Working on the ambulance has really brought home an interesting point that upon reflection should have me been more obvious. In short, think about where the drama in a story is, count to three, and then realize that you're probably wrong.
For instance, I have written a handful of suicide scenes. I've read a ton of them. Generally, the drama centers on the person committing suicide. From the attempted suicides I've worked, I see that most suicidal people seem to really work themselves into a state of drama-free numbness before the attempt, and that almost all the drama is with the people around them.
Car accidents, too. And heart attacks. And loss of consciousness. The person at the center typically didn't see anything coming and are too confused or weak after it happened to really feel the drama. The drama is in the response and in the impact waves. The incident itself and who seems to be at the center of it are really in the eye of the drama-cane.
On the other hand, where you really see the drama is when a patient's health is foundationally okay, but they are suffering from panic, stress, or uncertainty. Their condition is made worse by their emotional state, and the role of EMS is as much to calm them and give them confidence as it is to help their health. In these cases, it's usually the combination of a little things that come together, creating a well of drama in that person. A little trouble breathing, a sense of loneliness, and a lot of stories at work about people who died from this or that without knowing they had it. A sudden spell of dizziness, tension in the family, and a headache from the change in weather.
These situations are full of drama, and it's all centered on the patient. Their family stands by in mute confusion. The EMS team tries to quietly bring down the tone of the scene. Their health itself is table. But the patient is full of drama.
So, think about where the drama in a story is, count to three, and then realize that you're probably wrong.
Then again, maybe you're not. :) Because humanity is just not that predictable... But think about it anyway.
.Nevets.
I'm terribly intrigued by the fact that you've worked in an ambulance...and you're right. People who seriously want to die numb themselves first, so no drama there, except what's in their minds. Wisdom, you're sharing it.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm stealing your phrase 'drama-cane' and putting it into my vocab! Brilliant!
I have to like this line: From the attempted suicides I've worked, I see that most suicidal people seem to really work themselves into a state of drama-free numbness before the attempt, and that almost all the drama is with the people around them.
ReplyDeleteThe last scene in my third novel utilizes this concept. At least, it's what I tried to impart. My secondary character has allowed his heart condition (severe mitrol stenosis) to deterioriate. The scene revolves around the EMS proceedures in saving his life, but actually focuses on his brother, my MC, responses to the situation overall.
I like the scene a lot; but I'm afraid there's too much info dump on the paramedics role. You know, too much research can ruin a highly emotive scene?
.......dhole
This post is really thought-provoking. It's true, we often think of the person suffering as the one going through all the drama but it's usually not.
ReplyDeleteEspecially are mothers when something happens that requires them to hold it together for their children, they are often calmer than portrayed in movies. I find myself freaking out until the worst happens and then I'm calm and collected.
CD
@TWC - haha Thanks, glad you liked the turn of phrase. :) And, yes, I've been volunteering with the local ambulance for nearly a year now and am currently training for my EMT certification. Helping patients is a nice change of pace from IT (how I pay bills) and dead people (what I was doing for a few years previously).
ReplyDelete@Donna - I'm glad that description resonated with you and your scene. And I know all too well the havoc over-researching can wreak upon your writing. It's one reason I've taken too heart the maxim to write what I know. The stuff I've done is more boring to me so I'm less inclined to be fascinated by the trivia.
@Clarissa - That's a fantastic example with mothers, and you're so right. Honestly, I think people would be astounded by how little drama and energy there is with a good ambulance crew. If you see EMT's running fast all over the place and snapping out directions, they're usually adrenaline junkies who aren't doing their jobs right. (Usually, not always.)
Excellent, excellent, good sir! This is really good to know for writing, and for life as well. You're full of so many good tidbits. I've noticed I'm never full of drama when there's a bunch of drama going on around me. I thought it was just me, but now I see it's pretty much natural. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm like a penny vending machine of tidbits. I'm glad that at least some of them are useful. :-D
ReplyDelete