So, I may become an EMT.

Evan S

Evan S

Veteran
Well, folks. I'm looking into schooling to become an EMT. I was wondering if anyone else had experience in this field. My number one passion is still film. Although, I do want to help people, and this is not the first time I've thought about this. I know they're not paid much. I'm pretty much aware of everything they deal with etc (my mom works in the medical field). I like the idea, and I think as a career it sounds like a great thing to do. I'll also meet a lot of people, and help people.

The schooling isn't that expensive, and I do believe I'll still have time to make films. Since it's something I do on the side anyhow. Just wanted to hear everyone opinion here. Since I always value a lot of what everyone says. I know this is not something for everyone, and heck I don't know until I try. However, I need to find a career that I can work in if film-making doesn't pay off. The idea behind it is to eventually become a paramedic. The job is stable and I can get this kind of job in any state. (so If I ever relocate to L.A.) I know some of you guys are cops, or firefighters or something. I just want to hear some perspective, to make sure I'm making the right choice. As much as I'd love to break into the film industry, it's a lot harder than it looks and I would really like to plant my feet into something because working in sales and retail aint my thing AT ALL.

Who knows the stories I might see and hear?
 
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Good for you Evan. Yes, I am a former EMT/Paramedic. Just keep in mind, running on a rig for a private company doesn't pay that well in CA. Now, set medic pays decently I hear. Actually considering on re-certing just for that reason.

As to stories, I have some that will curl your toes, some that will make you laugh, and some that will have you questioning humanity. You will need to develop a tough skin, and have a GOOD shoulder to cry on. The job can be that tough. But then there is the satisfaction of knowing you really made a difference that day by saving a life.
 
The "field" is where things are not cleaned, but are cleaned up. By the time the patient has made it to the hospital, you guys have mopped up a mess. I knew an EMT and a nurse who had to ride with Paramedics to get re-certified or something like that, she was an OR nurse.

You will find your days most satisfying and somethings hard to get out of your mind. If you have a thick skin, yeah, go, go, go, save a life.
 
Well, I have pretty thick skin. I'm only worried about someone dying on me for the first time, but I know it's something I can handle.

I've signed up for the classes through AMR. So, I think this should be a good choice. I'm glad to have gotten some responses. My parents are very supportive. So is my girlfriend. So I have a good "support" system. I can't lie, I'm actually excited to do something with my life. I'm 21 years old, and I'd really like to have a career in something that makes a difference.
 
Yeah, I worked as an EMT, Paramedic, Paramedic Supervisor and EMS educator, in Virginia, and in and around Detroit Michigan, from 1982 to 2003 and I found it to be a very good career field, but can be very tough. It is stressful, and it is also a young man's game, so while you are building your EMS career, be sure to look beyond that. One thing that you may want to look into, if you get your paramedic cert, is maybe advancing to RN, as you grow older. There are programs that you can do on-line to go from paramedic to RN, without going to a school that looks very promising.

On thing that to keep in mind, is that just getting your EMT in one state does not mean that you can move to another state. EMT, and paramedic licensure is under state jurisdiction. So check with your instructor about reciprocity between states. One thing to help that is to make sure that you get certification through the National Registry of EMTs. Talk to your instructor.

I say go for it. EMS is a unique career field, that demands a high level of performance, and outstanding decision making abilities. It has a high level of camaraderie and esprite de corp. Besides you do get some great stories to tell.
 
Also, for most of my EMS carreer, I mostly worked schedules where I only worked 14 days a month, which gave me a good bit of time to pursue filmmaking. The most common schedule was on were 12 hours a day, 3 days one week, and four days the next week. I loved that schedule.
 
my school offers the national registry exam I believe. I'm going to go part-time for about 5 months.
 
Good luck to you, Evan and PLEASE share with us some of the most stupid things people get themselves into!
 
LOL, yeah, that one would fall under my catagory of "make you laugh". Mine involves a rubber fishing worm and difficulty urinating. I will let you think about that one for a while.
 
I'd say to go for it. Becoming an EMT-B is relatively inexpensive and really doesn't take that much time. You should get a good flavor for the field and determine whether or not you'll want to make the more sizable commitment to becoming a paramedic.

Plus, there's so much creative fodder to be found in EMS. You just may find that the training really gets your creative juices flowing.
 
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