I'm seventeen and I hope to go into EMS as a career. Right now I'm just finishing up my First Responder class through the Red Cross. Over the summer, before college, I'll keep my current job lifeguarding since I can't get my EMT or work for a "real" department. However, I'm considering joining the local Red Cross' volunteer service. They do standby at local sporting events (NHL, NCAA, etc.) and also provide all EMS / First Aid at the State Fair in August. They have liberal protocols and variances, I would be allowed to use a pulse ox, glucometer, assist with nitro, etc. I would be working with a wide variety of other personnel, including EMT-Bs, medics, RNs, etc. Besides the usual criticisms of volunteer service, does anyone have any comments or observations about this? Any experience with Red Cross EMS? Does it sound like it would provide good experience?