One of my favorite series on RUclips. As an aspiring Firefighter/Paramedic, I learned so much more than just clinical care from these videos. Your medics are kind, wise, and caring. Love that. Big thanks.
I really liked the way Josiah explained the way you deal with patients in Assisted Living. That is something people don't think about until they go through it with a loved one. I don't know how well other departments/states handle these calls but it is very comforting to know how you handle them. It is obvious how much you truly care about people you treat & it just touched me, thank you!
Always interesting to see how ambulance crews work in other countries. Not quite sure the concept of a "Firefighter Paramedic" would work here. Best wishes from an Australian paramedic.
I have a lot of respect for South Metro Fire. The way the department is run (from what I can tell by videos) has helped me as a Captain of a small volunteer department work towards building my department up to the same Standards as them. You definitely give people goals in there own department.
Another great episode. It's great to see that students can go along with you if they want to get extra practice. Also, thank you for the great information on preventing falls
Love that you guys showed the ride along with the students! I’m in EMT school right now and i’m a week away from mine on an ambulance, i’m so excited!!
I really like Lindsey. She seems to have genuine care and compassion for her patients along with great bedside manners. South Metro, thanks for the great videos. They are top notch.
As a current emt student, I appreciate you highlighting the student going through ride time and how good your paramedic is with her. Very patient. Thank you for guys and gals for your selfless work you do everyday.
I love these videos so much, I just got my NREMT and got hired at a local ems agency. I have my first shift coming up soon, and these are great for getting some last minute prep in and seeing what real patient interactions look like :)
Love these videos. I work for a private company in the Denver-Metro area and honestly South-Metro is the best fire department out there. The compassion and care I have seen from these firefighters is unlike any other fire department that I have worked in conjunction with in the Denver area.
@@coover65 No, our medical service and fire service are complete separated but work closely with them on a regular bases, the state that I volunteer in doesn't have a volunteer ambulance service as far as I am aware, beside St John
@@NotEthanNorbury I'm a paramedic in Qld. and although we only have career paramedics (as do NSW, ACT and Victoria-I think some of the other states use volunteers in remote areas) we do have first responders in rural areas who respond in their own vehicle and treat until paramedics arrive. Those volunteers are a valuable link in the chain of regional and remote emergency health care. I believe many US communities run volunteer ambulance services which wouldn't be legal here. Our St.John volunteers as you probably are aware deal with first aid at events.
Interesting to see Lindsay not using the NIBP on the Lifpak but doing a BP the old fashioned way, I still reckon I got more consistent results from a good cuff and a Littmann! I was a para here in Australia for 27 years and I must say I would have worked with any of you good people anytime. I am seeing caring, professional ambulance officers who are making good mentors for their students. Keep it up. Great series too.
Thanks for watching! Currently, South Metro does not use NIBPs because they've been found to be inaccurate in dynamic environments. New and improved monitors will be purchased soon and with improved technology, crews will probably start using NIBPs at that point.
@SouthMetroFireRescuePIO Huh, no kidding? I've never heard that before. I'm curious about the science/technology in the machines which make them inaccurate.
We're using a different Monitor, that seems not to be used in USA (I don't know if it is acknowledged by US medical device regulations) and it works fine. Most of the time. ;-) But the rule is: first blood pressure is measured manually. The NIBP is working fine in a normal ride. But if the patients arm is moving or is bouncing against other things like the stretcher it isn't working well.
I am a little more than halfway through my first semester in 911 Emergency Communications to become a dispatcher. Watching these videos really helps to see the types of calls I will be alerted to. I watch a lot of the 911 related shows on TV, but would love to see a more realistic representation of calls. Any suggestions?
That's great! Our Day in the Life series and PIO Vlogs showcase the day to day emergencies that SMFR responds to. You might find some educational incidents by watching those.
Interesting you’re able to get feedback on patient outcome from the hospital. Where I worked that information was considered confidential because of HIPPA laws and wasn’t shared with the first responders. As the medic said that’s really helpful feedback especially with patients flown to a trauma center.
Would i be allowed to come over from the UK and try that EMT programme that was mentioned in this video, I've wanted to be a paramedic for the last 10 years, I'm 23 years old now. I'd love to try this out. also you guys are truly AMAZING, I've watched all the Fleet Friday's and station Saturday's, and quite a few day in the life videos. you guys are who i want to be.
