I can’t believe I am actually at the point where I have to write this but this is my note to all of you that Medic999 is closing down and this will be the last post.
I have had a truly amazing experience over the past 18months. I have made friends, travelled, shared experiences and have learned more from my peers than I could have ever imagined.
I hope you have gotten something out of reading my posts too!
A lot has happened in the past few weeks but the clincher has been the knowledge that there are some out to prove just how ‘dangerous’ blogging can be for those who write blogs.
More and more has been happening recently that has made me more nervous than I have been in the past about what I write. I know, 100%, that I have not broken any patient’s confidence, I have not brought my service into disrepute and that I have acted as a professional throughout the whole time I have been blogging.
I have written and published 483 posts. There have been over 3000 comments and I have had over 250,000 hits. I created ‘The Handover’ EMS Blog carnival which is still going strong as the only EMS related carnival That’s no mean feat!
As you know, I am a family man, and that is my prime responsibility. I cannot risk my livelihood and my ability to financially support my wife and children. That has been the final nail in the coffin of my blog.
I find it a shame that the reason for this blog ending is the general lack of understanding of blogging and social media. I feel that I have promoted best practice, shared my passion for the job that I do, and hopefully have shown all readers what it is that makes EMS and those that devote their lives to it so special. However, there still remains this general unease about social media and blogging in the Health Service. Some of the bloggers out here may want to continue the fight, and maybe I am being a coward, but I dont want to risk getting into a position where I cannot provide for my family and can no longer do the job that I love so much.
Maybe this is a bit of over reacting on my side, but I have never been wrong about my gut feelings in the past, so I am going with this one too.
I hope you have enjoyed my writing. As a final request, I would love it if you could leave a quick comment if this blog has touched you, made you think about your practice or how you do your job. I plan on sending all comments from this post to those who need to be persuaded that blogging can be a positive thing, in the hope that one day I can come back again, with more support and confidence in what I do.
If you have never commented, then this is your last chance. Let everyone know why blogging should be here to stay!
So with the blog gone, what about The Chronicles of EMS?
CoEMS continues to go from strength to strength. Ted and Justin are hatching bigger and better ideas all the time. I have decided to take an intentional back seat for a while. I have spent so much time away from my family that I have had to make the decision to put family first and step back from all the transatlantic travel for a while.
I am not leaving CoEMS; I will still be part of it, like all of you who follow it. I remain passionate about our goals and visions for the future of worldwide EMS and I am sure that you will see me again in some of the future episodes (they don’t get rid of me that easily)
I will remain active on Twitter as @UKMedic999, so hopefully we can still keep in touch there, and you know you can all drop me an email whenever you want at mglencorse@yahoo.co.uk.
I will also obviously still be reading everyone else’s blogs and commenting when the urge takes me and I will be downloading all of my posts and all of your comments from the past 18months so that when the time is right I can bring them all back.
One thing hasn’t changed though……..
I still work in the best profession in the world and I still feel lucky and privileged every time I step on my ambulance.
I hope that I have shared some of that passion with you and I really hope that you all realise how much you have helped me at times also.
Before I go, I want to commit once last thing to the interwebs.
There have been two men, with two families that have come to be so close in the last year that I truly feel as though they are an extension of my family.
Justin, you have become another brother to me over these last 10 months. Who would have thought that we would have clicked so well? You, Kim and the girls have opened your home to me and made me feel so welcome that it was that little bit easier being away from Sandra and my boys. We have shared some amazing times together and I will not forget them for as long as I live. From the ride on the ladder engine in San Francisco, to seeing your face as you stood on Hadrian’s Wall remembering your Grandma. The time that we stood together watching the pilot episode of The Chronicles in the Hotel Frank realising what we had achieved to bluffing our way into showing the Chronicles in the Ballroom of the Denver Downtown Sheraton. There are so many moments that I will cherish, but this isn’t the end my friend. There will be more memories to make and more goals to work towards. Plus, the families still need to meet. You have been Awesome, my partner in Bromance!!!!!
