Hello!
My name is Joe, I'm 27 and just recently started looking into becoming an EMT. I'm just fishing for info and wisdom from people who know what they are talking about. What's an average day like? What is the hardest part of the job (opinion of course)? What makes a great EMT? Does being a veteran help with employment? What's starting pay like? etc, etc. Feel free to pass on anything you think would help a (possibly) aspiring EMT.
Thanks!
Joe
WA
What's an average day like?
- it can vary from place to place. You may just sit around for 12 hours a day, or you may run 12 or more calls. It all depends where you want to work.
What is the hardest part of the job (opinion of course)?
- i'm gonna sound like a broken record here, but that varies from person to person too. However, my choice for this one has to be Pediatric calls.
What makes a great EMT?
-lots of different characteristics make for a good EMT. Emotionally strong, good thinking process and decision making under stress (your training will definitely help). Also, don't be afraid of change, and always be willing to learn. Your paramedic will teach you a lot, and also, medicine is an ever-changing field, so you will always be learning.
Does being a veteran help with employment?
- again, depends on where you wish to work. I can't speak for what happens in the United States, but up here, it didn't really matter if you were just out of school. They would usually pair you with a person that's been on the streets for a while (and more than likely of higher training) to help you out with adjusting to the real world, instead of being stuck in "classroom" mode.
What's starting pay like?
- For a starting person in my area, at the PCP (EMT) level, it's at about $19 an hour. However, your mileage may vary.
Hope this at least helped you a little bit. It's a rewarding career, and it's fun. You may meet some people that hate their jobs, employers, etc. but don't let that discourage you. Some people really love their jobs (like me), and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I would say just be sure that you really want to do this. I'd recommend doing some ride-alongs, or something of that nature. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
