I just finished my second month as mainly an IFT EMT with a little 911 mixed in there. I’ve only seen a couple traumas. This job is a blessing. As a newbie I thought I was gonna be doing crazy stuff all the time. And I was scared to start. But once I got on the road and realized it’s not all that, all the nerves went away and i started enjoying my career. I’m only 21 years old. The amount of advice I have received from the elderly while I am providing care is insane. I couldn’t ask for more in this career. If you are thinking of it I say give it a try. The worst that comes out of it is you find out the road is not for you. There are lots of other positions you can get with a EMT license. You only live once!
Thank you! I'm currently doing a LOT of research into becoming a Paramedic in Ontario. I'm turning 18 soon and I was curious on how other youngards have been faring.
@@xaviert.123I’m also looking into the field! The great thing about Ontario is that their offering more volunteer EMT opportunities in the Peel region, which is a great gateway into learning more about the field
Thank you for this. I'm about to start schooling and I'm excited for it. But I know it's not gonna be easy. I'm also concerned about the craziness of being EMT, but hearing your story gives me hope and courage.
People coming into EMS are like, "I'm going to save lives and make a difference!" The saving lives and making a difference = Picking up Joe off of another meth high to bring him back to the hospital because he was sitting outside the gas station again.
Lol . “Ok sir tell me what’s bothering you?” Well my damn feet hurt. “Ok when did this start?” This morning. “What we’re you doing?” Damnit I walked 12 miles today and I can’t walk . Can’t you see damnit?! “Ok sir …we’ll …ok we’ll take you to the hospital….?” Lol never ends .
@@M157-04LLY lmao it's funny because it's true. "Hey ma'am what seems to be the problem today?" My chest is hurting me a lot! "Okay ma'am can you tell us when this started and what you were doing?" It all started in 93 when I was with the rabi.... " Umm okay ma'am let's take a ride and get you checked out at the hospital." Same shit different shovel. :)
I got one “hello sir what seems to be the problem?” “My brain hurts on all four quadrants and I need neurosurgery” “Okay when did this start?” “My whole life ever since I was born.” 😂Got it
Well said. The one thing, that you didn’t mention or maybe I just missed it, is the mental health side of things. You have to be the kind of person that can handle seeing some pretty bad stuff. I’ve got 13 years as a FF/Medic and it’s crazy the things you see. I warn people that are thinking about getting into this that you will see things that no “normal” person wants to or should see and you will remember those incidents for the rest of your life. Just make sure you have a good spouse and a good crew that you can talk about these events and get them off your chest. Especially with COVID going on, this is taking a huge mental health toll on every medical profession. Stay safe everyone and find someone you can talk to if you feel overwhelmed, don’t become a statistic because I hate seeing the suicides in our profession.
Kevin, you are right. To be honest, we have to harden up to handle what we see. When I had a family member that was going to pass, I wondered if I would have the same emotions as anyone else.
I am a CNA & got my EMT 6 months ago. As a CNA I've worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and private care. I've seen ALOT. Then I decided to shift to EMT, and work for gold cross to get AEMT because they pay for it, so that was the goal there, next is I want to go to a fire department, in Utah you get more opportunities. Staying educated & continuing education is a MUST.. certainly there are similarities in the way that CNAs and EMTs are looked at in the field so for me that wasn't anything new ha.. but I agree that if your heart is not in it, don't do it. It takes grit, dedication & a real regard for human life, meaning you have to be compassionate & also be able to make quick efficient decisions. If you cannot do any of those things definitely not the area for you. And yes, mental health is huge. Support system, and constantly checking in with yourself 💯
As a nurse I am always evaluating the services of my colleagues. EMTS are the ones usually consistently providing me or my patients with highly quality service. As a nurse I depend on them, it is sad they get paid so little. I find that the biggest problem with all medical jobs is communication with other medical teams and with the patients. Great tips. The pay is working poor level for the quality and high level of service you all provide. As a nurse I make a little more but I am still living out of my vehicle. Without fixing our medical system here in the US we won't make a good living. Thanks man!
We appreciate that man. I was just excited to finally get into the lower middle class tier, as a medic. Even after an associates in Emergency medical services, which is one month difference in length from the Ass. In nursing program at my community college
That’s bizzare to me how nurses are in other states. Nurses in CA have it made yet complain the most imo lol. I’m going to nursing school but I’ve been an emt for almost 2 years. I make 18$hr my partner a medic makes like 20$hr. We just had a nurse in the ER say he got a contract job with Kaiser at 80$hr and complaining that it was low.
Loving EMS for 41 years. Showing respect and courtesy and providing compassion has kept me going. Worked Private and Fire Ambulance. Provide excellent care and compassion and you will be respected. The Docs and Nurses know my name and respect my work. Those who look down on the patch look down on themselves-the same paramedic patch. I remain a street medic. (Have had had the office jobs.). The key to happiness is having passion for people and finding fulfillment in helping the grandma and the idiot equally and with kindness.
As a student in an EMT course right now I really appreciate the videos and input from the comments. I have known what I was getting into from the start I have a great instructor who hasn't sugar coated anything. I have wanted to do this profession for 11 years now and I truly cant wait to be apart of the change. Thank you again to those in the comments sharing your stories and thank you PrepMedic for providing more insight!
Me, bright eyed and bushy tailed "I'm going to save my community!" Me, two years into EMS on my 15th call of the day "Jesus christ Jim. This is the third time this week you've called for ankle pain"
I’ve been an EMT for 8 months now. Yes, the pay sucks, you don’t get respect by other healthcare providers, and you get burnt quick. Especially if you do multiple 24 hr shifts. However, I do love my job. I get paid $15/hr in SD but I try to not let it get to me because I do enjoy helping my patients and I am learning so much. I am pursing nursing and I know 100% this job will make me a better nurse than if I didn’t go into EMS. Great video, y’all stay safe out there.
I’m an NEMT. Trust me, no one respects us at all. They don’t see us as doing anything important because we don’t handle emergency calls often. We handle them every now and then but it’s mainly dialysis/ ER to home. Nurses disrespect us day in and out and so do other transportation services. I definitely get burnt out quick! I love helping my patients tho so I’m sticking with it for now
I'm brand new. A week into EMT classes. I've been watching your videos for a couple months trying to prepare. Thank you so much for what you do. You're the best on RUclips in my opinion.
It’s been almost a year since I got into doing 911. Still feels like I’m brand new. Hope you do well with your classes and your journey In EMS. Good luck 👍🏼
Completely agree with everything said here. Ive been a paramedic for 10 years and now work as a sheriffs office swat medic for the past 4 years. I still work the field ambulance 2-4 shifts a month for a private ems 911 system, and PRN medic at a local ER. I’ll simply put it this way though, I’m actively in nursing school simply because I want to make more money working less hours so that I can spend more time at home with my family in the same Daley range. EMS is a great developer of clinical skills and decision making but has an expiration date, and paramedics and EMTs are extremely underpaid and undervalued
@Machoke. If you want to be a nurse don’t waste your time on paramedic, just go right into nursing school. I don’t agree with it but you can bridge way more easily from nurse to paramedic than paramedic to nurse
I'm looking at the end of my days as a medic after only working for about 4 years. I really respect your drive to make the profession better and encourage incoming medics/EMTs to be the change they want to see. The burnout and mental health deterioration is real though, and I hope new people realize that. It's hard to come away from this without feeling drained and like a salty shell of your former self while dealing with the most awful side of humanity on a daily basis.
It's extremely hard, both physically and mentally when the majority of patient's don't want our help or are difficult tbh, but I just try to keep the thought that "I am trying to do what is best for these people and help them" in the back of my head. Helping patients is such a challenge in this field..
You could do a community health thing. Or get your IC. That kind of scares me, I just got my paramedic license, and I hope I can make it work for at least a decade
Unfortunately, I feel like I'm in the same boat. Don't get me wrong I don't regret any of it, but, after a series of calls (and I understand they were the best outcome possible) and just the stress from work following me back home, I wasn't exactly sure how much farther I could get before it gets past the point of no return and everything just stuck with me. The medical system is messed up as a whole, the pay, the protocol priorities, and they can be made to work but at the end of the day, the system has so much relying on it that it just can't seem to keep up.
And building off this now that I come to think of it, the system manages what it can, as it can, its not broken but it could be better. As for the pay, I didn't do it for the pay and nobody I knew did it for the pay, but there are times someone would use their off-time from one company to work at another company for a decent enough income for a comfortable life. Point in case, EMS isn't a full time career unless you find a REALLY good spot or take your education and training further, like in example, being a nurse or flight medic. Just my two cents on the topic.
Excellent overview of the profession. It certainly has changed considerably over the last several years. While I have no desire to be a nurse, I have learned A LOT from nurses and doctors in the ER. Always get to know them, get them to trust your decisions and reasoning, and you will have tons more autonomy in the field.
