Ever wonder what happens when you bring someone along for a ride-along on a ambulance or a fire engine for the day? According to first responders, it’s either a total snooze-fest, or a wild and crazy adventure—and there’s rarely anything in between. In this episode, Jimmy and Megan dig into the strange superstition known as the “ride-along curse,” sharing their own stories from both sides of the experience.

From Megan’s unforgettable EMT training shift—starting with a pedestrian hit by a bus, and ending inside a jail—to Jimmy’s long string of chaotic ride-along days involving helicopter transfers, mental health crises, and a particularly animated gunshot patient. These stories aren’t just for shock value. They show how even routine calls can spiral, how adrenaline can affect performance, and why real-life practice is essential for responders at any level.

At Life Safety Associates, we train safety teams to stay calm under pressure—and that means preparing for days like these. Whether it’s your first shift or your fiftieth, the ability to reset, refocus, and work the problem is what separates the confident from the overwhelmed. This episode dives into what that looks like in real time—so you'll be ready to expect the unexpected.

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Life Safety Associates specializes in emergency response training for corporate ERT Teams. We help businesses create competent and confident first responders who are ready to handle unexpected emergencies. For more information you find us @lifesafetyassoc or [email protected].