Am I an asshole for never properly thanking the paramedic for saving my life?

[Anonymous]

In 2013 when I was 19, my heart was beating uncomfortably fast for seemingly no reason. I thought I could just sleep it off. I woke up the next morning and it was still beating really hard. My parents took me to the e. r. and it was discovered I had wolf Parkinson white syndrome. They put me on an ambulance to take me to a town 30 mins away. On the way there, I went into cardiac arrest. The paramedic performed cpr on me, and brought me back about 5 mins later. When I woke up I was very disoriented and scared. When I calmed down, the paramedic came to make sure I was okay. I had really bad social anxiety back then (I still do, just not nearly as bad) and I just gave her a half ass thank you, and then she left. I think I've seen her once within the past 10 years. I felt like maybe I should have gone up to her and properly thank her, or find out who it was so I could thank her.

[NamerOfStars]

I don't think "asshole" is the right word, but it would've been nice. Still, you were in a life-or-death situation, and it's very understandable that politeness ceases to be a priority when you're that scared.

I've heard stories from paramedics about patients who're clinically dead, who they inject with Narcan and revive, and who then get pissed because their high was interrupted; a "he forgot to say thanks" is pretty minor by comparison.

Of course, that doesn't mean fixing the error wouldn't be appreciated; contacting the hospital and asking for old EMT staff records probably isn't that strange of a request- and if, for some reason I can't think of off the top of my head, it's a problem, letting them know WHY you want it will probably have them point you in the right direction. I seriously doubt you're the first person this has happened to.

[Asker]

I guess she may have possibly thought I was angry with her, because I was already going through a tough time in my life, and before I went into cardiac arrest, I asked if she could let me die. I hope she doesn't think I'm angry with her for that.

[ArrowheadSW]

They understand that you had a thousand things on your mind at that point, just being whisked away by ambulance and taken to an ER. The fact that you gave thanks at all means something! So don't discount the thanks that you did give even though you feel like it was half-ass. However if you do give a larger praise to her after all of these years, I'm sure it will mean something to her. It will show that someone appreciated her work after all of these years.

[ArrowheadSW]

By the way, how are you doing with the Wolf Parkinson White syndrome now? Are you on some heart medication?

[TommyMountainFigure]

She was just doing her job, and it really doesn't matter what we think. The question is do YOU feel like an arsehole for not thanking her properly?

The fact it is on your mind still after all this time would suggest you do, and that being the case, it wouldn't hurt to get her a belated present!

[AviatorTom]

Maybe a bit uncaring but you're not an asshole. The paramedic did their job... and saved you. Though it would be nice to thank them in person, most paramedics (at least the ones I know) are happy that you survived.

[exitseven]

Paramedics deal with all kinds of emergencies' and understand that you were in crisis. She understands. However, if you want it is never too late to give the paramedic a proper Thank You.

[Iron_Man]

I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad you’re better now. No, they understand you were in a situation that was hard for you to communicate I don’t know if she’s working there anymore, but you can try

[Rangers]

You should be scolding him, for keeping you in this horrible world

[Loner111]

I don't think she'll remember u especially 10 years ago...

That's their job, no offense.