This is one major reason why I have enjoyed a 70s NBC medical/action series called Emergency!, and have seen it all on DVD; have you ever seen that show? If you haven't, I would suggest you check it out, because all the main characters (the L.A. County Station 51 firefighters and paramedics, and the Rampart General Hospital emergency room doctors and nurse) worked with a teamwork and camaraderie unmatched in any other firefighting or medical show to this day.
Great talk, I would add the importance of ending toxic attitudes based on those false expectations about "saving lives". You're there to help, be it the sad case of a repetitive transient, a person with substance abuse issues, breathing problems or trauma (which is funny cause it's what everyone seems to love most but unless you're in flight or some unicorn ems system that carries blood we don't do much for the actual improvement of outcomes of these pts). I would tell my trainees if they don't think they will still love the job giving granny fent for her hip fx or fist bumping the transient you see 2-3x per night then you won't be happy here. But if you can learn to love running calls at SNF's for sepsis, falls and transients then you'll be just fine. I find it all quite rewarding.
Luckily I was able to get into firefighting, but it always shocks me seeing that these EMTs are getting 15-17 dollars per hour. I think the highest paying EMT position I’ve seen is 22 a hour.
I've been in EMS for 19 years and have seen people come and go. I for one am ready to leave. The amount of hate and discontent for private EMS has become very real. Couple that with a pandemic, seeing people killed because of some drunk driver who decided to drink at 7 in the morning is mentally exhausting. I had the right mind set years ago, but now my give-a-shit has totally broken. We can't win in private EMS, and for those saying leave private go public, it isn't any better. We get pissed on by our local FD, we get pissed on by the hospital, we get shit on by the public. I used to love EMS, I used to love my job, I hate it now. You are so right when you say this profession is looked down upon by others. The paperwork is unreal, the pay sucks, there is a shortage of EMT's and Paramedics. You get driven in to the ground then asked to give more. Mentally it is not worth it. I have tried to make change, I have tried to make it better. It doesn't work at the level I am at.
Amen, I'm 17 years in and finally in RN school. EMS will never get better. No matter how hard you fight, at the end of the day you are nothing more than an ambulance driver. You see your ER nurses do 3/4 of the skils and responsibility for about twice the money. ADN is 2 years, P school is about 2 years. I wish that I would have just went into nursing.
@@ShaunLang It's interesting to me seeing these comments over and over. Grass is always greener. EMS isn't the only one in a critical shortage at the moment, even RN's and doctors are in short supply. Everyone is burned out from top to bottom. I hope you're prepared for that.
we don't hate cops but we don't really like them either because when they are called they usually just escalate the situation further as their sole purpose is to upkeep the law not help out a patient who is currently ODing.
Thank you for this. Been in the profession for over 10 years and seen so many people come in and expect to do high level work (Arrests, MVA, etc) every day and don’t realize that it’s more about the little things we do every day when we do the daily runs (dialysis, hospital to home, etc) I’ve told everyone I see going into paramedic from EMT that they need a reason why they do what they do to fall back on when the schooling and work schedule gets hard and you have sleepless nights, it’s what kept me going thru my training. I too have seen so many burnt out folks and people who came into this energetic and leave angry and bitter. I thankfully always remembered why I started this in the first place. For those who came before me, for those that are no longer with us, for my family and my friends.
I did EMS knowing I wanted to be a nurse. I did a year and loved it. Eventually made my way to ER Tech and now done with nursing school. It's be a nice journey and I always look back at EMS as my roots into the health care field.
Well said and I'm certain you went in this for the RIGHT reasons, those who needed help and called 911 praying you didn't get an entitled privileged spoiled brat like this idiot. There are always a few that try to make your job difficult and here's a perfect example. Thank you for all your service and I'm honored serving in the same career as you. Stay safe and watch your six. Cheers...
@PrepMedic the bonehead who never heard mum and daddy say no, the person in this video. There's always one who's entitled life makes everyone else life a living hell. Reporting everyone, trying to change absolutely everything then they just go away. Seek the help you need. I've only ever heard this rhetoric from those who only ender a job to hurt those who are dedicated. Over 30 years in the game and its only because you have RUclips to spread your poison otherwise guys like you wouldn't even matter. You should be ashamed of yourself. These are the guys that give victims their phone numbers and at parties can't shut the hell up how they are heros. Laughed at behind their backs for the jokes they are. Over 30 years as an EMT and LPN working major metro city hospitals. A Pediatric Trauma Nurse who knew my job. This entire video is a disgrace and sickens those in it for the RIGHT reasons. Un-frighin-believable.
Nurse here, I love and respect paramedics for all that you do. You guys are in the field meeting patients in need wherever they are, in unpredictable environments, with skills that many nurses will never have. You guys rock, stand up for your work because it’s a lot.
Right on. Excellent video. I started 6 years ago thinking I was superman. My ems experience for a good part of that was vol fire non transport. In fact I made my living as a hospital orderly, but I watched, I learned. During codes I was constantly processing. But moments like holding the hand of a scared kid, or listening to the elderly folks stories and talking with them eventually showed me the heart of medicine. No one cares what I know or can do, they just want to know I care. Now I'm in another pond of sorts doing EMS in a occupational setting, ordinary BLS and first aid. But im defined by who I am not what I do. This video was right on.
Never went paid volunteer EMT,Firefighter and SAR in my 20s. Sounds crazy but I loved working trauma, car wrecks, etc. Unfortunately you spend way more time working drug overdoses and mental cases.
And what's wrong with the OD and psych calls, they feel no different to me? You're here to help and they need your help. How are those types of calls any less gratifying. Maybe those are the ones that need you most, maybe those are the ones you can make the most difference, both clinically and as compassionate caregiver. Don't know if you know this but back boards and pasta water in veins have done nothing for improving outcomes......
@@windwaterstone Please dont shame! if there is anything we need less of, its people trying to shame like this! Try understanding where this person is coming from. Mundane work is . . . .mundane! in any and every profession, no one REALLY wants to sweep & mop the floor, clean the toilets or whatever the least glamorous part of ones job is. its human nature. i agree with you, learning to enjoy those less glitzy parts ensures longevity in a career field. so, my issue is not with what you have to say, because i think you are correct. its simply with how you presented it. The world needs less shaming! Thank you!
Very well said. When I started in EMS I was so naive about the perception of EMS. However, I still love the job and it makes me want to work harder to get into a agency that takes better care of their employees.
Well said and great video. As a volunteer firefighter looking to get more involved in the medical field, much of this I was already familiar with, but you also made some good points I hadn't thought of and talked about it all in a way that represented the profession as a whole quite well. Thanks!
I'm a 33 yr old female, I came into EMS from drug and alcohol counseling at 30. I work for a busy, large dual system EMS service in a metropolitan area. I did that full time for 2 years, now im part time because I'm in medic school. I love this field with all of its good and bad. It's amazing sometimes how others react when i tell them my profession. If theyre a "civillian" they think its the coolest thing. If theyre in healthcare, Rather than being excited for me that I found a field I love, want to grow in and am truly passionate about...they usually say "why aren't you going into nursing?!" Even some of my clinical nurses/staff have insinuated these things! It's clear so many have no real idea of what we do. A part of me wonders if it's because I'm a woman in my 30s and I don't fit the stereotypical Rescue Ricky role ppl think of in with EMS. My agency is half women at this point but the general public still thinks women and nursing. I've concluded that a lot of it has to do with fundamental lack of education and understanding what we actually do and deal with in EMS. So many haven't a clue about what our protocols, titles, and daily operations are like. Like you said in your video, most calls are the lackluster calls where patient assessment and social skills are the most important skill that'll help you. I came into the field because I saw the need for more compassionate providers with better social skills. No one should leave a 911 call feeling worse off or guilty for calling because they felt they needed legitimate help (I'm not talking about the ppl who blatantly abuse the system and know it). I'm excited for the future of ems and am so proud to be a part of it. Coming in at 30 with my background makes me feel like I have a lot to offer the field. I can help shift perception and education and I can offer the younger people knowledge on balance, patience, and social skills for the routine more mundane calls. I'm glad I came in when I did because like topics u mentioned in this video...I'm at a place in my life where I've already built a lot of my identity so its not entirely EMS. I have learned to advocate for myself in a career setting, have learned good coping skills, and have gotten many life lessons involving my ego and stubbornness out of the way. Our actions and energy leave ripple effects and can affect things. When ppl see another person acting in a positive manner, and operating to the best of their abilities it drives othere to want to act that way too. Together we can change the perception in this field and make a well respected and exciting future for it!
This is so true. I burned myself out 7 years ago and it was time to move on. I still miss the work most days and am glad that I was involved in this field.
I am an EMS Program Coordinator at a community college. When I prepare to in-take students, I am very blunt and honest with them. I don't lie about the pay, the hours, the life, the things you see, the physical wear and tear (have back scar to prove it), the mental wear and tear, and the emotional wear and tear. I talk about the call volume and types of calls. I also talk about the options once you obtain your Paramedic cert. I tell them honestly that EMS is not for the faint of heart. I may lose some students on the front end, but those I train are going to be the ones that treat me and my family and I want them to be good and prepared and not say 'hey, that's the SOB that lied to me about this job!'