Ted, you took Justin’s and my little project and turned it into something that still continues to make people reassess what EMS can achieve. Your passion and commitment to your art of film making is truly awe inspiring. Many times, all Justin and I had to do was to just be ourselves whilst you made our everyday actions look far more. I don’t know how I will be able to cope without listening to you tell me how we are going to ‘change the world!!!’ Two of the many things I will never forget….. One – sitting outside of the Irish Bar on my first trip out, Justin doing his pitch to the camera “You can buy the whole seat….But your only gonna need the edge”, and you nearly falling of your chair as you were crying with laughter so much; and two, Coyote Ugly in Denver and your Kid rock dancing!! Dude, you ROCK!!!!
I have been blessed to work with Justin, Ted and so many more people than I could ever list. You know who you all are, and I hope you know how much you mean to me.
TEAM CoEMS!!!!
So that’s it guys.
See ya!
So long and thanks for all the fish!
(hitchhikers guide to the galaxy reference for those that don’t know)”
NOOOOOO!!!! You have been an inspiration to me, I am so disappointed that you are being shut down. Your posts will continue to educate and encourage others long after your curtain call, and I am grateful that you put yourself out there. From one medic to another, thank you.
Sorry to see you go, best wishes to you and yours for the future.
“I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have blogged and lost
Than never to have blogged at all.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson – In Memoriam:27
Congratulations on a fantastic blog
It has been an privilege to have been able to gain deeper insight into the stresses, strains, trials and tribulations your job entails
This is where the healthcare system, or rather the providers in it, who long to be more than they are or ever will be, sabotage that which is enjoyed and cherished by the rest of us.
Be safe and hope to have you back soon. (sorry for the run on sentence)
Medic140
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your live with us through this blog. The only way I came to know this blog was through the CoEMS project. Since then, I have been reading more here and have enjoyed it very much. Good luck in all of your endeavors. I hope that we haven't seen the last of you in the Social Media sphere. I also wrote a post on my blog about this…
http://doctoranonymous.blogspot.com/2010/07/sal...
I chose to stop blogging for many of the same reasons. Shame really. Take care.
I'm a paramedic student and I've been following your blogs for a while now. I volunteer at a fire station and in my area if you want to do EMS and fire are combined. This can be very frustration forcing people into positions that they have no interest in being. not in anyway saying that some people don't thrive in both.
However its my goal to become a paramedic and paramedic only.
What i'm getting at is your blogs have really helped me to see that there are more people who are as passionate about EMS as I am. people who genuinely care about EMS and the patients involved. As oppose to people who through no fault of their own have to do EMS so they can get a job.
Its been an educational experience following your blogs
thanks, David
Thanks for all you entries, you've really allowed me to understand what it's like being an emt and caused me to consider this career for myself.
CoEMS is short for the Chronicles of EMS.
I will truly miss this blog. I am a fairly new emt-b in US but enjoy hearing how it is done around the world. need to find this CoEMS i keep hearing of…
Mark,
I cannot begin to “top” all of the comments posted already. As a paramedic student, yet only knowing about your blog for a short time, you have inspired me. I enjoyed reading whatever you posted and learned from it. I understand your decision to stop, but you will be missed by those “newbies” out there, as well as the experienced crowd.
Take care,
Devon
Just a quick, short thank you for reviving hope in those of us who were beginning to become a bit salty. Your words have been much appreciated, and your humor much needed. Hope things continue to go well for you my friend.
mark take care hope to read you again soon , your blog add inspire me to try to get in that movement , it also have help me think over some special aspect of our job and passion , you ARE NOT a coward you did wath is best for your family whe have to remember them to and be there for them even if a other passion is a big part of our life's ! i will be looking all i can for your futur coment
pity. go well into that dark night.
Oh Mark, this makes me sad! : ( Your blogging has been instrumental in fostering understanding between professions – it is so important for us to understand each other in order to work seamlessly together for our patients. You may be “across the pond” but the issues faced by nursing and EMS know no boundaries.
It is so hard to believe, so many years into the reality of the blogosphere, that there are still those who are frightened by the idea.
You're welcome for all the fish, but I'm telling myself “DON'T PANIC”, that there will come a time when you will be able to blog again. In the meantime, I'll catch ya on Twitter! : )
I have never considered myself a mover or shaker as I work in my small corner of EMS, but your blog gave me a sense of connection to a higher purpose, as well as comfort in knowing that I was not alone in my frustration at EMS' lack of progress in today's world. Although I am not very internet savvy, I know many who are. I was thrilled to be able to share your blog, CoEMS, and the Happy Medic with a great many of my friends and coworkers who had been missing out on such a valuable resource. Your thoughts and insights have been an inspiration to many of us to reach for more, and recognize the global need and desire for growth and change in the EMS world.
