Hey guys, I just recently obtained my EMT license and am excited to start working for a volunteer agency pretty soon. I guess I am just a little nervous for my first day as I am normally a quiet, introverted kind of person and was hoping if there are any other introverted EMT's or medics that have any advice for me. The last thing I want to do is come off as awkward on my first day.
Advice for a new introverted EMT?
- Thread starter Caspar
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Rin
Forum Captain
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Unfortunately I don't know any magic that can make you a confident extrovert over night. As a person who was painfully shy, I have slowly gained confidence from doing this job that has improved...everything.
Kevinf
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Find a partner that's your opposite and stick with them if you can. Take notes...
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Separate your work personality from your personal life. I'm naturally more introverted in my personal life, but my interactions with co-workers and patients are intentionally more outgoing.
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This. Heck, even with my coworkers I tend to be more quiet. When I'm on scene, I just take charge. How exactly to do it, I'm not sure. I've just worked in jobs that required significant human interaction since I was 16 (sales and then EMS), so it developed over time.
azbrewcrew
Forum Crew Member
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Pretty much what the last two posters said. "Fake it to make it" is what I do. Im pretty much a hermit on my days off, but I routinely run EMS scenes on shift. I can land a helo like the best.
Ewok Jerky
PA-C
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Am I the only one who thinks you should just be yourself? If you are pretending to be someone you arent you will definitely come off as akward. Focus on being a good EMT, don't break policy, be friendly with your partner...the rest will fall into place.
Drax
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You're get more comfortable as time goes on.
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Lots of great comments here, and I keep saying after each one, "That sounds a lot like me."
That's what first days are for. To be awkward, ask stupid questions, mess up, get lost, etc. Just learn and continue moving forward.
That's what first days are for. To be awkward, ask stupid questions, mess up, get lost, etc. Just learn and continue moving forward.
Drax
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And your second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days as well.
avdrummerboy
Forum Lieutenant
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I'm naturally very introverted and quiet, you just have to break out of that shell once in a while, it's not bad once you get used to it, of course out here with 5+ people on scene, you can be quiet and get away with it as there are so d*** many people asking questions anyway!
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Guess what.... You probably will. You're new, that's OK. If you find you're working with someone who has a problem with that, find a different partner.
I'm by no means an introvert, so I'm not sure I can be much help. Good luck, and tell us how it goes!