I agree with everything you said. I've been in EMS for 30 years, 23 years at the same agency as a Special Operations Medic and now field supervisor. I've said many times the things I'm doing now, POCUS, Vents, and field blood administration are the things I "thought" i would be doing from day 1 and no one told me the truth. One of the truest statements you made was about tenure driving the opportunity bus;; you didn't say it like that but that's what it is. Time in grade is everything. Keep up the good work and be safe out there.
I really appreciate this video. I’m taking my psychomotor in 2 days for my EMT certification and will be hopping right in as an EMT as a stepping stone for paramedic and eventually medical school. This is a really good review of the profession and aligns with what I’ve heard from seasoned professionals I’ve spoken to in the field. Thank you for sharing your opinions and experiences!
Fantastic video! I've been in the business since 2000. I'm currently working as a paramedic at an oil refinery. I think this video should be shown on the first day of every EMT class. Well done on articulating your points professionally.
Thank you for posting this video. I am just out of EMT-B school and oddly enough had this very conversation with a former co-worker from a different industry regarding what I call the 'Hero' complex. The job is 99% low priority/patient care and 1% high priority. Yet I knew that coming in...I used to live with Police/Fire/Medic individuals so I got to hear a lot of what really happens. Not many people have that background or go in understanding that. Even when it came down to choosing which ER shift for our clinical rotation, I made note of the ones who wanted the Friday night 4pm to 12am shift. All they talked about was wanting to see the trauma patients. I chose the 8 am to 4pm shift on a Thursday. I did not want to see drama/trauma, I will most likely see that in my future yet did not think I needed to see it on a clinical round (and I got a little made fun of for that). I wanted to see real patient care. Even the fire department medics on my shift were kidding around about it. Also, I liked that you talked about EMS services, not many people know that there are a great many Services that are not Governmental agencies. And that some Services could be bad. I could go on and on...I am just grateful that you posted this. Please keep posting videos and be safe.
Much thanks and respect to all current and retired EMTs and paramedics. The world is truly a better place because of you. You deserve to be paid better for sure.
You are absolutely on the ball. I did this profession for over 40 years. Started of as a basic EMT and went on to becoming an advance care paramedic. Became an instructor in our local college. Eventually went up the ladder into management. In my younger days, I thought I was going make a difference, fighting for the cause. You are right, I have seen bad EMT’s, in the way they treat people, the way they wear the uniform, their personal ethics, etc…. The hours were horrible, the pay wasn’t that great compared to other emergency services, but when push came to shove, unfortunately, somewhere the the world, a disaster struck, and EMS was spotlit. The true gratification that I have received is by the public, my collegues, and other organizations where the people wear a uniform. If only for those reasons, it is worth it. Some way and somehow, you do make that difference. Loved your video, and you nailed it. It is not for everyone. When I look back on my career (2/3 of my life), I would do it all over again in a blink of a eye. Keep up the good work
First tour in 911 training: scrolling phone for half a day. A call came in: Finally! Oh it’s a stand assist in an elderly house a street away… Middle of night at 1 am, the radio rang! Finally! Oh it’s a scheduled IFT… Yea I did run two codes in that tour, but the majority of time it was IFT and scrolling phone.
14 years as a medic and 20 years in the fire service and from what I've seen there are 2 main reasons people leave this profession. They leave for better pay or they're driven out by toxic leadership... Great vid!
This video needs to be shown in the orientation meeting prior to EMT school. It has taken me a decade to get the job I've always wanted. I've worked 30 years worth of hours/experience in that 10 year span. A lot of that time was spent with services I had no desire to be at other than to glean specific experience (ER, critical care, interfacility, rural, major metropolitan area, and even a flight stepping stone job) in order to get to the position I have always wanted. It is a long and arduous road. At this point I'd say it was all worth it, but there are definitely easier routes to money and happiness in the healthcare industry. Keep doing God's work brother. Awesome video.
I love your passion for EMS. Every time EMS brings a pt in coding they have already ben administering life saving care on the road and report the story to me while wheeling them in to the nurses. I always thought that was impressive. Im a medical scribe about to go to medical school and my time as a scribe, I have gained such a respect for EMS. Nothing but respect for that front line field. I hope every problem the system has gets better with time.
The good news is we are now able to call more patients in the field after working them for 20 minutes, depending on their underlying Rhythm, end tidal, and taking into consideration other circumstances.
I’m definitely on the side of hating EMS. I quit EMS because of the mental toll it took on me and the mental and verbal abuse from the supervisor including the low pay. I was IFT for two years while waiting to get on a fire department that just straight up ghosted me after finishing the application process and being on the waiting list for about a year. I decided to stop waiting for something that would never come and decided on a career change. I’m now going to college and getting a degree in Cyber Security and I’m extremely happy. Not where I thought I’d be since I wanted to be a fireman for as long as I could remember but such is life.
Funny enough, I became a firefighter… now I’m a Cybersecurity analyst making great money. Thinking of going into EMS part time to become a medic. I love cybersecurity, pentesting, DFIR, etc. it’s just not as fulfilling in the people aspect. It’s all about businesses. It has its perks for sure and is a great field. It just doesn’t compare to taking care of patients when it comes to having an impact in this world. Even if you discover a new zero day, or reverse engineer some malware and are the hero who stops a ransomware strain taking down businesses….it’s meaningful, but not in the same way. Let alone the absolute grind to stay up to date on it all. Pros and cons I guess.
14 years on ALS in a major metro. I’ve been a professional FF and a deputy/SWAT medic for our coverage area. It’s not easy. But, you gotta find what sustains you. This video is excellent advice. Looking forward to 19 more and I’ll hang my hat up.
For sure do more videos like this! I'm just about to start medic school after two years as an EMT. I like to think I'm passionate about the field and want to better it for everyone involved. I wish there were more people like us that are passionate about EMS as a whole and want to advance it. Can't wait for the medic vs nursing video!
I have worked in EMS for forty years. In all total I have rode ambulances, fire trucks, sprint cars, fixed wing and rotor wing air ambulances and special neonatal transport units over the past forty years. As well as work in pediatrics for four years, ICU for one year, immunology for one year, and ED for twenty eight years. I have expounded on the good and handled the bad through my faith in a higher power. I can’t fathom doing anything else.
Great video. I am a CCT-RN for an IFT company in a major urban area and most EMTs I encounter are dissatisfied. As an RN, I make as much as I would in a hospital but only have one patient at a time instead of 4 in the ER or 2 in the ICU. Most RNs know about flight nurses but don't even know that working transports on an ambulance is an option. Everytime I go into a hospital and see ER or ICU nurses dealing with the day to day issues I appreciate how easy my job is even more. I still get critical patients but now I can spend more effort and focus on each one instead of being pulled in 4 directions. I work with 2 EMTS and when asked always recommend they use EMT as a stepping stone to progress forward onto something the compensates them better whether it's paramedic, RN, NP/PA, MD or work for a good paying fire department.
Thank you for the honesty and transparency. These are a lot of reasons people burn out after 56 years and some of them are the reasons why some stay to help fight advocate, join leadership, associations, and instruct.
Thanks, I was actually looking into going into EMS. My brother is fire/medic and I was going to ask him about going into EMS. I knew I was going to see some rough things on the job, but this video actually helped me more along with asking my brother. I also wanted to go into nursing so, honestly this helps me with my career choices.
I'm a physician with my origins in private ambulance doing 911(in CO lol). I totally recommend it for people wanting to pursue medicine for the skillset, but people should definitely be cautious based on the reasons you mentioned. I think you addressed the issues very well. The work hours in EMS are brutal, the pay is poor, responsibility is high, and you're treated very poorly by many other professionals. Props to people who continue to work in EMS.
As someone who has been thinking very seriously about training to be an EMT this year I am grateful for this video but also disappointed to learn after watching that this is not the profession for me. Only because I realise that I don't have a supportive spouse who will step up when I have to work long hours and overtime. My family will suffer while I'm trying to live my dream.
Thank you for doing this video brother! The reason why I want I to EMS I was wanting to help people and healing people making them feel batter so they can get there life back on track! After losing my mom at 12 years old and losing my father at 18 years old I was wanting to help people in need! God Bless You Brother
Can’t wait for that RN vs Medic video! Currently finishing my BS and thinking about going into a nursing program. I have been an EMT for 2 years in IFT. I still love EMS and have never felt like it was a job. I have also considered Paramedic as a career but I don’t think I will be able to live comfortably in that area looking at the long term.