Your departure is truly a loss for all of us, whether readers or not. Your blog has been a catalyst for thought and effort toward maturing our industry. I, personally, am sincerely grateful. I look forward to your eventual return, when the naysayers realize the injustice of their position.
Blessings to you and your family. Enjoy the well deserved quality time, and know you will be missed.
Mark, having been away from reading the various paramedic related blogs for a month or so I was truly saddened to read you are taking an extended break from the blogging world. I stumbled across your blog about 12 months ago and it really gave me something to think about and a chance to look at the realities of the role of paramedics. It helped me make the decision to change career and go after something meaningful and I am determined to achieve this thanks to your words.
Good luck in the future and I hope that people in the NHS can learn to understand the postive outcomes from blogging and not just scaremongering and petty arguments.
Take Care – I look forward to your tweets continuing!
Thank you for this blog. I am very sad to see it go, I have enjoyed this blog and learned a lot from it. Though I have never met you or anyone else whose blog I read, I feel that I have come to know you from reading day after day and your leaving the blog life is as if you were moving far away. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better medical professional. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
It's taken me a few days to get here, Mark, but I know you understand.
Even though you stopped, your posts – your words – will always be here. And like so many that commented here, I'm sad that other people put you in this position. But family always comes first, no matter what. And in ways other than blogging, you are still “toiling in the vineyard.”
I still also know where to find you. Fair winds.
I am so sorry that there are people who don't understand and must always seek to destroy rather than to simply educate themselves. I have enjoyed your blog immensely, and I know I will miss it. Hearing first hand about the triumphs and challenges you face has increased my understanding of and respect for EMS.
Be well.
I am not good at being brief. I vented a bit.
As if I were not feeling negative enough about EMS already . . .
Great blog – keep it up in the rest of your life, and most importantly, with your family.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, I wish you the best.
There's definately a paranoia about the “powers that be” shutting down a blog through whatever means they deem necessary. Public Safety seems to be affected by this a lot more than other professions. I can only hope to portray myself, my profession, and my employer in a good light.
Mr. Glencorse,
I finally have a moment to respond to this. Your blog is among a handful that I read, but it always has been far above the others. You had subjects that where funny, sad, educational, and thought provoking. I always got excited when I would go to 999medic.com and see a new post. I knew it would be something good. When I first heard of COEMS and looked at you and Justin's blogs I went as far back as I could and read every post. I took some of the wisdom from your blogs and use them every day in my own practices. I had a tough call that I had written about… you had a almost the same call that you had written about. It was great comfort to me that someone else had been through the kind of call I had and came out just fine. Reading your story made me realize it was ok not to be ok, and that in time, everything would be ok. I can't put in to words how much your words have helped my own practices and inspired me to not only write my own blog, and become better at it, but most importantly how to provide the very best patient care I can. I look forward to hearing and reading more from you with COEMS and following you in twitter and I hope maybe soon you can come back to the world of blogging. I fully understand your reasons and don't fault you at all. I am sure I would do very same. Your family comes first and I hope you and your family remain well. Thank you Mr. Glencorse for all that you have given your readers. So much more than words on a screen, so much more than than thoughts and themes, you have given me an example of how to be, how to be a great paramedic. Thank you.
-Dan
Mark,
This is a real loss to the blogging community. But it is clear you have your priorities on straight and made the decision you had to make.
It's sad that people can't see the greater good of this blog and what postive things it has provided for the EMS community and the citizenry in general.
Hope to see and read you again soon.
Dave Statter
sucks mate, enjoyed the blog
hi mark / folks
i have never commented on this blog before but have been a follower for a long time i will keep this short. when i saw the heading of the last post i was shocked beyond belief mark you have made me what i am today i am 3 weeks away from finishing my EMT course this is a course i was inspired to take and a job that i had only thought about in the past but after reading every single post you made on your blog i went for the leap and applied to the ambulance service. all im getting at here is that you were a HUGE INSPIRATION to me and many others who are on my course we are all sad too see you go as your site is a minefield of usefull information to us your service should be proud of you hope to see you back soon take care and be safe…….
