I started my training before I turned 18-- but waited to take both my state and national tests until after my birthday. I am sorry I didn’t get ambulance ride-along expierence before 18, but I didn’t know of the possibility.
If this wasn't the focus of all of my posts before, it is now, in Israel, they allow kids as young as 15/15.5 to earn a First Responder certification. From there, they can ride along (and provide limited patient care). In fact, for the minimum ambulance staffing levels, they are allowed to be alone with a driver/medic (EMT). That means that on-scene, the medic (EMT) does all of the assessment and stabilization, they load the patient in the ambulance, and the MFR manages care in the back. The driver checks in often, but there are rarely any interventions (if it is a serious call, they either call for BLS backup or Natan (ALS+MD). The MFRs mainly do paperwork (sometimes, but not always checked by the driver), take vitals, and write the bill (yes, in some cases, 15 year old kids are writing bills for what can be hundreds of dollars).
One of the only limitations for MFRs under 18 is terrorist attacks-- they are not allowed on scene. If there is a call, they get out of the ambulance wherever they are so the driver can proceed to the scene.
Because of Israel's strong connection to volunteerism, high school kids are obligated to do many hours of community service-- and MDA is a popular choice. In fact, one shift of the day is reserved for high school volunteers (1500-2300), and 1500 Friday evening to 2300 Saturday night.
MDA encourages high school kids, once they turn 18 to take the Hovesh (EMT) course, and continue volunteering, and many do. Most paramedics attribute their love of EMS to starting early, and the incredible experiences they had in high school.