Your story is like mine...I was a medic for almost 30 years...I left to become an RN...pay as a medic sucks if you don't want to work 3 jobs...🤷♂️ I wanted a family and to be comfortable...as a medic, that means never seeing your family and that's just not acceptable. As a nurse...you make the money of a professional...paramedics aren't respected in this country and that's why they aren't paid what they are worth. Sorry to be mercenary about it, but that's the way it is. 🤷♂️ I also knew I didn't want to destroy my back and not have proper insurance and savings after I was used up. Not something you think about when you're in your 20s or 30s...but when you get seriously laid up for your first time and don't bounce back like you did...and find you have monster medical bills you can't afford...🤷♂️ that's when you realize how unappreciated medics are for what they do. 🤔 I am working on my Nurse Practitioner like every other nurse out there...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 I’ve been in EMS for 6 years, looking to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner. How was the transition for you? Do you prefer nursing?
@@taylorzee28 I have been a practicing RN for 12 years...I didn't go right from nursing school to np school...and fortunately most good schools have stopped allowing RN new graduates to go right in np school, they just aren't ready. What you learn in school is very different from the real world. Same was true in medic school and nursing school. Anyway, you will find there are some differences, you will have to learn to practice outside the emergency setting. Much emphasis is placed on med/surgical stuff. The basics are emphasized because your specialist skills are learned OTJ 🤷♂️ but you definitely will know way more than your classmates and will know your meds and many diseases and disorders. You will know how to perform so many skills, you will have a huge leg up. It's weird, and in the ED/ICU if you practice there...you will come in...not ready to go, there are many, many skills you won't have...don't be cocky...but, you will definitely be ahead of new grads. You will not have to struggle financially...nursing definitely pays a very solid wage...even starting out...this is usually what I share with new nursing students with some experience...its different but your experience will give you an edge throughout your education and career...good luck.
this was an amazing format and quite enjoyed it. Your page is EXTREMELY helpful and i thank you for everything you do. Its good to know all of this stuff while i am in school to start in this amazing field. keep the content coming. THANKS MAN!!!!!!
Preach! I agree with Kevin Thomas. Be sure that there is a work/life balance. Be sure that you have a support group to help you deal with what you experience and see. Trust me, you will remember your call from 20 years ago. If your mind, body, and spirit aren't healthy then serving your community is going to be more difficult.
Filled out the “why didn’t you renew your certificate” survey yesterday. Selected hostile workplace environment. Not the patients or work, the management and coworkers were the problem.
Sounds like you were working at a single toxic place and just gave up on the profession as a whole based off a single workplace experience. Im truly sorry you had to experience this, but don't blame the whole profession.
@@mattking3852 worked for four companies over four years. Became crystal clear that is what the industry is in my area at least. I worked for the smallest and the biggest, AMR, both shockingly similar and never providing any care for people I care about. Talking about private EMS
@@samthekashman Private services tend to put their survival in the industry over their need to save their employees. A few of the hospital and county based EMS treat their employees better. But as a whole we are still trying to find our standing that stabilizes the industry like nursing and other medical professionals that have found their place and made their job invaluable.
This makes the job way more appealing to be honest. I don't like the idea of facing scenarios where lives are on the line all the time. Doing smaller jobs that still help people is something I am super interested in. I also honestly don't mind not being seen as a healthcare professional, just doing my job is what I care about.
PrepMedic, I have been a paramedic for 27 yrs, 21 as a flt medic at three high preforming services; been there, done that, got the t-shirt. 6 mos ago I transitioned to nursing (ER of course) and although I miss certain aspects of flight, etc, I don't regret the decision at all. I think this video speaks volumes of hard truths. I agree with your perspective on the topics you spoke about. Have an end game/plan and stick to it. Plan on missing holidays (your family life will suffer), and do not allow it to be your entire identity; do things for yourself outside EMS. Good talk!! I wish this was strategically talked about more often at conferences and in paramedic programs. Keep up the good work!
Loved this video. I’m finishing my rn/Bsn at the end of the year and I applied to paramedic school. Still not sure what career choice would be best for me so I would really enjoy that rn vs paramedic video. Thanks!
I started back in 1986 at 18 joining my city fire dept. Moved to a different town in 1988 and got involved with the county rescue squad. Had got my emt license and worked on the county ambulance for a while. Pay sucked, so became a automotive technician and did that and raised a family. We moved back to my hometown and got back on my city fire department again and am still on 38 years later. Am on the county rescue squad and been a EMR for 15 years. Just last month (feb24) got my nremt certification and state license and am working for 2 different county ambulance districts and loving it
I’ve been an EMT-B for 4 months now. To be fair I’ve dealt with some fucked up shit where I’ve come to realize it’s another Tuesday for me yet some of the calls hit close to home. I’m on private IFT started on BLS and got onto an ALS IFT rig. My day one in training (ALS IFT) I had a bad call, and it was one of the worst for me, the Critical Care Medic (13+ years), and the other emt (16+ years experience). Do not ask about worst calls, and don’t ask ems gods for anything ESPECIALLY CPR. Just don’t. I started off shaky and not confident at all, but I managed and learned. I worked ridiculous overtime with an amazing work partner. Worked my way up in 2 months to an ALS 24 hour shift. At this point I’m more confident in my skill set, but I’m burnt out and ready to go back and finish X-ray school then CT. I’ve talked to my medics and it has taken a toll on me and my mental health is declining. I don’t hate what I do and I love my patients, but for me I see a lot of red flags from the private side. I know I’ve made a difference for a lot of my patients. I’m working on getting into a hospital as we speak, and so much love and appreciation to my medics and all of their support. I’ve met some great mentors and people along the way, but sometimes it just isn’t your end goal. Well said. There’s more than just nursing or medic. Radiography is awesome, respiratory therapy, surgical tech, etc. Possibilities are endless in medical. Take care of your physical and mental health if you are going into/already in this field. Trust me. There are days I cry after my shifts. We all get to that point no matter how “used to it” we get. To those of you that have been doing this for so many years, mad respect. You all deserve soooo much more. I’ve learned an insane amount in the last 4 months and have truly grown and changed as an EMT and as a person even. It is a good starting point and opens doors with opportunities. Hopefully my experience will help someone thinking about becoming an emt or will help a student know more so what they’re getting into from one baby emt to another.
Started in EMS back in 2001 as a way to serve (didn't want to kill or die overseas), spent 5 years as a paramedic before becoming an RN (and getting a substantial pay raise immediately); 12 years later and I'm starting an acute care DNP program. You nailed everything in this video. It's a young person's career and a lot more dangerous to one's mental health and body than one realizes when starting out. The general public, and even other healthcare providers, have no idea the incredible skills you're able to use. Still, it's a crucial service that could be so much more effective than it is in its current fragmented, privately-run state (especially with regards to employee retention, pay, benefits, recruitment, education, interdisciplinary cohesion, public awareness, et cetera). It's an interesting time to be in health care and we'll see how this pandemic influences the future of EMS, and healthcare, in general. *and yeah, my RUclips handle is outdated, haha*
Here in Sweden it takes 5 years of university studies to become qualified for this job. I’m 2 weeks into the first year of this right now. The teachers talk for hours about how healthcare is about more than just pure medicine. I had a fkin 5 hour lecture about this yesterday. It’s not just about doing cool procedures and driving fast.
Current life plan: Proficient Runner ✅ ➡️ Proficient Swimmer ✅➡️ Complete Air Force Competitive PAST standards ✅➡️ Become RAM at local fire dep (In progress) ➡️ Become EMT at 17-18 (In progress) ➡️ Become Paramedic by 19-21 (In progress) ➡️ Enlist active duty with a Pararescue contract ➡️ Do my time active and then settle into the Air Guard and become a Paramedic in the civilian world preferably South Metro but there are no Rescue Squadrons in Colorado so I’d need to cross train into a different MOS or go somewhere like Florida or Arizona (New York is a option but I’m looking to leave New York) (Please let me know if I missed anything I am 16 and exploring my Options but I am looking for a purpose greater than myself and life and a thrill)
Pay not great? When I told a CNA what Paramedic starting pay was at my company she was shocked and said, “That’s trash”. And… sorry but it won’t change. A nurse can attend to more patients than you in a 12hr shift. That’s more billable interventions than a Paramedic can produce. In America, it’s all about the Medicare billing model. EMS is a great stepping stone but a terrible destination. The Pay vs Educational Requirements/Clinical Responsibilities doesn’t match by a longshot. The narrative private companies sell to new recruits of saving lives is to hide the fact you’ll be a facilitator of the rampant abuse of America’s 911 emergency system and Hospital Emergency Dept system at the expense of the US taxpayer. Most of your calls will be providing outrageously expensive transports to an ED for people who need only a taxi to an urgent care clinic. Private EMS is demoralizing to work for but Municipal EMS is a little better in this regard. EMS is a waste of time unless you can’t see yourself doing anything else.
As a single dude in my early twenties getting out of the Navy, looking into EMT seems great. I've seen the average pay in my area is around 30-40k depending on the years of experience and qualification, thats an fat bet an easy money for me, routine and basic bullshit and terrible supervisors is exactly what the military had me deal with, so I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, but good to know. Hope to one day make Paramedic/Crew Chief.