Thanks for watching our channel and for your interest in our EMT program! Your best source of information will be from SMFR Human Resources, you can email them with your questions... employment@southmetro.org
Thanks for checking! It'll be at least a few months before we revisit Fire Medics. Those ride longs take an incredible amount of time because only some patients agree to have their medical story documented. We have some higher priority projects during the first and second quarter of this year that will be completed first.
Wondering why no one's wearing a seat belt, nether patient (like shoulder straps required by Striker for transport) nor paramedics while transport!? We always have a seat belt on, only exception would be a CPR or critical trauma/bleeding, it is required and relevant to accident insurance otherwise they don't pay... How do you handle that?
@@tracksidewtomgaming if they did they never posted all the videos. The last one they did they chose station 22 as the next one and that one hasn’t been done yet along with a few others. 36,40,20,33,37,44,35,and 42. I just know this because I looked up the stations on-their website and those stations don’t have an episode posted!
@@tracksidewtomgaming me either hopefully they will do all of them eventually.🇺🇸 I thought they did one every Saturday but the last one was a few months ago.
So would the medics have done refusal forms for the first two patients in the MVA? Is that something the engine crew did then, or is it not even necessary if there were no injury complaints?
My guess is no patient. Probably a third party caller so if those people did not call 911 (for injuries at least), didn’t want to go to the hospital and were A&Ox4 with a GCS of 15, no complaints in NYS that’s a no patient found. But never know, they could run different in Colorado.
@@HamptonsStreetDoc I see, I know my department would usually do a refusal no matter what, but I have heard of other departments not doing refusals for something like that, and I just didn't know the reason.
Is it still likely to get on a FD with just an EMT or AEMT, or do you kinda need a paramedic to be considered these days? Im trying to get on but just don't want to be stuck on the ambulance for 30 years lol. If anyone has any experience and can help out I appreciate it!
It really depends on the fire department and the personnel needs they have. At South Metro, we've been hiring recruits with no past fire or ems experience and even provide EMT basic once a recruit is hired. Although South Metro does have many paramedics, that level of qualification is not required to be a firefighter here.
Are the medics/emts only on the ambulances or do they float over to engines as well? And do you guys have Medic only positions or does everyone have Firefighter 1 and 2 in the department?
If a Medic Unit needs to restock equipment they ask Dispatch to place them in an out of service status so they won't be called to any incidents. Once they have restocked, they go back in service.
Correct, SMFR determined that NIBP is inaccurate when used in dynamic environments so manual BPs are always used. New and improved monitors will be purchased soon and testing has shown those NIBP readings to be very accurate, so the policy will likely change as soon as new monitors are rolled out.
Yes, South Metro has EMT-B and Paramedic Firefighters. We are currently recruiting for both and will provide EMT-B to candidates who don't already have it.
@@SouthMetroFireRescuePIO I see. I know that it is common for fire trucks to do the forcible entry, because my physics teacher was a former paramedic, and and he told me that he has extricated so many people. I wonder if there are other departments who have extracation equipment in their ambulances?
Most medics will tell you that their education was very challenging and difficult at times and the job is very similar, but also rewarding and addicting. The amount of knowledge can be overwhelming and there's often not much time to get everything done for a patient who needs life saving interventions.
As long as they're clean. South Metro issues two sets of bunkers to every firefighter, and many of the stations have extractors on site to clean dirty gear. It's not like the bad old days where you wore the same set until you couldn't stand the stink anymore.
All South Metro turnout gear is decontaminated and goes through an extractor prior to being worn again. All personnel have a second set of clean gear ready to go so there's no gap in service after a fire. The gear is as safe as possible for our firefighters to wear and our community members to be around.
Some Medic units have a higher call volume than others, so some crews get to have more down time. Other crews or busy days mean the Medics might be responding, transporting to the hospital and immediately catch another call. The days can definitely feel exhausting at times.
Sometimes an EMT or Paramedic student will be riding as a third person, or as you may have seen in the Medic 44 highway MVA call, the person riding in back is the one doing video for this series.
I’m not gonna lie, this series is very boring. All the calls except for the last one were boring and not eventful. Even the last one kind of was but at least there was some damage to be seen. I love the concept of this series, but maybe use higher acuity calls?
