There is an old tradition for the public to go totally wild during certain times of the month and year. These typically involve a large white ball in the sky displayed during the night, as well as during any national holiday. I had never really believed it until my first come times having the holiday effect. There are some holidays which typically result in more EMS calls, such as Thanksgiving, and Easter, often due to heart issues. Then you have the holidays and unofficial instances that cause police issues. These are commonly Super Bowl Sunday, Saint Patrick's Day, and of course the 4th of July. These are all a toss up for fights, alcohol poisoning, or a variety of other calls. This holiday was no different. We had a called in bar fight. We had an over consumption of alcohol. We had a fight at a convenience store. It was a barrel of fun, not!
Another year approaching the threshold entering new explorations, new challenges, the same game. Coworkers have came and went a few more than normal this past year and likely more any day now. I am starting to think more like a go with the flow person and less with a complainer attitude. I won't say this year was easy, there were many 12 hour shifts and shift coverages due to long term illness and resignations. Nearing 10 years in the seat behind the headset and at times I feel unwanted, unrespected. Then a day comes up where my officers thank me or have a discussion with me about nothing. But it shows they are people to who maybe forget dispatchers need asked if they are ok too.