I'm a UK based student paramedic and have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog Mark.
It's such a shame that something as good as this has to end because of those few people who don't fully understand the potential of blogging, but as many others have said you have made the right choice until there is a change in how blogging is perceived in the bigger picture.
I have found your blog truly inspirational – I have learnt so much and its made me more and more eager for those days to come when I can do the job we both love and perhaps one day join you in the blogosphere! Still a way to go yet though!
Take care
Keep the spirit, and keep pushing the standards.
All the best form Australia,
Flo
Thank you. I read A reflective practice in the pulse magazine and then coincidentally found this Blog. Keep up the good work.
I've never commented because I never knew what to say, so don't blame me if I write something stupid… I discovered your blog quite a while ago (while procrastinating for an exam…
) and I really enjoyed reading your experiences.
It's sad that you've got to stop… There's nothing more valuable than personal stories shared by experienced professionals – you've got a certain way of approaching your job/patients that's really an example for people who are aspiring to work in health care.
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to share your stories with us…
Mark, I first read about your blog retirement on Justin's blog, and have posted there. I am glad to see that those other of your readers, such as myself, who are not part of the EMS or medical fields, have told you how much they have learned from your blog. Count me in that group. I admire your dedication and professionalism, and I kind of like the accent, too!
Your only sin has been that you have been so successful since you started this blog, with The Handover and CoEMS; I have no doubt that some of your colleagues, and possibly superiors, are a bit jealous of what you have accomplished. At some point, you will have the last laugh.
Until then, keep doing what you do so well, and please do not be a stranger on the Net!
You will be sorely missed, Mark. Thank you for everything you have done. I am sorry that the things leading up to this decision weren't the best, though. I will be anxiously awaiting your return and keeping up with you on twitter in the meantime, of course!
But for now, Illegitimi non carborundum. Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Hi Mark,
This is very sad news indeed. Although not involved in EMS myself, I am about to take my first steps working in the NHS and I can honestly say that reading your blog has been as educational to me as any lecture or teaching session that I have attended. You shall be missed, my friend.
I hope that we will continue to see you on Twitter, and I wish you and your family all the best.
Mark,
You have just brought closure to the biggest lesson you could have taught us through your blogs. Very early on it was clear to you the impact your blog could have and the responsibility that went along with that. You chose to take the clear and high road by being upfront and honest with everyone from your co-workers to your employer,
In doing so, you put your name and face in the public eye, again knowing that you were fully exposed in the case of an error. This took tremendous courage that few understood at the time. Through it all you maintained a perfectly professional demeanor and carried yourself with honor and yet STILL were able to say what you wanted people to hear and open some very productive discussions. You also put your feet to work and got out THERE and showed us what you learned. We all became a little better as ew learned from you and each other in these discussions.
Leaders are people who put them selves up to provide for the collective good of the group and risk becoming a target of comments and actions by those who lack the courage to do so themselves They lack this courage because they do not have a fundamental understanding of what it means to lead. Jealousy fester and then prevails when they see someone succeeding where they can not even get a foot hold.
I believe that all along you suspected this would happen, but you continued on with clear goals and a good heart.
The lesson I take from this and would like to make clear to those who just a few months ago were arguing for 'complete disclosure and accountability' and against anonymous blogs is this: Even good people, with the best intentions, will be the target of unfair, unwarranted, and punitive actions by the ignorant, insecure, and incompetent. There is no way around this.
I have waited this long to post a comment because I was so angry and upset that I could not find the right word. This is just wrong, that the entire community suffers to satisfy the needs of those who lack the ability to recognize the communities growth needs.
I will miss checking your writings every day my friend, you have touched many people in many ways and I have no doubt you will continue to do so, but I mourn the loss of what was a perfect platform for you which gave us all easy access to a wonderful human being and thoughtful, natural leader.
Be Well dear Mark.
Now, lead on……
Capt. Tom
It's sad to see another blog go, a shame that other bloggers rely on anonymity to cover their backs.
I'm new to the profession, but back when I was deciding what to do with my life, it was blogs like yours that inspired me to go for the ambulance service.
I wish you all the best luck in the world.
Steve