This post is based around COVID, sorry if it gets controversial.

So I'm an EMT with a private ambulance service in a very, very busy Florida city. Some two weeks or so ago, I had non emergently transported a COVID positive patient. I used all my provided (though cheap) PPE. Imagine my surprise when I come down with COVID symptoms 4 days later.

Now I have to quarantine, without pay. I went against my better judgement to be honest and transparent about being sick.

The test said I was COVID negative, and I don't believe it.

I spent my time quarantined and missed a week worth of work. I had a conversation about maybe even using PTO to cover my missing week, as we don't even get sick pay. They outright refused. Said it's unapproved time off.

So come today. I'm freshly out of quarantine and ready to work. My literal first call back is a non emergent transport of a COVID positive patient.

Long story short, I call my Captain and inform him that I will NOT be transporting this non-emergent COVID patient. If I get sick for whatever reason, I can't afford to be functionally suspended without pay again. He told me to come back and hand in my badge.

I'm not sure if I made the right call or not. I feel unsupported and let down by this company. I also feel like I can't handle being jerked around any more.

Enough is enough.

I think I'll get out of healthcare for a while.