For the short time i was an EMT, i never saw one person revived. What a shocker. That's not how the media played it. I moved out of the county & never returned. You didn't mention internal schemes & politics, Sam. That's everywhere, but it should never be allowed in such a life-saving team. Zero tolerance ought to be the motto. My dime's worth. Question: If EMS moves under the healthcare umbrella, will that mean EMTs can get a gumball or wigwag to move traffic out of their way when called into duty?
As a paramedic in Finland I feel really blessed that we can go both, nursing and EMS with the same education. Nowadays all new paramedics here have also the same education as nurses and all "EMT:s" (we don't really use that term here) are either firefighters or practical nurses.
As an EMT, I've had too many partners that do the bare minimum (or less), straining the team, profession, and public image. Granted, not everyone is trying to be the best person and professional they can be, but there are definite side effects as you've highlighted. Many outside don't understand a field don't understand the nuances inside a field; always good to highlight there's more to see!
I was a firefighter/paramedic for four years, then eighteen years ago i suffered a spinal cord injury and had to quit and I have missed it every day since. Just as much (or even more) today as the first day.
Made a subscriber out of me brother. I’ve been an Emt for 18 yrs on a 911 unit, and your spot on! I’m lucky and at a phenomenal service with great leaders and equipment and grounds. Recently had our Chief push and pass a 22% pay raise. Good services are out here.
Did EMS for 3 years FF/medic . Left it for 6 years and just recently got my NREMT again so I can volunteer anywhere we move. Currently half a year from BS and going into PT, will still always volunteer when I can. Great video! 👌👌
You are not wrong, but I would add that the skills are actually a small part of the job. Its the critical thinking and complete knowledge of the human body and psyche and when and who to perform life saving therapies on is what is key to paramedicine.
@@mattking3852 thanks but was referring to less of the skill and knowledge and more to the way the job can effect you. In my 32 years in emergency service I've seen lots of people burn out. Some from the streets some from the pay others from the Department. Keeping the right perspective on the job and why you are there can have a strong impact on a long career. Chears
Aside from the fact we are babies in the world of healthcare, people don’t look to us as professionals because we have those individuals out there that presents horribly in uniform. To me it says you don’t care about your job, your work, your career, and you’re just doing it for a check. Those are the type of people that will continue to hold us back and will continue to put doubt in the minds of other practitioners about our skills and qualifications. You were spot on with this video, thank you!
I became a volunteer paramedic over 20 years ago. I worked my up through the ranks. I started out as a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, and then paramedic. I was also a special ed teacher during all this. To top it off, I was (still am) physically handicap. I wear a long leg brace and walk with a pronounced limp ( I have poilo). My chief saw something in me. I never saw myself as a "para god" but I always worked at improving my skills and showing my patients that I really cared.
Belated question--I was a teacher for many years and am interested in transitioning to this role. Do you think teachers can make good EMTs or paramedics? I'm flexible, active, good with people and want to learn basic medical skills, but I am already in my 30's...is it too late to make a change?
Newish ift emt here. This video is dead ass accurate. Everyone should watch this before starting the job. I like my job but I've felt my fair share of burnout and bullshit calls.
What exactly is a BS call? Cause for me, going on a decade of EMS with experience in major metro, rural and flight there is no such thing as a BS call. Just easy ones, or repetitive ones that can get tiring due to the added workload. Sometime I feel bad for people who have to endure a financial burden that possibly could have been avoided with other means of care/transport. I'd implore you to listen to the talk on ER cast called mind of an addict. What is BS, IMHO are peoples attitudes about their expectation of what they think they should be doing in EMS. Repetitive pt's and emotional/cognitive chaos is a part of the job, it's exhausting, but I wouldn't call it BS. There is a lot of room for societal and and systems improvement, I will say that.
Windwaterstone, agreed. That is kind of the point of this video, the only reason we perceive calls as “BS” is because we were taught in school that we are only supposed to see a very specific type of medical emergency/trauma instead of the psychosocial problems we actually see
@@PrepMedic by bullshit calls I mean people who can straight uber home. I personally would love to run a not for profit ambulance company where all prices are posted and any surplus goes to lowering prices on the next round. You guys make fair points but I also believe a bs call is in the eye of the emt who's running it. I hear a lot of people complaining oh this is the 9th "chest pain" we've run today what are the odds it will be fine. Those are definitely repetitive easy calls. You guys definitely have much more experience than I do which I completely respect but I think everyone's definition of a "bs" call varies. I also think there's a fair share of calls where there is no need to call an emt when they are other people who potentially need you more. Tldr: y'all are right from a fact standpoint and have made me rethink my opinions. I don't expect my job to be trauma every day and we do provide a good service for patients who need it regardless of their mental or ambulation status.
Appreciate the honest response man. I totally get it, you pick up the same transient for the 4th time in a 24 hour period and the system is level zero, it is hard to think of the call as anything but BS. As professionals it is hard not to take things personally and feel that it is all on our shoulders but at the end of the day I have felt a lot better just putting my head down, going where I am told and making conversations, while trying to fix the system on the back end (not trying to fix it on the box). Hope things get better for ya, stay safe.
Everything you said is absolutely true. EMS is still in its growing and I have seen so many changes in my 30+ years in the business. I still love the job and being a silent hero works for me.
I've seen a bunch of these videos about reasons not to go into EMS. Nobody ever mentions wrestling a naked man greased up with his own drug sweat for 20 minutes and 3 AM while you wait for the cops to show up. Because that sucks and you will have to do it every couple weeks.
Not being snarky, maybe your agency has different expectations, but if you're wrestling with patients, why are you not leaving and waiting outside/in the truck, for PD?
I was a firefighter and emt for six years I’m currently a state certified first responder at my job at a sawmill our injuries are not too often but when they happen they are pretty bad I’m the last one for over two hundred people it gets stressful in a hurry as you know I’m not paid any extra for doing this but it’s in my heart
So I am just a regular non-medical person that once had to call EMS because I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out I was just having a panic attack and my heart rate had gone berserk. I’d imagine the folks who responded that night didn’t go into EMS just to hook me up to a heart monitor, wrap me in a blanket, and have me sit in the back of the ambulance for 30 minutes while I calmed myself down. I am incredibly thankful they were there though. I was pretty embarrassed over the whole thing, but I can’t thank those two providers that night enough for their kindness. They listened to me tell them about the total disaster of a job I had at the time as if theirs wasn’t a hundreds times worse. They also told me that it wasn’t uncommon for them to see people my age in the same situation and how usually the next call does involve rushing them to the hospital. Maybe they were just trying to be supportive or maybe that is true. Either way it helped me take a good look at my life and realize no job was worth my health. That’s been two years ago and I still remember both of their names. So even if you aren’t always doing super high stakes stuff, maybe this can be a helpful reminder that you can still have a major impact and save a life without ever knowing you did.
I used to be in EMS for many years, and now I am pursuing a new career in biomedical engineering. I want to work on the other side of healthcare and be a part of the creation of life saving technology and interventions for patients and for healthcare providers to use on patients to better their outcomes. It's a change for me but for the better, but I feel EMS has opened this new career for me.
Thank you for this video. It was super informative, honest & exactly something I personally needed to hear reassurance of with my current EMS career decision. Love your videos!
Great video! I certified as a basic EMT on my way to nursing. Although I never worked in that role, I did get to recertification twice under state certification. My only regret is not having gotten out on the road. I was not eligible to take the national exam when we switched over, but the continuing ed. was great anyway.
I’m an EMT, although I’m great with patients and all, working for a private company is draining, they cancel our get off times, dispatch sends us around like dogs without meal breaks, sometimes patients aren’t even admitted at the drop off destination because they didn’t even know the pt was coming in, all in all, I can’t wait to move on to being a PA, hopefully things get better.
I watched this video just so I could Ignore it; I know I'm able to perform this and I am sick of people telling me I can't or shouldn't. I know damn well glamor makes up little of any job. anyone who knows that and refuses ain't ready.
I never understood why some countries have a separate educational)training route for pre-hospital and hospital. Here in Romania, ambulances are staffed by Nurses or Doctor/Nurse combo for the critical care ones. The ambulance is driven and maintained by a driver, but all the medical procedures are handled by the Nurse and/or Doctor. The good part is that if you don't want to be an ambulance nurse anymore, you just switch specialities... I'm not saying it is a perfect system, but it gives the mid level medical provider a lot more flexibility.
it's simply because it's a different system; In some countries EMS is part of the local hospital, or part of a regional health trust and as subdivision of the hospitals; In other countries EMS is carried out by various EMS providers completly independent from hospitals
@@DustinEMT there are pros and cons about ebery system. I got to know three different systems: county-based municipal EMS, private EMS providers and also working with the big players in EMS. However even with 3 different EMS providers working in my county, we all have the same standards: same ambulances, equipment, same tactics / SOPs, same dispatch, ... We don't really have a drawback from now being organized under the same name of EMS provider. BAck when I worked with a private EMS provider, it was the highest level of treatment we were able to provide, in contrast to other EMS providers in the county; And shifts definetly were better balanced than they're now
@@PrepMedic a place that offered me $16.50 two years ago is now advertising $20/hr to start. My agency bumped everyone to $20-24/hr about a year ago. I can’t speak to what MGMC is doing, but pay is coming up quickly in Iowa.
