Meet CJ Semos (he/him), an EMT working at a local EMS company in upstate NY, who moonlights as a musician under the name ‘AFibz’. “I have been an EMT for 5 years and have been creating music on and off for the past 8 years or so.” CJ uses his career and his passion to express himself and connect with others.
Emergency Medicine is often the thin line between life and death for many. The opportunity for a vehicle to race to the side of humans in their time of need with humans inside willing to extend their hands. Emergency personnel work in all conditions, and like other front line medical professionals they daily put themselves into various compromising positions and at risk of all types of illnesses to help those who need it most. “Being on the “frontlines” of this pandemic, it (the virus) has impacted me by having to take extra steps for safety at work and taking extra steps to make sure I don’t bring anything home especially if I have had contact with a COVID patient.” EMS workers have new guidelines and checklists they must follow on each call that changes county to county and hospital to hospital.
May is special for EMS as it has EMS week, a nationally recognized week long celebration for all their good work. This year, celebrations looked very different - less luncheons and celebration, more busy shifts and PPE galore. PPE is something they have obviously had to wear before, but now there are extra layers of precaution, and as summer weather is hitting us - it puts these humans at a great risk of heat related issues. What you can do to thank them this year and everyday is follow your CDC, WHO and local government guidelines and only call EMS if it’s a true emergency.
Being an “essential worker”, CJ tells us his routine has not changed much, but it has opened the door to better self care. “It has allowed for more time to focus on working out and other personal improvements which is a plus.” Although life hasn’t changed much, CJ still has struggles as the pandemic is effecting everyone in it’s own ways. “The biggest struggle with this quarantine would have to be not being able to hang out with friends and having less social interaction. To stay positive I have been working more on music, exercising more, meditating, listening to positive podcasts and audios and reading books oriented to personal growth. I also make sure I talk to my therapist when I need to.”
He brings up a good point to seek help as mental health is very important, as we have talked in this project before to end the stigma on mental health. This world is going through something unlike anything else we have seen, and there’s a high probability we will never have a world like we once had. That’s impacting people who have had no mental health issues in the past and those who are currently suffering. Therefore, there is no shame in seeking help to learn coping mechanisms, or talk about how you’re feeling. Social stigma and discrimination have statistically shown that they make mental health problems worse, and stop a person from getting the help they desperately need. Also as I’ve said time and time again, I’m no mental health professional but I’ve been on both sides of this. People need connection, whether it’s conversation or a helping hand. What does a helping hand look like? It could be not saying anything at all - some people need their space. It could be letting a friend lean on you, vent to you. Taking care of others and respecting them has to start with you. The stigma doesn't just come from others. Feeling things is no personal weakness and sometimes we aren’t able to control it without help. Educating yourself is just the first step, along with seeking help which can help you gain self esteem to overcome destructive self judgment. Be there for yourself so you can get through this as healthy as possible to perhaps help someone else if not yourself. These thoughts and feelings are valid - this is an uncertain time for us all. We will get through it though, and hopefully as CJ plans, reflect and build up our personal growth…. I know I have been working on that and successfully reflecting daily with meditation and self centering.
“This pandemic has taught me to not take the liberties we have such as hanging out with friends, going to restaurants, etcetera for granted. I think it becomes very easy for us to be able to take them for granted when we are usually able to access them all the time.” Gratitude is something I’ve always held onto. It’s my favorite word, personally. So when CJ told us that he won’t take things for granted, we hope that gratitude starts growing like a weed inside of him, and everyone else reading these stories. There is always something to be grateful for.
I’ll leave you with the creative outlet CJ ‘Afibz’ has created. Take a listen, his self proclaimed “chill hop” style has intense lyrics you may be able to relate to as he delves into more serious topics and life issues. He uses creating music as an outlet of expression to get out how he feels. “My favorite song that i’ve written is titled “All In Your Head”. It discusses depression and suicidal ideation and the difficulties living with and navigating through it. I am a rapper, and typically have a “chill hop” style that is usually emotionally charged.”
Take a peek at his work on all platforms as ‘Afibz’ and check out the link below. We also can not forget… as always, thank you to all the workers on the front lines of this pandemic like CJ and beyond.
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/afibz/if-i-could-go-back
// Please note all quoted statements above are those of Mr. Semos and not reflective of Faiella Studios.