Is this a wrong reason to become an EMT?

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artificial intelligence

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Hi all,

Just looking for some honest opinions. Any thoughts, positive or negative, are appreciated.

I have been thinking about becoming an EMT after I graduate from college. This was actually what I wanted to do since high school, but naturally I flitted around my options and let life lead me in several different directions. In 2 years, I will have a Bachelor's degree in mathematics (for liberal arts...strange, I know), and although I love the subject, don't believe I have the faculties to really go further with it. I'm a 26 years old right now, so will be almost 28 when I graduate.

I have suffered from "mild" depression, Dysthymia since my teens and while it's been up and down, it has recently gotten worse over the last year. I'm on medication now and functional. My most important goal is to graduate, since it has taken me so long. But it has occurred to me that my life is, well, meaningless. I have no strong aspirations after I get my degree. I have no plans to get married or have children. I have good friends and family, but other than that, no real reason to stick around.

So is it a bad idea to become an EMT simply because I feel my life is devoid of meaning and I might as well do something to help others whose lives aren't? I figured the taxing hours would be ideal for someone like me who plans on staying single. However, I'm a somewhat smallish female, under 120 pounds, have a history of depression, and low tolerance for difficult people. I do genuinely care about and want to help others, but I'm afraid I'm doing this for a poor reason and the high stress levels of the job could potentially make my mental state worse.
 
Is it the wrong reason? Only you can answer that.
As long as you stay medicated and functioning well, follow your heart. Never self medicate and keep your mind healthy.

I actually started classes during a depressed part of my life. I suffered anxiety and depression and needed "reason" . I was in a place in my life where I felt maybe helping others could help me. I was functioning OK, I just felt I wasn't living up to life like I should be.

Ems has made a huge difference in my life. Helping others has made me believe I have made a difference. My self esteem and confidence in myself has grown. However you must be aware of how it will feel when you do everything you can and that pt does not survive. Don't second guess yourself as you can not save everyone .

I can only advise you make sure you do not self medicate. You look into counseling to improve your mental health and if it is something you really want to do, go for it .
 
Thank you mariemt!

I will see where things are in 2 years, and yes, I do my best not to self-medicate although it has been a rough year. I can see how it could take a toll on me to lose patients despite all efforts. Thanks again for sharing your own experience.
 
You're welcome.

As for difficult people, we all deal with them, its part of the job. Just remember empathy.
Depression hits millions of people. You aren't alone. I hope in 2 years you are doing much better. Since you have dreamt of this forever, its worth going for.
 
If you always wanted to do it? Why not? apparently you are making the choice for all the right reasons.

you want to help people and serve a purpose as you feel,

if your depression is present and you can medicate and control it to be a funcitonal human being theres nothing to lose.

Being an EMT can be a rewarding job, but it can also be difficult at times. In the same way as stated before your confidence and self reflection can improve by doing something you love.

P.S. - I have a degree in Automotive technology, & Mechanical Engineering for machine trades. It takes people from all walks of life.
 
Thanks for your advice unleashedfury. It's highly probable that I'll end up doing it. It does sound like a very rewarding career, though I'll do my best to be responsible about my mental health. Interesting path you've to EMS!
 
unleashedfury said:
If you always wanted to do it? Why not? apparently you are making the choice for all the right reasons.

you want to help people and serve a purpose as you feel,
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I'll mirror that sentiment,

Sometimes, it takes us a while to figure out what we're doing, if we every are really able too. I came into this field after walkiing out of grad school. It took a little while for my parents to understand, but working in public safety has made me feel like I have a purpose.
 
Ease your way in. You don't have get all this done tomorrow. Start by educating yourself in EMS. You don't even have to go right to EMT school, there are plenty of CPR and 1st Responder and 1st Aid classes to take, at your leisure, as you take a look see if emergency work is your ideal way to...

take your focus off yourself and put it on to helping others.

You are SO on the right track so please give yourself credit for your choices.