Huge supporter of the videos but I completely agree. I personally understand not every call is crazy but I mean come on, I feel like almost every call I’ve seen in the videos so far has been BLS not even an ALS call.
@@jakobarnold8427 me too, I also personally understand that most of the calls ran are routine/BLS in nature. And like I said I LOVE the concept of the series, and think it shows a great side of SMFR. Just think that the calls shown should be a little more “interesting” to watch.
Hi Bruce, thanks for watching and providing your honest feedback. There are two big challenges the Public Information Office faces regarding high acuity calls. The first is always customer service and respecting our community members, the second is that the patient or guardian must sign a HIPAA waiver and consent to their treatment being shown on video here on RUclips. Most high acuity patients we've responded to have either been unconscious, semi conscious or there's far too many interventions occurring for the attending Paramedic to introduce a PIO and explain what we're doing. Our goal with this series is community education through virtual ride alongs and whenever possible we'll include advanced life support, but so far those have been difficult stories to tell.
Really would love to see this series come back. In medic school right now and these are not only well produced but educational!!
The production quality of these videos is incredible. Really looks better than any other first responder show out there right now. Awesome stuff guys!
Wow, thank you!
I second that. They do a fantastic job
Agreed.
Awesome job south metro fire rescue
Yea awesome job
love the South Metro videos.
IT's easy tell that they all CARE about the community they serve!
Thanks for watching! We agree, SMFR personnel truly do care about the community members we serve.
I completely agree with you ! ! I too think that SMFR videos and vlogs are excellent 👍
One of my favorite series on RUclips. As an aspiring Firefighter/Paramedic, I learned so much more than just clinical care from these videos. Your medics are kind, wise, and caring. Love that. Big thanks.
Keep these coming! Young and upcoming fire medics like myself will eat these videos up and soak up the knowledge.
We'll do! Thanks for watching!
If you want to do medicine, don't be a fire medic lol.
I’ve been a fire medic for 12 years and I appreciate and love this professionalism
Thank you for your service
I really liked the way Josiah explained the way you deal with patients in Assisted Living. That is something people don't think about until they go through it with a loved one. I don't know how well other departments/states handle these calls but it is very comforting to know how you handle them. It is obvious how much you truly care about people you treat & it just touched me, thank you!
Always interesting to see how ambulance crews work in other countries. Not quite sure the concept of a "Firefighter Paramedic" would work here. Best wishes from an Australian paramedic.
I have a lot of respect for South Metro Fire. The way the department is run (from what I can tell by videos) has helped me as a Captain of a small volunteer department work towards building my department up to the same Standards as them. You definitely give people goals in there own department.
Thank you so much! Best wishes and stay safe.
I love the genuine concern they have. I was an EMT 30+ years ago, and it is like that when you are with a person.
I love watching this channel and learning about being a firefighter keep up the great work y’all 😎💪🏾🔥💯
Another great episode. It's great to see that students can go along with you if they want to get extra practice. Also, thank you for the great information on preventing falls
Thanks for watching! We appreciate your feedback!
Love that you guys showed the ride along with the students! I’m in EMT school right now and i’m a week away from mine on an ambulance, i’m so excited!!
Excellent! Best of luck during your ride!
How is school going?
I really like Lindsey. She seems to have genuine care and compassion for her patients along with great bedside manners. South Metro, thanks for the great videos. They are top notch.
Props to you guys I've only been a volunter for a year and I've already seen enough stuff
As a current emt student, I appreciate you highlighting the student going through ride time and how good your paramedic is with her. Very patient. Thank you for guys and gals for your selfless work you do everyday.
I live in Canada but thank you guys for keeping us safe in an emergency thank you all ❤
I love the light boards at the beginning showing the call. Amazing Work SMFR
I love these videos so much, I just got my NREMT and got hired at a local ems agency. I have my first shift coming up soon, and these are great for getting some last minute prep in and seeing what real patient interactions look like :)
Excellent, thanks for watching and best of luck during your first shift!
Love these videos. I work for a private company in the Denver-Metro area and honestly South-Metro is the best fire department out there. The compassion and care I have seen from these firefighters is unlike any other fire department that I have worked in conjunction with in the Denver area.
Thank you so much!
Love your content as a Volunteer in Australia love seeing the difference between our medical service but also fire service, stay safe out there
Are you a first responder or crewed on an ambulance?
