I just stopped being a probie with my college service but I’m going on 4 years now of riding in an ambulance, since during high school I was allowed to assist with my local organization (carrying bags, getting supplies from the rig, etc.) so I feel like I shouldn’t be this nervous at this point. But I am a naturally shy person, so maybe this is why I don’t completely get it. Because I still don’t know how to just talk to people, of any age, background…etc.

With my college students I find it pretty easy to strike up a conversation: I ask about classes, how their semester is going, etc. And then I go from there, and maybe ask what music they like, complain about the winter weather or dining hall food with them, or find something else to talk about.
But back home it’s different. Sometimes I can get in the back with the patient and strike up a conversation, but this is rare. The other member in the back with me (I’m still a probie) can get in the back of the rig and just talk. They don’t try to start up a conversation, they don’t search for an ice-breaker, they just begin talking to the patient as if the patient were their neighbor or best friend, and they talk to them all the time. I can’t even really describe it, it just seems so natural.

So basically in this long-winded post I’m asking for tips on how to just talk to your patient, about anything, without needing to ask a question or do something to start a conversation. If you have any tips (besides “ride more”) I would greatly appreciate it .