Shhhhhh. Don't say it out loud, but I wanted to give some fun to this installment of the A-Z Series.

The Q word. I think you know it well and while we may often think it, we certainly do not want to say it out loud.

Quiet.

Yes, that simple word that once spoken will usually set into motion a shift of non stop calls and enough paperwork to last a month or longer. Honestly, how many times have you been working and it was a nice and quiet shift when someone just had to say " It's really quiet tonight" or " Can you believe it is so quiet". This followed by everyone within earshot cringing in anticipation of what was now to come.

Of course there is also "Q"s' evil cousins, "S" and "B". Mentioning "slow" or "boring' usually has the same effect and will often find you lifting unspeakable weight and getting even more unspeakable fluids or matter on you or your partner.

Now how scientific this is has not been proven. But ask any EMS provider and they will tell you that it is hauntingly true. They will have no doubt and no need for any case study to know it is a fact.

How about certain acts such as taking off your boots, going to the bathroom, getting something to eat or reheating food. It seems as if the dispatcher has a camera in your vehicle or station and knows when you are trying to relax a bit or get some food into your stomach.

If you are new to the EMS field and have not been exposed to this phenomena, give it a try. Say that it's quiet or slow. Mention you are bored or go ahead and take off your boots. You will find out soon enough how true the above is. I do suggest however that you do it in a private area. Your co-workers may not appreciate you testing the EMS deities.

I am of the mind that what will be will be, so go ahead and take off your boots, sit down to a meal or even try to take an uninterrupted bathroom break. Think about those crazy words "slow" or "boring". Acknowledge that it's quiet despite the consequences.

But then the tones go off or the radio chirps your unit number. As the EMS professional you are, you will respond and perform accordingly. Then after the call you will once again wish that it gets quiet, becomes slow and you get a chance to take off your boots for minute.

Just remember that even thinking how "quiet" it is can put the above into motion. So I do hope you aren't reading this at work. If you are - put your boots back on, I think I hear them calling you.