@@coover65 No, our medical service and fire service are complete separated but work closely with them on a regular bases, the state that I volunteer in doesn't have a volunteer ambulance service as far as I am aware, beside St John
@@NotEthanNorbury I'm a paramedic in Qld. and although we only have career paramedics (as do NSW, ACT and Victoria-I think some of the other states use volunteers in remote areas) we do have first responders in rural areas who respond in their own vehicle and treat until paramedics arrive. Those volunteers are a valuable link in the chain of regional and remote emergency health care. I believe many US communities run volunteer ambulance services which wouldn't be legal here. Our St.John volunteers as you probably are aware deal with first aid at events.
@@coover65I am a Volunteer Firefighter in Victoria, I know that TAS runs volunteer ambulance service on the Northern Part
Love this series! Seen you’ve guys been busy on the socials! Hope to get PIO vlog soon!
Thanks for watching!
Great Job Eric
Interesting to see Lindsay not using the NIBP on the Lifpak but doing a BP the old fashioned way, I still reckon I got more consistent results from a good cuff and a Littmann! I was a para here in Australia for 27 years and I must say I would have worked with any of you good people anytime. I am seeing caring, professional ambulance officers who are making good mentors for their students. Keep it up. Great series too.
25 years here in Australia. Using a sphygmo and a good stethoscope is more trustworthy than just relying on a cardiac monitor.
Thanks for watching! Currently, South Metro does not use NIBPs because they've been found to be inaccurate in dynamic environments. New and improved monitors will be purchased soon and with improved technology, crews will probably start using NIBPs at that point.
@SouthMetroFireRescuePIO Huh, no kidding? I've never heard that before. I'm curious about the science/technology in the machines which make them inaccurate.
We're using a different Monitor, that seems not to be used in USA (I don't know if it is acknowledged by US medical device regulations) and it works fine. Most of the time. ;-)
But the rule is: first blood pressure is measured manually.
The NIBP is working fine in a normal ride. But if the patients arm is moving or is bouncing against other things like the stretcher it isn't working well.
Props to the person driving from scene to hospital as well. Gotta be stressful with a patient in the back
Great video!!
You guys should do a day in the life of a fire investigator
love this series
Thanks for watching!
Please give us more! 🙏🏼
Can you do a firefighter series of this pls?
Great job guys
I wish when I did my clinicals UC Memorial was doing pre-hospital ride alongs. Would have been nice t actually be in the field seeing what goes on.
I am a little more than halfway through my first semester in 911 Emergency Communications to become a dispatcher. Watching these videos really helps to see the types of calls I will be alerted to. I watch a lot of the 911 related shows on TV, but would love to see a more realistic representation of calls. Any suggestions?
That's great! Our Day in the Life series and PIO Vlogs showcase the day to day emergencies that SMFR responds to. You might find some educational incidents by watching those.
If you really want to see the field, you need to do a ride along
Interesting you’re able to get feedback on patient outcome from the hospital. Where I worked that information was considered confidential because of HIPPA laws and wasn’t shared with the first responders. As the medic said that’s really helpful feedback especially with patients flown to a trauma center.
Beautiful take good care of them
love it love ems calls to there so intresting
Can you please make more
when is épisode 4 coming out ? love it !
Please make more
Can we get Episode 4 Please I Want To Be A Firefighter Some Day First I Got To Get Stonger
When are we getting more ?????
A new series idea, Medic Monday's. To showcase this content every monday
Will there be any new episodes for this mini series!! Have loved watching the first three
Thanks for watching! Yes, we plan to feature more episodes in the future.
Would i be allowed to come over from the UK and try that EMT programme that was mentioned in this video, I've wanted to be a paramedic for the last 10 years, I'm 23 years old now. I'd love to try this out. also you guys are truly AMAZING, I've watched all the Fleet Friday's and station Saturday's, and quite a few day in the life videos. you guys are who i want to be.
Thanks for watching our channel and for your interest in our EMT program! Your best source of information will be from SMFR Human Resources, you can email them with your questions... employment@southmetro.org
Thank you Kim Connor Eric and Lauren from your friend in Springfield Missouri kyle miss you my dear friends
My name is Kyle from Illinois
Hey, now when are new fire medic episodes dropping??? I stalk RUclips daily, hoping for a surprise
Thanks for checking! It'll be at least a few months before we revisit Fire Medics. Those ride longs take an incredible amount of time because only some patients agree to have their medical story documented. We have some higher priority projects during the first and second quarter of this year that will be completed first.
