Working in the medical profession, I find some of the medical practices interesting; especially with regard to the attitude that accompanies the acts. In F451, the protagonist's wife overdoses herself. The "EMS" show up and pump her stomach, but this is done with such a lez a fere attitude, that it is obvious these men are saving people from overdose regularly. This leaves me asking, why is it that people are this way in the books? Reflecting back on my own experience as and EMT on an ALS service, I've run no small amount of calls on overdoses. Frequently is appears the individuals have lost a sense of themselves, as well as are caught in despair. Granted this does not cover all people, but it is my observation based on runs and dealing with the individuals. EMS also develops a sense of ho hum when dealing with overdoses as it is a relatively regular call.
The other reality of the book in the same vein is that an effective protocol had been developed for this situation. These men came in, did their job, left some advice, and moved on. How sad is it that we would rather continue to medicate ourselves, than fix the problems. The medication itself then begins to create a new problem due to individuals abusing the medication seeking to get further away from unhappiness or problems.
How does the cycle get broken and changed?
(Tone drop) "ATTENTION YOUR TOWN EMS!! YOU'RE RESPONDING TO..."
I find it interesting the way you mentioned that these patients have "lost a sense of themselves." With a theme of conformity strewn throughout Fahrenheit 451, maybe this is just another side effect of the little individuality. Maybe, in a sense, many of the characters felt an inner need for the individuality, but were so blinded by other things that were incapable of recognizing it, and then turned to suicide to take care of this unrecognizable feeling.
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