Can you Volunteer? Do it. Volunteer in an E.R.? Do it. Volunteer with terminal care patients? Go ahead, put yourself in the position where you can really take a look at who you wish to be and how you wish to live your life.

Your future is all about your choices. In EMS you will be exposed to a lot of people who have and are making lots of lousy choices for their health and well being, both in the streets and in the profession. You will learn.

Best of fortune!
 
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EMDispatch, it's really great you found your calling. I never want to be one of those people who go through the motions and end up in an unsatisfactory career but are unable to change. Like you, for me it's either grad school or EMT classes.

firetender, that is a great idea to volunteer first to know what I am getting into. I will definitely sign up for a few CPR and first aid classes at my community college, and see where life leads next. Thanks so much for the advice and the inspiration!
 
Hey AI! I think it's cool you want to go for something you've always wanted. I became an EMT back in January, joined a department as a volunteer, and have found it to be great. My confidence has risen and overall I feel a lot better about myself. Helping people does that to you, and you can't beat it.

My favorite call was the Vietnam veteran who shook all of our hands at the hospital and told us we do a "hell of a good job."

I think going on ride-a-longs and volunteering would be a great thing to do at this point.

I do have one question though, why don't you start now? Maybe find an online EMT class and get going slowly. EMTFiretraining.com is what I'm using for my advanced course and you get to go at your own pace depending on what skills week you pick.

Anyways, good on ya' and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do!
 
Dan216, I would love to start volunteering and taking classes now, but the major for my bachelor's is really intense, and I have to focus all my energy on it, lest I delay my graduation by another year.

In the summer, however, I will definitely be looking into classes and volunteering! Really admirable that you are doing this for volunteer. Thank you!
 
artificial intelligence said:
Dan216, I would love to start volunteering and taking classes now, but the major for my bachelor's is really intense, and I have to focus all my energy on it, lest I delay my graduation by another year.

In the summer, however, I will definitely be looking into classes and volunteering! Really admirable that you are doing this for volunteer. Thank you!
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That's the best way to do it. EMT school isn't difficult but when you add on the intensity of a bachelors degree it makes it a bit overwhelming focus on your studies a basic first aid and CPR course will get you started (which is a one day class) to do ride alongs and all then go from there.
 
I would say do it because you want to do it. Asking people that have been on the field is the worst thing that I have realized.
 
Dan216 said:
Hey AI! I think it's cool you want to go for something you've always wanted. I became an EMT back in January, joined a department as a volunteer, and have found it to be great. My confidence has risen and overall I feel a lot better about myself. Helping people does that to you, and you can't beat it.

My favorite call was the Vietnam veteran who shook all of our hands at the hospital and told us we do a "hell of a good job."

I think going on ride-a-longs and volunteering would be a great thing to do at this point.

I do have one question though, why don't you start now? Maybe find an online EMT class and get going slowly. EMTFiretraining.com is what I'm using for my advanced course and you get to go at your own pace depending on what skills week you pick.

Anyways, good on ya' and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do!
Click to expand...

I even looked at the EMTFiretraining.com. Problem is its quite expensive for a EMT course.. 3400 bucks???
 
titmouse, I completely agree that I shouldn't rely on the the opinion of anyone other than myself whether this path is right for me. We all process the career differently, so it was a bit of a loaded question. However, being as conflicted and apprehensive as I am/was, I really needed to hear different voices that weren't my own Looks like you didn't listen to anyone but yourself, and here you are, an EMT! So, I suppose it doesn't matter, but it does help to get advice, if even for a small push to get started.

unleashedfury, yea, I looked into classes at my community college hoping it would be a bit cheaper, but nope, not only do I need to pay for 3 courses for EMT I, but equipment, attire, texts, etc that end up being a whopping lot. It is discouraging, as I already have a lot of debt piled from getting a regular bachelor's, but if I really decide I want to do it, it will be worth it in the long run.
 
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