Beyond sirens

their stories.

WRITTEN BY AUDREY HETTLEMAN DESIGNED BY ILIANA GARNER

Content warning: This story contains mentions of suicide, death, blood and graphic descriptions of physical trauma. This story has been edited for length and clarity.

Emergency medical service (EMS) personnel work for a minimum of 12 hours in a typical shift — and sometimes up to 24 — according to a 2021 study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some stick with the role for decades, while others use it as an opportunity to gain experience as they prepare for another job in the medical field. Along with the grueling schedule, EMS personnel struggle with mental health issues, separating work and home lives, frustrating coworkers and more. These are the stories of EMS personnel in the Evanston and Northwestern community, told in their own words.