I love not only are you continuing to get into the serious topics we want to hear about- now multi cam production! Sam, You are so on top of all of this!!
Yea, or BEMS, WEMS, or Medlight. With BEMS you make about 60k a year as a starting salary, which is very good for just an EMT, then with OT and details you can easily bump it up to 100k
@@HUNTER-ve3iw definitely. Yeah, here in Mass..fire/medic starting is usually around 70k for two 24's a week; not too shabby. The privates pay horribly though
The US BLS reports that the mean career span of EMTs and Paramedics is 4 years. That’s unacceptable if we want EMS to retain experienced talented providers. From my experience as EMT and PM I place pay, workplace hazards, and unprofessionalism/disrespect from healthcare colleagues as highest on the list for why. I appreciate your honesty outlining the challenges in EMS and in fending off bitterness. Although I know I can have a better impact on EMS from a PA position I believe. I’m interviewing for PA school shortly this fall and I intend on advocating for EMS in the future. Knowing that there is a structural debate on whether EMS remains a public service (falls under the DOT) or moves closer to healthcare is promising to hear and I imagine the heavier hitting IAFF and nursing associations will be difficult to persuade. Take care on that rotor and keep up the positive professionalism!
Going on my 10th year as an emt. Im doing everything mentally to gtfo out of this shit show. Ive grown to hate society as a whole. Its very rare for me to find someone that shocks me anymore. #burntout
I work in a Protective Security Detail, I quite literally do want to go into EMS as a side job. I wouldn't recommend EMS as a primary career because the pay sucks, but it is a worthy side job to become a SWAT medic, Protective Medic, Maritime Security Operator Medic, ETC
Reality check! I've had to use EMS services on a few occasions and can say without a doubt that some are very professional while others look raggedy as hell.
Are they raggedy as hell because they are generally sloppy, or is it because they are near the end of a 48 or 72 hour shift of 8-12 calls per 24 hours? You need to know the circumstances, which can be helpful if you are judging. I do agree, some are just sloppy. Every profession has those.
@@wabuchanan I'm talking about the difference between the providers and people. I'm aware of their hours and what they do. I'm saying some independent Services are horrible and tend to have shit EMTs.
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I just finished my second month as mainly an IFT EMT with a little 911 mixed in there. I’ve only seen a couple traumas. This job is a blessing. As a newbie I thought I was gonna be doing crazy stuff all the time. And I was scared to start. But once I got on the road and realized it’s not all that, all the nerves went away and i started enjoying my career. I’m only 21 years old. The amount of advice I have received from the elderly while I am providing care is insane. I couldn’t ask for more in this career. If you are thinking of it I say give it a try. The worst that comes out of it is you find out the road is not for you. There are lots of other positions you can get with a EMT license. You only live once!
Thank you! I'm currently doing a LOT of research into becoming a Paramedic in Ontario. I'm turning 18 soon and I was curious on how other youngards have been faring.
@@xaviert.123need that, thx
@@xaviert.123I’m also looking into the field! The great thing about Ontario is that their offering more volunteer EMT opportunities in the Peel region, which is a great gateway into learning more about the field
Thank you for this. I'm about to start schooling and I'm excited for it. But I know it's not gonna be easy. I'm also concerned about the craziness of being EMT, but hearing your story gives me hope and courage.
Couldn’t have said it better brother! I am 17 and working on emt school now
People coming into EMS are like, "I'm going to save lives and make a difference!" The saving lives and making a difference = Picking up Joe off of another meth high to bring him back to the hospital because he was sitting outside the gas station again.
Lol . “Ok sir tell me what’s bothering you?” Well my damn feet hurt. “Ok when did this start?” This morning. “What we’re you doing?” Damnit I walked 12 miles today and I can’t walk . Can’t you see damnit?! “Ok sir …we’ll …ok we’ll take you to the hospital….?” Lol never ends .
@@M157-04LLY lmao it's funny because it's true. "Hey ma'am what seems to be the problem today?" My chest is hurting me a lot! "Okay ma'am can you tell us when this started and what you were doing?" It all started in 93 when I was with the rabi.... " Umm okay ma'am let's take a ride and get you checked out at the hospital." Same shit different shovel. :)
I got one “hello sir what seems to be the problem?”
“My brain hurts on all four quadrants and I need neurosurgery”
“Okay when did this start?”
“My whole life ever since I was born.”
😂Got it
I don’t think that
@@alisonhurtado1094 ?
Well said. The one thing, that you didn’t mention or maybe I just missed it, is the mental health side of things. You have to be the kind of person that can handle seeing some pretty bad stuff. I’ve got 13 years as a FF/Medic and it’s crazy the things you see. I warn people that are thinking about getting into this that you will see things that no “normal” person wants to or should see and you will remember those incidents for the rest of your life. Just make sure you have a good spouse and a good crew that you can talk about these events and get them off your chest. Especially with COVID going on, this is taking a huge mental health toll on every medical profession. Stay safe everyone and find someone you can talk to if you feel overwhelmed, don’t become a statistic because I hate seeing the suicides in our profession.
Kevin, you are right. To be honest, we have to harden up to handle what we see. When I had a family member that was going to pass, I wondered if I would have the same emotions as anyone else.
I am a CNA & got my EMT 6 months ago. As a CNA I've worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and private care. I've seen ALOT. Then I decided to shift to EMT, and work for gold cross to get AEMT because they pay for it, so that was the goal there, next is I want to go to a fire department, in Utah you get more opportunities. Staying educated & continuing education is a MUST.. certainly there are similarities in the way that CNAs and EMTs are looked at in the field so for me that wasn't anything new ha.. but I agree that if your heart is not in it, don't do it. It takes grit, dedication & a real regard for human life, meaning you have to be compassionate & also be able to make quick efficient decisions. If you cannot do any of those things definitely not the area for you. And yes, mental health is huge. Support system, and constantly checking in with yourself 💯
Also take into account the verbal abuse from supervisors. That was one of the many reasons why I quit.
Thanks for mentioning the mental health aspect of it, it’s not talked about often enough
I want to become a paramedic the resason is because i want to save lives, I can handle blood and death pretty well,
As a nurse I am always evaluating the services of my colleagues. EMTS are the ones usually consistently providing me or my patients with highly quality service. As a nurse I depend on them, it is sad they get paid so little.
I find that the biggest problem with all medical jobs is communication with other medical teams and with the patients.
Great tips. The pay is working poor level for the quality and high level of service you all provide. As a nurse I make a little more but I am still living out of my vehicle. Without fixing our medical system here in the US we won't make a good living.
Thanks man!
it’s the hours that kill the pay as a medic I was making same or a little more than nurses at our local hospital only difference was 36hr vs 60hrs
Where are you at nurse at that doesn’t allow you to not have a place to live 💀
You said it 3 times...we get it. You're a nurse.
We appreciate that man. I was just excited to finally get into the lower middle class tier, as a medic. Even after an associates in Emergency medical services, which is one month difference in length from the Ass. In nursing program at my community college
That’s bizzare to me how nurses are in other states. Nurses in CA have it made yet complain the most imo lol. I’m going to nursing school but I’ve been an emt for almost 2 years.
I make 18$hr my partner a medic makes like 20$hr. We just had a nurse in the ER say he got a contract job with Kaiser at 80$hr and complaining that it was low.
Loving EMS for 41 years. Showing respect and courtesy and providing compassion has kept me going. Worked Private and Fire Ambulance. Provide excellent care and compassion and you will be respected. The Docs and Nurses know my name and respect my work. Those who look down on the patch look down on themselves-the same paramedic patch. I remain a street medic. (Have had had the office jobs.). The key to happiness is having passion for people and finding fulfillment in helping the grandma and the idiot equally and with kindness.
As a student in an EMT course right now I really appreciate the videos and input from the comments. I have known what I was getting into from the start I have a great instructor who hasn't sugar coated anything. I have wanted to do this profession for 11 years now and I truly cant wait to be apart of the change. Thank you again to those in the comments sharing your stories and thank you PrepMedic for providing more insight!
Same to just about everything you just said. Best of luck!
Came to check in and see how everything’s going for you now almost a year later?
How is it going so far im switching to EMT/AEMT after 15 years as a truck driver, Its something i always wanted to do and put it off for so long
Me, bright eyed and bushy tailed "I'm going to save my community!"
