When I first thought about getting into EMS I didn’t really know anyone in the field. I originally took the EMT-B course in 2003 during my freshman year of college. I didn’t try very hard, and ended up not bothering to take the NREMT exam. I spent some time working various political campaigns, moved a few thousand miles, and never looked back…
Until I did.
I looked back. Over, and over, and over. I couldn’t stop. Something about EMS just caught my eye. Not really “glory”. Because honestly, there isn’t much. EMT instructors are notorious for being negative. They always make everything seem sooooo bad. Something about people in this field leads to trying to make this career seem like it is the worst thing ever.
Honestly, while this career can be challenging–it ain’t that bad.
But what they DON’T tell you is just how boring it can be. How challenging your partners can be. How frustrating patients can be. How heartbreaking the “easy” calls can be. How hard it can be on your family. How much it changes you. Sure–people try. The old, rusty, haggard medic always tries to tell you these things… but there is no way to really figure it out until you are out here, on your own.
When new EMTs walk through our door and want the “truth” all I say is…. “hop in and see. Your perception of my world is going to be completely different that what I tell you. Jump in the seat and see how it feels. You’ll know after one or two calls whether you want this or not. But you HAVE to WANT it to keep going. When you stop wanting it–get the fuck out”.
So… To my readers–When you don’t want it anymore–move on. Shit happens, life goes on, and there are lots of different ways to make a buck–most of them easier.
Godspeed, all. Missed ya!
