If you find yourself wondering if you should become an EMT, then there’s a good chance you’ve already heard several arguments for why you should and shouldn’t become an EMT.
Several people, especially EMTs with many years in the job will warn you of all the negatives, and while it’s entirely true that there are many struggles you will face if you choose to become an EMT, these struggles are entirely worth it if you are passionate enough.
When making this important decision, a great way to learn more about this profession is to listen to the Best EMT Audiobooks to give you an accurate insight into what it’s like to work as an EMT or Paramedic.
Why Should You Become An EMT?
1. Make Life-Long Friends
When we did our survey on Volunteer EMS to see how satisfied providers are with their volunteer commitments, one thing was quite apparent.
Many people in EMS become life-long friends with the people they work or volunteer with.
Sure, we joke all the time about having to work with idiot partners, and yes – that does happen. Much like any other job, you will have colleagues, supervisors and clients (or patients, as we call them in EMS) that we do not like, or get along with. However just as you will find the bad ones, you will also find the good ones.
If you join EMS, expect to meet a great bunch of like-minded people, and to make some awesome new friendships.
There’s a reason we call our EMS colleagues our brothers and sisters.
2. Follow Your Passion
You will hear many people say that EMS isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. For many of us, to become an EMT is to follow our calling, or our passion in life.
I think that many people who want to become EMTs or Paramedics will feel that compelling urge that EMS is the right career path for them.
A good rule of thumb, is to ask yourself – if you didn’t need money at all, then what would you do? How would you spend your days?
If your answer is to still become an EMT or Paramedic, then that’s a good indicator that you have the drive, passion and commitment that’s required to be successful in this profession.
Unfortunately, EMTs and Paramedics are not known for receiving a high wage, so you will want to consider the financial component as well.
Many people, both inside and outside of EMS will tell you not to become an EMT if you’re not happy with the low wages, however there’s no problem with chasing down your dream job, if that’s what you’re happy with.
We continuously campaign for higher wages for those in EMS, as we recognise both the value of the work performed, and the toll it takes on those who do it.
3. Life Experience
When you become an EMT, expect to gain a lifetime’s worth of life experience, in an incredibly short amount of time.
You’ll be exposed to situations and people that most individuals would perhaps never be exposed to in their entire lifetimes. For you, this will be an everyday occurrence.
The wealth of life experience that you accumulate when you become an EMT can help you in your future decision making, both in and out of EMS.
Many EMS providers have gone on to be successful authors, consultants, doctors, nurses, and business owners. There is now doubt that the life experience gained from working in EMS has helped in their success.
If you want to know more about the experiences you can expect in EMS, you should read (Or listen to) this book.
4. Constant Learning
When you decide to become an EMT, you are deciding to never stop learning.
EMTs and Paramedics are constantly learning, researching and practising new skills, procedures and expanding their knowledge.
In order to provide the best emergency medical care to your patients, you need to be committed to ongoing education, above and beyond the minimum standards.
That’s why so many EMTs, Paramedics and students choose to sign up as a member with us, so they can access loads of EMS News and Education articles, as well as interactive online scenarios to test their thinking.
If you want to become an EMT, joining as a member can help introduce you to many of the topics you’ll learn about, and give you an advantage when you go through your training.
5. Earn A Sense Of Satisfaction
How many jobs give you the ability to go home at the end of your shift, knowing that you made a real and measurable difference in the world, and in the lives of others?
Not many. Sure, lots of jobs are important, essential even. But not a great deal of jobs involve potentially saving a life as part of the average work day.
There are of course going to be times when you finish your shift feeling flat, tired, exhausted and burned out. But the times when you finish after just saving a life, or making a difference in someones life, well and truly make up for the negatives.
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help someone else, which is why so many EMTs and Paramedics get that deep sense of satisfaction at the end of their shift, and can rest knowing that they made a difference.
6. Job Security
With job-automation on the rise, not to mention outsourcing to overseas labour, some professions are left relatively untouchable.
One of these professions is that of EMTs and Paramedics.
It would be incredibly difficult for a robot to fulfil all the functions of an EMT or Paramedic, and while there are EMS Drones both in use and in development, these are designed to compliment the human EMS workforce, rather than to replace it.
Furthermore, the demand for Emergency Medical Services seems to be rising. It is common for patients to call an ambulance even for minor conditions and ailments, and because we cannot legally refuse them transport or treatment when they request it, it means that we need more ambulances and EMTs to staff them.
7. Every Day Is Different
When you decide to become an EMT, you’ll experience one of the few jobs where everyday is different.
No two shifts or patients are ever the same. You will see many patients with complex presentations that are far outside of the textbook presentations you learned about in EMT or Paramedic School.
In addition to a variety of clinical presentations, you can also enjoy a variety of work environment.
EMTs and Paramedics are able to work in many different industries, not only in an ambulance. Cruise ships, factories, mines and other industries hire EMTs and Paramedics as onsite medical responders.
8. Meet People
When you become an EMT, you’ll meet a large variety of people everyday. Ranging from your patients and their families/friends, through to other healthcare providers, law enforcement officers and fire fighters.
Being such a connected member of your community has many advantages, and as you earn their trust and respect you can find yourself making new friends, and establishing a good network throughout the community.
