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A Friese-ism for Every Day EMS Situations

The Gate Keeper shared a list of Pearls of Wisdom that inspired me to write my own list. I can’t take credit for all of these Friese-isms. Many I have acquired from friends, co-workers, and supervisors. Others I have created on my own or adapted for my own use.

Can I make a suggestion. (important to say this as a statement instead of a question. When said as a statement it is a cue to listen closely because I am going to make a suggestion that you will follow.)

Scratch my back and I will scratch yours. (I have a story for this one that will become a future blog post.)

We can’t miss you until you are gone. (This is great for ending long goodbyes.)

If it was easy anybody could do it. (Favorite quote from UW Marching Band director Michael Leckrone. Twenty years later I can see and hear him shouting this to us over and over on a cold, rainy, and dark afternoon.)

You have a dumb question? Let me be the judge of that. (Yes, I have heard many dumb questions. One of my favorites started with “After I got shot in the head … )

Choose your battles carefully and win the battles you choose. (This is the essence of parenting.)

Tell me something that is true or loosely based on the truth. (A good premise for writing blog posts about patient cases)

You’re right you can’t do it; but if you could, how would you do it. (I learned this phrase from team building guru, firefighter, and EMT Tim Pflieger. Use this to combat your own internal “can’t voice” as well as the “can’t that goes on all around us.)

Any favorite Friese-isms I have not included on the list?

What are some of your favorite phrases or pearls of wisdom?

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.