Thinking about becoming an EMT

[Esaputo]

Hello everyone..my name is Eric, I am 20 years old and Ive been looking into becoming an EMT and then furthering my career from there, but I have questions that I feel only you professionals can answer. I want to make sure I have all the bases covered before I dive into this because if I do, this is something Im going to do for the rest of my life and be passionate about.

1. When I become an EMT will there be work for me? I live in Southern California..
2. I understand when I start out I might not get shifts or hours I want, but what kind of shifts does an EMT work? I know there is a lot of overtime, but even then so will I have time for hobbies, family, friends, girlfriend?
3. I know the pay isnt great, but can I make a living?

Im sorry if these questions seem ignorant and stupid..but Im just really trying to find my calling and get my life started if you will.

 

[firecoins]

1. When I become an EMT will there be work for me? I live in Southern California..

Yes

2. I understand when I start out I might not get shifts or hours I want, but what kind of shifts does an EMT work? I know there is a lot of overtime, but even then so will I have time for hobbies, family, friends, girlfriend?

EMS is a 24/7 business. There are shifts available all times of the week, month or year. You will have as much or as little time for other things and people as you choose.

3. I know the pay isnt great, but can I make a living?

As an EMT-B? probably not. You can as a paramedic. If EMS is your career, start looking to become a paramedic.

 

[mikeylikesit]

lets just say that in order to be happy in EMS you have to love it. as said if you're a medic you can make a OK living, if your a Medic on an FD, you can make a good living. shifts for EMT's run anywhere from 12-24 hours and you don't usually have regularity, meaning, you can work 4 24 hour shifts and have 3 days off and work 5 24's in a row the next week. like said it is only worth it to you, and only if you have the passion for it like most of us.

 

[Hastings]

I know the pay isnt great, but can I make a living?

Temporarily, sure. That is, without obligations and responsibilities. You know, children, wife, serious medical issues, etc. It's enough in a private service to pay for an apartment and food, but that's about it. Expect to get a second job.

Great place to start a career though, as there are few things that will give you so many skills that apply to just about any field.

 

[fireguy553]

i work p/t as an EMT-IV and the hours are all over the place. as stated on here, i work either 12 or 24 hr shifts. the pay is not great but i really dont do it for the good pay. i get paid very good as a f/t firefighter. i do it more for the excitement and the chance to help people in different ways than my ff job. good luck with it.

 

[rhan101277]

i work p/t as an EMT-IV and the hours are all over the place. as stated on here, i work either 12 or 24 hr shifts. the pay is not great but i really dont do it for the good pay. i get paid very good as a f/t firefighter. i do it more for the excitement and the chance to help people in different ways than my ff job. good luck with it.

I hope to do it p/t as well for the same reasons as you. Not worried about pay either.