Treating Cancer Patients from an EMT’s Perspective

By Nicholas Zuk

When I became an EMT in the summer of 2024, I knew I would encounter patients experiencing extremely difficult medical situations. What I did not expect was how much I would learn from them about health, resilience, and the choices we make. Some of the most memorable patients I have treated have been those battling cancer, not because of the medical care I provided, but because of the insight and perspective they shared with me.

I have had 3 experiences with cancer patients as an EMT. The first was during my clinical training when I was earning my EMT license. I completed my EMT Basic license certification in Alabama. Near the end of the course, we were required to complete three 16-hour clinicals where we served as EMTs on local ambulance crews. In my hometown, the crews consist of one to two Paramedics, one Advanced EMT, and one Basic EMT. I served as a Basic EMT on my crews. During my third clinical, we responded to a call for an 86-year-old man suffering from shortness of breath. Upon arrival, we were greeted at the door by his son and were guided into the living room, where we found our patient sitting on the couch with his wife, breathing rapidly, but able to converse with us. While we got baseline vitals on him, he told us that he had been diagnosed with emphysema in 2013 and had been diagnosed recently with lung cancer in April, 2023. Additionally, he said that he experienced shortness of breath regularly, but that this time he felt he needed to go to the hospital because it had been persisting for the entire day. After completing our initial assessment, we administered supplemental oxygen and transported him to the nearest hospital. 

In the ambulance, the man began to tell us his life story, beginning by explaining that he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. It was during his service in the Korean War, and later in the Vietnam War, that he, like many other soldiers, began smoking cigarettes. It became an addiction that lasted well past his service. He said he was unaware of the dangers of smoking until he was diagnosed with mild emphysema and COPD sometime in his late 70s. It was not until then that he quit smoking, per his doctor’s orders. He did not look any further into his diagnoses, took his prescribed medicines without question, and against doctor’s orders, would smoke a couple of times a week even though he felt pain in his lungs and experienced more frequent bouts of shortness of breath. He said he did not think his condition was that bad and he figured he could live with what he believed was the worst of it. However, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and given a life expectancy of 1-1.5 years, he realized he wanted to learn more about his condition, his medications, and treatments. He said that while there was nothing he could do about his condition now, he wished he had been more proactive in taking care of his health, and he strongly urged us to do so. I could not understand why he had not prioritized his health after being diagnosed with both emphysema and COPD. He explained it was because the diagnoses came at such a late age that he was too tired and set in his ways to care enough to take an interest. Our patient pleaded with us to prioritize our health by learning about how what we put in our body affects our health, whether it’s a prescribed medication, food, and even “recreational” habits like smoking, vaping, or drinking alcohol. He said it’s easier to make those changes as a young person because the older you are, the harder it is to form new habits and make changes that could genuinely save your life. Nevertheless, I believe that making healthy choices at any age can improve one’s health.

The second interaction I had with a cancer patient as an EMT was at the volunteer Basic EMT service I am currently serving near my college. This ambulance service is made up entirely of volunteer Basic EMTs. One morning, in September 2024, we received a call from a man in his 40s who had suffered a seizure while in the shower. We met the paramedic at the door and were let into the house by the man’s wife, who is an ER nurse. We immediately began recording his vitals and getting a list of his medications and medical history, which revealed he had stage 3 lung cancer caused by a pack-a-day smoking habit he started in his early 20s. It became evident early in our conversation that the couple was well versed in his treatment, and because of her medical training, his wife was well equipped and prepared to care for him. Although we did not transport him to the hospital or otherwise treat him, this experience is memorable and unique. Because the patient’s wife was professionally trained as an ER nurse, to care for patients suffering from a variety of medical emergencies and conditions, she had an extremely deep understanding of her husband’s diagnosis, and the patient did as well. They understood and predicted all of our protocols and had already prepared a list of medications and description of what they were prescribed to treat. Together, he and his wife were the most medically knowledgeable couple I have encountered in my time as an EMT. 

This experience reminded me of my first cancer patient, the veteran who advised us to become better informed about our health and to practice healthy habits as early as possible.  The benefits of that advice were evident in our interaction with my second cancer patient. His knowledge of his medical condition and treatment was impressive and confirmed what the veteran told us about the importance of self-care education. I see now that, like studying for courses in school makes you more comfortable and confident in your ability to digest new material, having a good understanding of your personal medical circumstances can help you prepare for and deal with the unknown as you navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  It was interesting to see how that knowledge affected both patients. What they shared was not only a good understanding of their personal medical circumstances, but also a sense of calm as they spoke about their diagnosis and treatment, and a strong and confident resolve to fight the battle with the support of their family.    

The final experience I have had with a cancer patient was in late November 2024. We were dispatched to a patient in his 50s who was experiencing extreme pain urinating. The patient was in his front yard when we arrived about 5 minutes after the 911 call. Because he was mobile, we directed him into the ambulance for further evaluation. He had no prior medical history, was an active CrossFit athlete who said he worked out 6 days per week. He was, in fact, scheduled to compete in an event the following month. His vitals were in the normal ranges, but because he had been in pain for several days, he agreed to be taken to the ER. Several weeks later I found out from a charge nurse at the hospital that our patient had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This diagnosis surprised me because it challenged my assumptions that doing all the “right” things guarantees immunity from illness. My first two cancer patients were smokers who did not exercise. However, my last patient was in peak physical condition, was on a regimented diet, and competed in athletic events– he had done all the “right” things. This was extremely scary and difficult to hear because it made me realize that even the people you would think would be immune to such diseases are susceptible to them.

Reflecting on my experiences treating cancer patients has made me aware that providing medical care is not always the most important thing I can do as an EMT. Showing compassion, empathy, and respect to a patient in a moment of uncertainty makes a big difference for patients and their families.

For cancer patients, life can feel unpredictable, but the strength I’ve seen in those I’ve treated is something I’ll never forget. From the veteran who wished he’d prioritized his health earlier, to the medically savvy couple who faced their challenges with knowledge and determination, and the athlete whose diagnosis reminded me how fragile health can be, each story taught me something important. They taught me that life is both precious and uncertain, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from this, it’s that our health isn’t just about the big choices, it’s about the little ones we make every day. And for those living with a cancer diagnosis, I hope you know that the strength you show doesn’t go unnoticed. You have inspired me to approach every patient with greater empathy and understanding. My time as an EMT has taught me that life is a gift. It’s not something to take for granted, and every moment, no matter how small, is an opportunity to care for ourselves and connect with others.