Paramedics have one of the most stressful jobs imaginable. Every day, they face the very real possibility that they will find themselves trying to save the lives of people seriously injured in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck wrecks, falls, collisions and other painful and violent incidents.

These brave people who work grueling 24-hour shifts filled with injured strangers were recently profiled in an engrossing Charlotte Observer article.

The article made an interesting point: It's the camaraderie that helps paramedics get their way through long days, long nights and grisly images and sounds most of us will never have to experience.

The profiled paramedics are part of the award-winning Cabarrus County EMS Station One team.

"There is definitely a bond, once you've been in a situation with someone where you are fighting the grim reaper together," said a 29-year-old paramedic who is a nine-year veteran emergency medical services worker. "We see things that people outside the profession never get to see. Having people who are sympathetic and (who) understand helps."

One two-person team from Station One recently won the state championship title in the North Carolina Office of EMS State Paramedic Competition.

The team also placed first in the Carolinas' Paramedic Competition in which two-person teams from both Carolinas are pitted against one another.

One of the men in the team said his EMS responsibilities are burdens he shoulders gladly. He thinks of himself as a caretaker of strangers, making crucial decisions for them in a time of real need.

He said stress often burns paramedics out after about five years, but that he has learned to find healthful outlets for himself -- and to enjoy the close bonds he makes with his fellow rescuers.

Source: Charlotte Observer: "Bond between paramedics leads to honors," Lisa Thornton, Jan. 25, 2012