Yessss get it girl!!
I'm surprised the EMS supplies at the station to restock the medic unit are not in a room locked up.
Some medications are locked up and meet DEA compliance, but basic supplies easily accessible to the crews for restocking.
@@SouthMetroFireRescuePIO wow that's nice, our supplies are locked up like fort knox
Wondering why no one's wearing a seat belt, nether patient (like shoulder straps required by Striker for transport) nor paramedics while transport!?
We always have a seat belt on, only exception would be a CPR or critical trauma/bleeding, it is required and relevant to accident insurance otherwise they don't pay...
How do you handle that?
Do y’all still station Saturday?😊⭐️🇺🇸 if so when is the next episode?🎉
I think they did all the stations
@@tracksidewtomgaming if they did they never posted all the videos. The last one they did they chose station 22 as the next one and that one hasn’t been done yet along with a few others. 36,40,20,33,37,44,35,and 42. I just know this because I looked up the stations on-their website and those stations don’t have an episode posted!
@@Dispatcher-kv2im Huh idk then
@@tracksidewtomgaming me either hopefully they will do all of them eventually.🇺🇸 I thought they did one every Saturday but the last one was a few months ago.
@@Dispatcher-kv2im but you gotta think. They are a big department and are busy pretty often.
Quality videos! Greetings from Ecuador. If I ever go back to the states , I would consider this department. What’s your departments age limit?
The minimum hiring age at South Metro is 18 years old and there is no maximum hiring age.
What computers are you guys using for your EPCRS?
When is the next PIO vlog
Love it warm together lol 🌎🤩
What charting software does south metro use for patient care reports???
When is the series 4
So would the medics have done refusal forms for the first two patients in the MVA? Is that something the engine crew did then, or is it not even necessary if there were no injury complaints?
My guess is no patient. Probably a third party caller so if those people did not call 911 (for injuries at least), didn’t want to go to the hospital and were A&Ox4 with a GCS of 15, no complaints in NYS that’s a no patient found. But never know, they could run different in Colorado.
@@HamptonsStreetDoc I see, I know my department would usually do a refusal no matter what, but I have heard of other departments not doing refusals for something like that, and I just didn't know the reason.
Mine makes a do a refusal no matter what if you arrive on scene
@jakobarnold8427 Obtain Refusals no matter if there was no patient contact? Sounds like a private EMS service
@@That1Dude3000 only a refusal if there is a patient/party present even if patient had no complaints. If no patient found then it is documented as so
We should do more ride log with medic 44
You all stay safe out there
Is it still likely to get on a FD with just an EMT or AEMT, or do you kinda need a paramedic to be considered these days? Im trying to get on but just don't want to be stuck on the ambulance for 30 years lol. If anyone has any experience and can help out I appreciate it!
It really depends on the fire department and the personnel needs they have. At South Metro, we've been hiring recruits with no past fire or ems experience and even provide EMT basic once a recruit is hired. Although South Metro does have many paramedics, that level of qualification is not required to be a firefighter here.
Are the medics/emts only on the ambulances or do they float over to engines as well? And do you guys have Medic only positions or does everyone have Firefighter 1 and 2 in the department?
SMFR has several Paramedic Engine Companies in addition to the ambulances. All Paramedics are required to be Firefighters.
What Happens If You Get A Call And You Haven’t Restocked Your Med Supplies??
If a Medic Unit needs to restock equipment they ask Dispatch to place them in an out of service status so they won't be called to any incidents. Once they have restocked, they go back in service.
Do you guys have a brush truck? If you guys don't have a brush truck it would be great if you guys have a brush truck!
South Metro has 19 brush trucks, but not every station has one.
Any of your medic units on Ford chassis?
Yes, nearly all of the medic unit fleet is on Ford chassis. Most are E-series with a handful of F-series.
Are they not allowed to use the auto NIBP (autocuff). I always see them doing manual BP
Correct, SMFR determined that NIBP is inaccurate when used in dynamic environments so manual BPs are always used. New and improved monitors will be purchased soon and testing has shown those NIBP readings to be very accurate, so the policy will likely change as soon as new monitors are rolled out.
