recounted the first time a patient died in his ambulance.

The paramedic also spoke about the challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as the most difficult period of his career. The high volume of critically ill patients, coupled with the emotional toll of witnessing death and suffering, led to burnout and ultimately prompted him to resign from the Perm ambulance service.

He eventually returned to the profession after moving to St. Petersburg. He also addressed the issues of staff shortages, low salaries, and negative encounters with drivers in residential areas who obstruct ambulances responding to emergencies.

Ilya has also shared his personal transformation, detailing how he lost 45 kilograms through functional strength training. He emphasized the importance of physical activity for maintaining energy and coping with the demands of the job.

Ultimately, Ilya says he enjoys his work and the support of his subscribers.