Me, two years into EMS on my 15th call of the day "Jesus christ Jim. This is the third time this week you've called for ankle pain"
😅😅😅😅
lmao looking forward to this
I’ve been an EMT for 8 months now. Yes, the pay sucks, you don’t get respect by other healthcare providers, and you get burnt quick. Especially if you do multiple 24 hr shifts. However, I do love my job. I get paid $15/hr in SD but I try to not let it get to me because I do enjoy helping my patients and I am learning so much. I am pursing nursing and I know 100% this job will make me a better nurse than if I didn’t go into EMS. Great video, y’all stay safe out there.
I’m an NEMT. Trust me, no one respects us at all. They don’t see us as doing anything important because we don’t handle emergency calls often. We handle them every now and then but it’s mainly dialysis/ ER to home. Nurses disrespect us day in and out and so do other transportation services. I definitely get burnt out quick! I love helping my patients tho so I’m sticking with it for now
I'm brand new. A week into EMT classes. I've been watching your videos for a couple months trying to prepare. Thank you so much for what you do. You're the best on RUclips in my opinion.
It’s been almost a year since I got into doing 911. Still feels like I’m brand new. Hope you do well with your classes and your journey In EMS. Good luck 👍🏼
@@trevorrohn2419 Thank you!
Agreed!!
He uploaded this on literally the first day of my EMT class lol
@@JustAnotherTom 😂 how was it?
Completely agree with everything said here. Ive been a paramedic for 10 years and now work as a sheriffs office swat medic for the past 4 years. I still work the field ambulance 2-4 shifts a month for a private ems 911 system, and PRN medic at a local ER. I’ll simply put it this way though, I’m actively in nursing school simply because I want to make more money working less hours so that I can spend more time at home with my family in the same Daley range. EMS is a great developer of clinical skills and decision making but has an expiration date, and paramedics and EMTs are extremely underpaid and undervalued
I’m starting my EMS training very soon and my goal is to get to swat medic eventually. Any advice?
Is there any type of emt to nurse bridge program? Just wondering.
@Machoke. EMT to nurse no. Paramedic to Nurse, kinda.
@@PrepMedic thank-you. I'm in the emt class right now. I'm just kinda looking at ways to move ahead in the field
@Machoke. If you want to be a nurse don’t waste your time on paramedic, just go right into nursing school. I don’t agree with it but you can bridge way more easily from nurse to paramedic than paramedic to nurse
I'm looking at the end of my days as a medic after only working for about 4 years. I really respect your drive to make the profession better and encourage incoming medics/EMTs to be the change they want to see. The burnout and mental health deterioration is real though, and I hope new people realize that. It's hard to come away from this without feeling drained and like a salty shell of your former self while dealing with the most awful side of humanity on a daily basis.
Do you mind telling us where you worked? City etc?
It's extremely hard, both physically and mentally when the majority of patient's don't want our help or are difficult tbh, but I just try to keep the thought that "I am trying to do what is best for these people and help them" in the back of my head. Helping patients is such a challenge in this field..
You could do a community health thing. Or get your IC. That kind of scares me, I just got my paramedic license, and I hope I can make it work for at least a decade
Unfortunately, I feel like I'm in the same boat. Don't get me wrong I don't regret any of it, but, after a series of calls (and I understand they were the best outcome possible) and just the stress from work following me back home, I wasn't exactly sure how much farther I could get before it gets past the point of no return and everything just stuck with me. The medical system is messed up as a whole, the pay, the protocol priorities, and they can be made to work but at the end of the day, the system has so much relying on it that it just can't seem to keep up.
And building off this now that I come to think of it, the system manages what it can, as it can, its not broken but it could be better. As for the pay, I didn't do it for the pay and nobody I knew did it for the pay, but there are times someone would use their off-time from one company to work at another company for a decent enough income for a comfortable life. Point in case, EMS isn't a full time career unless you find a REALLY good spot or take your education and training further, like in example, being a nurse or flight medic. Just my two cents on the topic.
Excellent overview of the profession. It certainly has changed considerably over the last several years. While I have no desire to be a nurse, I have learned A LOT from nurses and doctors in the ER. Always get to know them, get them to trust your decisions and reasoning, and you will have tons more autonomy in the field.
This is one major reason why I have enjoyed a 70s NBC medical/action series called Emergency!, and have seen it all on DVD; have you ever seen that show? If you haven't, I would suggest you check it out, because all the main characters (the L.A. County Station 51 firefighters and paramedics, and the Rampart General Hospital emergency room doctors and nurse) worked with a teamwork and camaraderie unmatched in any other firefighting or medical show to this day.
Great talk, I would add the importance of ending toxic attitudes based on those false expectations about "saving lives". You're there to help, be it the sad case of a repetitive transient, a person with substance abuse issues, breathing problems or trauma (which is funny cause it's what everyone seems to love most but unless you're in flight or some unicorn ems system that carries blood we don't do much for the actual improvement of outcomes of these pts). I would tell my trainees if they don't think they will still love the job giving granny fent for her hip fx or fist bumping the transient you see 2-3x per night then you won't be happy here. But if you can learn to love running calls at SNF's for sepsis, falls and transients then you'll be just fine. I find it all quite rewarding.
Luckily I was able to get into firefighting, but it always shocks me seeing that these EMTs are getting 15-17 dollars per hour. I think the highest paying EMT position I’ve seen is 22 a hour.
Jeez... I get paid more at Amazon currently with surge pay shifts at $20 an hour
Making $11.26 as a full time EMT in Missouri haha. FF/Medic is the goal here in a few months thankfully.
@@patrickhannagan3840 sheesh that’s criminal. I hope you get it bro
$10 is the base pay for EMTs in wisconsin, $15 for paramedics.
@@blake1954 nah that’s fucking ridiculous
I've been in EMS for 19 years and have seen people come and go. I for one am ready to leave. The amount of hate and discontent for private EMS has become very real. Couple that with a pandemic, seeing people killed because of some drunk driver who decided to drink at 7 in the morning is mentally exhausting. I had the right mind set years ago, but now my give-a-shit has totally broken. We can't win in private EMS, and for those saying leave private go public, it isn't any better. We get pissed on by our local FD, we get pissed on by the hospital, we get shit on by the public. I used to love EMS, I used to love my job, I hate it now.
You are so right when you say this profession is looked down upon by others. The paperwork is unreal, the pay sucks, there is a shortage of EMT's and Paramedics. You get driven in to the ground then asked to give more. Mentally it is not worth it. I have tried to make change, I have tried to make it better. It doesn't work at the level I am at.
Amen, I'm 17 years in and finally in RN school. EMS will never get better. No matter how hard you fight, at the end of the day you are nothing more than an ambulance driver. You see your ER nurses do 3/4 of the skils and responsibility for about twice the money. ADN is 2 years, P school is about 2 years. I wish that I would have just went into nursing.
@@ShaunLang It's interesting to me seeing these comments over and over. Grass is always greener. EMS isn't the only one in a critical shortage at the moment, even RN's and doctors are in short supply. Everyone is burned out from top to bottom. I hope you're prepared for that.
@Jarekx2007 not saying the grass is greener, but I can make more money doing half the work. Nursing leaned into education and ems didn't.
As a civilian that doesn’t know the inner workings of ems/fire/police I’ve always thought the paramedics stood just as tall as the rest .
😂😂😂🤣😂🤣😂 Bro. We get shit on more than the cops do and that's a fact. You get shit on by your employer the most though, second would be nurses.
@@pjhaebe third is fire
we don't hate cops but we don't really like them either because when they are called they usually just escalate the situation further as their sole purpose is to upkeep the law not help out a patient who is currently ODing.
Thank you for this. Been in the profession for over 10 years and seen so many people come in and expect to do high level work (Arrests, MVA, etc) every day and don’t realize that it’s more about the little things we do every day when we do the daily runs (dialysis, hospital to home, etc)
I’ve told everyone I see going into paramedic from EMT that they need a reason why they do what they do to fall back on when the schooling and work schedule gets hard and you have sleepless nights, it’s what kept me going thru my training. I too have seen so many burnt out folks and people who came into this energetic and leave angry and bitter.
I thankfully always remembered why I started this in the first place. For those who came before me, for those that are no longer with us, for my family and my friends.
I did EMS knowing I wanted to be a nurse. I did a year and loved it. Eventually made my way to ER Tech and now done with nursing school. It's be a nice journey and I always look back at EMS as my roots into the health care field.
Well said and I'm certain you went in this for the RIGHT reasons, those who needed help and called 911 praying you didn't get an entitled privileged spoiled brat like this idiot. There are always a few that try to make your job difficult and here's a perfect example. Thank you for all your service and I'm honored serving in the same career as you. Stay safe and watch your six.
Cheers...
Wait, who’s the spoiled brat you are referring to?