Does South Metro hire EMT-B’s or only paramedics? 🤔
Yes, South Metro has EMT-B and Paramedic Firefighters. We are currently recruiting for both and will provide EMT-B to candidates who don't already have it.
Is Josiah connors husband? I remember during the pandemic he was featured.
Good morning ☀️🌄💞 how's life been
Can medics have extrication equipment too?
At South Metro, Medic Units do not carry extrication equipment. All aerials, engines and the Rescue carry various vehicle extrication tools.
@@SouthMetroFireRescuePIO I see. I know that it is common for fire trucks to do the forcible entry, because my physics teacher was a former paramedic, and and he told me that he has extricated so many people. I wonder if there are other departments who have extracation equipment in their ambulances?
Where can I purchase a hoodie?
smfr-community-mar22.itemorder.com/shop/sale/?fbclid=IwAR2JN8l-7NlKVL5qdGgSmajVRR4bQCmNfa-jXOlM_ue775npVq8sTQDxDII
The EMT trainee looks scared.
@SouthMetro-centennial, Colorado Eric will we see Connor on a future Vlog again?!
@s
How hard is it being a medic
Most medics will tell you that their education was very challenging and difficult at times and the job is very similar, but also rewarding and addicting. The amount of knowledge can be overwhelming and there's often not much time to get everything done for a patient who needs life saving interventions.
So turnout gear in the back of the ambulance with the patients is that safe?
As long as they're clean. South Metro issues two sets of bunkers to every firefighter, and many of the stations have extractors on site to clean dirty gear. It's not like the bad old days where you wore the same set until you couldn't stand the stink anymore.
All South Metro turnout gear is decontaminated and goes through an extractor prior to being worn again. All personnel have a second set of clean gear ready to go so there's no gap in service after a fire. The gear is as safe as possible for our firefighters to wear and our community members to be around.
When do y’all have time to chill
Some Medic units have a higher call volume than others, so some crews get to have more down time. Other crews or busy days mean the Medics might be responding, transporting to the hospital and immediately catch another call. The days can definitely feel exhausting at times.
Do department regs allow her to have her hair not in a bun like that? seems pretty dangerous considering the profession.
Engine life baby don’t do the box they can have that
Why do y’all run a 3 person crew on the medic
The third person that you see is Eric he's the public information officer
Sometimes an EMT or Paramedic student will be riding as a third person, or as you may have seen in the Medic 44 highway MVA call, the person riding in back is the one doing video for this series.
I remember not too many decades ago, California had police-medics. That idea did not last very long. Maybe a conflict of interests.
I thought Zac was bae and then I saw Josiah… ❤️🩹🤤🤤🤤
The ppl 🌎
👑🌈🌹🌑💙🌉🌎🤩💘😎
How about pay Medics what they deserve
The 2023 South Metro pay range for Fire Medics is $74, 027 to $114,239
How are you doing sweetheart 💞
Fire medic…you are either a firefighter or a paramedic…can’t be both.
First!
man who cares
@@jolson3x me goofy
I’m not gonna lie, this series is very boring. All the calls except for the last one were boring and not eventful. Even the last one kind of was but at least there was some damage to be seen. I love the concept of this series, but maybe use higher acuity calls?
That is the reality of EMS. It's not all blood and guts..... it's about the human connection.
So you enjoy watching other peoples' suffering?
Huge supporter of the videos but I completely agree. I personally understand not every call is crazy but I mean come on, I feel like almost every call I’ve seen in the videos so far has been BLS not even an ALS call.
@@jakobarnold8427 me too, I also personally understand that most of the calls ran are routine/BLS in nature. And like I said I LOVE the concept of the series, and think it shows a great side of SMFR. Just think that the calls shown should be a little more “interesting” to watch.
Hi Bruce, thanks for watching and providing your honest feedback. There are two big challenges the Public Information Office faces regarding high acuity calls. The first is always customer service and respecting our community members, the second is that the patient or guardian must sign a HIPAA waiver and consent to their treatment being shown on video here on RUclips. Most high acuity patients we've responded to have either been unconscious, semi conscious or there's far too many interventions occurring for the attending Paramedic to introduce a PIO and explain what we're doing. Our goal with this series is community education through virtual ride alongs and whenever possible we'll include advanced life support, but so far those have been difficult stories to tell.