Fire service, EMS, rescue good luck charms, signs of bad luck, superstitions and traditions

As part of my MS degree in emergency services, I am writing a book on emergency services superstitions, luck charms, things that are believed to bring disaster, etc. I'd love to hear what you have to share. For me, even though its a police thing, I carry the St. Michael's medal that my father wore during 37 years as a sheriff's deputy/detective.

So, share away...

0 members like this

Attachments:

st florian.jpg, 3 KB

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Arkymedic on February 2, 2008 at 2:43pm

I believe that if the pillow case on the stretcher is open towards the head its a "code pillow". Open to the head, fellow's dead.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jeff Betz on February 2, 2008 at 3:17pm

My daughter made me a small beaded good luck charm with a clasp on it when she was small. I've had it on my gear coat ever since. Its about 4 inches long or so, and getting kind of beat up, but still there and she's almost 19 now. It hangs clipped to a hook inside my coat on the upper left side, right by my heart. She didn't realize it at 6 years old how much it would mean to me, but I think it might be one of the best gifts she has ever given me.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by D.C. Sterbenz on February 2, 2008 at 3:21pm

I wear a St Florian charm around my neck and a firefighters prayer coin in my bunker coat. My wife also carries the same coin in her purse.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by ILDisasterEMT on February 2, 2008 at 3:51pm

I don't know if there is a patron Saint of EMTs but I carry an EMS prayer coin. If anyone knows of a EMS patron saint, Id love to know about it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by R. Mellen on February 2, 2008 at 5:42pm

I keep a card of St. Lawrence, the namesake of my Confirmation (I'm Catholic), in my turnout coat pocket. St. Lawrence was martyred, burned alive on a grill. His last words were "You can turn me over, I'm done on this side."

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by jpzxzp47mmhn on February 2, 2008 at 6:01pm

its really stupid but every time i buy something new for the fire dept. like shirts or a helmet we have a fire/MVA i know stupid but hey its true

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mick Mayers on February 2, 2008 at 6:07pm

That's good.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by scott on February 2, 2008 at 6:36pm

Superstitions: I worked many years with a medic who was a firm believer that if we took our duty boots off before 11pm we would run all night. 17 years later i still follow that same theory.
Good luck charms: On my helmet band is a cross with a flag draped around it. I have carry it on my helmet for almost 15 years. Several different jobs and i make sure it stays with me. It has seen many good "jobs" and we have made it through all of them.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris Hayden on February 2, 2008 at 8:30pm

The guys at my department think that polishing your boots is a sure way to bring about a house fire.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bill D on February 2, 2008 at 9:25pm

My good luck charms consist of my St. Florian necklace and our crew carries a firefighter prayer coin. The coin also determines who buys the next round (off duty of course). If they dont have it, THEY BUY.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrea on February 2, 2008 at 9:53pm

I'm really suprised no one has talked about a full moon, it never fails, if its a full mood, we run all night, mainly BS calls usually....

As for good luck charms, I keep my little girl's pic taped on the inside of my clipboard along with a card that has the EMTs prayer on it...