How important do you guys think working as a basic is prior to a paramedic program is? Is doing the bare minimum of 6 months ample, or should I really get my BLS skills to be second nature. Just confused on the route I should take especially since it is so hard to find work as a basic, especially as a 19 year old. I figure it might be better to volunteer for the minimum 6 months and then enroll in the paramedic program, but I am still quite confused on what to do. How important is BLS experience prior to medic program enrollment, and how much is enough?