I feel like you just got attacked 😂
@PrepMedic the bonehead who never heard mum and daddy say no, the person in this video. There's always one who's entitled life makes everyone else life a living hell. Reporting everyone, trying to change absolutely everything then they just go away. Seek the help you need. I've only ever heard this rhetoric from those who only ender a job to hurt those who are dedicated. Over 30 years in the game and its only because you have RUclips to spread your poison otherwise guys like you wouldn't even matter. You should be ashamed of yourself. These are the guys that give victims their phone numbers and at parties can't shut the hell up how they are heros. Laughed at behind their backs for the jokes they are. Over 30 years as an EMT and LPN working major metro city hospitals. A Pediatric Trauma Nurse who knew my job. This entire video is a disgrace and sickens those in it for the RIGHT reasons. Un-frighin-believable.
@radiantbacon1 no attack. Just put in place for the punks they are. The lot of them.
Nurse here, I love and respect paramedics for all that you do. You guys are in the field meeting patients in need wherever they are, in unpredictable environments, with skills that many nurses will never have. You guys rock, stand up for your work because it’s a lot.
Right on. Excellent video. I started 6 years ago thinking I was superman. My ems experience for a good part of that was vol fire non transport. In fact I made my living as a hospital orderly, but I watched, I learned. During codes I was constantly processing. But moments like holding the hand of a scared kid, or listening to the elderly folks stories and talking with them eventually showed me the heart of medicine. No one cares what I know or can do, they just want to know I care. Now I'm in another pond of sorts doing EMS in a occupational setting, ordinary BLS and first aid. But im defined by who I am not what I do. This video was right on.
Never went paid volunteer EMT,Firefighter and SAR in my 20s. Sounds crazy but I loved working trauma, car wrecks, etc. Unfortunately you spend way more time working drug overdoses and mental cases.
That’s what my mom (ER Nurse) tells me, I started studying ems in august in the orlando area
@@mycatsballs8195 Congratulations and good luck. I enjoyed my time as an EMT.
And what's wrong with the OD and psych calls, they feel no different to me? You're here to help and they need your help. How are those types of calls any less gratifying. Maybe those are the ones that need you most, maybe those are the ones you can make the most difference, both clinically and as compassionate caregiver. Don't know if you know this but back boards and pasta water in veins have done nothing for improving outcomes......
@@mycatsballs8195
Floriduh! See you around!
@@windwaterstone Please dont shame! if there is anything we need less of, its people trying to shame like this! Try understanding where this person is coming from. Mundane work is . . . .mundane! in any and every profession, no one REALLY wants to sweep & mop the floor, clean the toilets or whatever the least glamorous part of ones job is. its human nature. i agree with you, learning to enjoy those less glitzy parts ensures longevity in a career field. so, my issue is not with what you have to say, because i think you are correct. its simply with how you presented it. The world needs less shaming! Thank you!
Very well said. When I started in EMS I was so naive about the perception of EMS. However, I still love the job and it makes me want to work harder to get into a agency that takes better care of their employees.
Well said and great video. As a volunteer firefighter looking to get more involved in the medical field, much of this I was already familiar with, but you also made some good points I hadn't thought of and talked about it all in a way that represented the profession as a whole quite well. Thanks!
Dude, as a former Police Officer and Paramedic, you nailed this. Good job man! Very well put in a non-biased and honest presentation.
I'm a 33 yr old female, I came into EMS from drug and alcohol counseling at 30. I work for a busy, large dual system EMS service in a metropolitan area. I did that full time for 2 years, now im part time because I'm in medic school. I love this field with all of its good and bad.
It's amazing sometimes how others react when i tell them my profession. If theyre a "civillian" they think its the coolest thing. If theyre in healthcare, Rather than being excited for me that I found a field I love, want to grow in and am truly passionate about...they usually say "why aren't you going into nursing?!" Even some of my clinical nurses/staff have insinuated these things! It's clear so many have no real idea of what we do.
A part of me wonders if it's because I'm a woman in my 30s and I don't fit the stereotypical Rescue Ricky role ppl think of in with EMS. My agency is half women at this point but the general public still thinks women and nursing. I've concluded that a lot of it has to do with fundamental lack of education and understanding what we actually do and deal with in EMS. So many haven't a clue about what our protocols, titles, and daily operations are like. Like you said in your video, most calls are the lackluster calls where patient assessment and social skills are the most important skill that'll help you.
I came into the field because I saw the need for more compassionate providers with better social skills. No one should leave a 911 call feeling worse off or guilty for calling because they felt they needed legitimate help (I'm not talking about the ppl who blatantly abuse the system and know it).
I'm excited for the future of ems and am so proud to be a part of it. Coming in at 30 with my background makes me feel like I have a lot to offer the field. I can help shift perception and education and I can offer the younger people knowledge on balance, patience, and social skills for the routine more mundane calls. I'm glad I came in when I did because like topics u mentioned in this video...I'm at a place in my life where I've already built a lot of my identity so its not entirely EMS. I have learned to advocate for myself in a career setting, have learned good coping skills, and have gotten many life lessons involving my ego and stubbornness out of the way.
Our actions and energy leave ripple effects and can affect things. When ppl see another person acting in a positive manner, and operating to the best of their abilities it drives othere to want to act that way too. Together we can change the perception in this field and make a well respected and exciting future for it!
This is so true. I burned myself out 7 years ago and it was time to move on. I still miss the work most days and am glad that I was involved in this field.
I am an EMS Program Coordinator at a community college. When I prepare to in-take students, I am very blunt and honest with them. I don't lie about the pay, the hours, the life, the things you see, the physical wear and tear (have back scar to prove it), the mental wear and tear, and the emotional wear and tear. I talk about the call volume and types of calls. I also talk about the options once you obtain your Paramedic cert. I tell them honestly that EMS is not for the faint of heart. I may lose some students on the front end, but those I train are going to be the ones that treat me and my family and I want them to be good and prepared and not say 'hey, that's the SOB that lied to me about this job!'
I agree with everything you said. I've been in EMS for 30 years, 23 years at the same agency as a Special Operations Medic and now field supervisor. I've said many times the things I'm doing now, POCUS, Vents, and field blood administration are the things I "thought" i would be doing from day 1 and no one told me the truth. One of the truest statements you made was about tenure driving the opportunity bus;; you didn't say it like that but that's what it is. Time in grade is everything. Keep up the good work and be safe out there.
I really appreciate this video. I’m taking my psychomotor in 2 days for my EMT certification and will be hopping right in as an EMT as a stepping stone for paramedic and eventually medical school. This is a really good review of the profession and aligns with what I’ve heard from seasoned professionals I’ve spoken to in the field. Thank you for sharing your opinions and experiences!
Fantastic video! I've been in the business since 2000. I'm currently working as a paramedic at an oil refinery. I think this video should be shown on the first day of every EMT class. Well done on articulating your points professionally.
Thank you for posting this video. I am just out of EMT-B school and oddly enough had this very conversation with a former co-worker from a different industry regarding what I call the 'Hero' complex. The job is 99% low priority/patient care and 1% high priority. Yet I knew that coming in...I used to live with Police/Fire/Medic individuals so I got to hear a lot of what really happens. Not many people have that background or go in understanding that. Even when it came down to choosing which ER shift for our clinical rotation, I made note of the ones who wanted the Friday night 4pm to 12am shift. All they talked about was wanting to see the trauma patients. I chose the 8 am to 4pm shift on a Thursday. I did not want to see drama/trauma, I will most likely see that in my future yet did not think I needed to see it on a clinical round (and I got a little made fun of for that). I wanted to see real patient care. Even the fire department medics on my shift were kidding around about it. Also, I liked that you talked about EMS services, not many people know that there are a great many Services that are not Governmental agencies. And that some Services could be bad. I could go on and on...I am just grateful that you posted this. Please keep posting videos and be safe.
Much thanks and respect to all current and retired EMTs and paramedics. The world is truly a better place because of you. You deserve to be paid better for sure.
You are absolutely on the ball. I did this profession for over 40 years. Started of as a basic EMT and went on to becoming an advance care paramedic. Became an instructor in our local college. Eventually went up the ladder into management. In my younger days, I thought I was going make a difference, fighting for the cause. You are right, I have seen bad EMT’s, in the way they treat people, the way they wear the uniform, their personal ethics, etc…. The hours were horrible, the pay wasn’t that great compared to other emergency services, but when push came to shove, unfortunately, somewhere the the world, a disaster struck, and EMS was spotlit. The true gratification that I have received is by the public, my collegues, and other organizations where the people wear a uniform. If only for those reasons, it is worth it. Some way and somehow, you do make that difference. Loved your video, and you nailed it. It is not for everyone. When I look back on my career (2/3 of my life), I would do it all over again in a blink of a eye. Keep up the good work
First tour in 911 training: scrolling phone for half a day. A call came in: Finally! Oh it’s a stand assist in an elderly house a street away…
Middle of night at 1 am, the radio rang! Finally! Oh it’s a scheduled IFT…
Yea I did run two codes in that tour, but the majority of time it was IFT and scrolling phone.
14 years as a medic and 20 years in the fire service and from what I've seen there are 2 main reasons people leave this profession. They leave for better pay or they're driven out by toxic leadership... Great vid!
Do you think becoming a medic gave you an edge to be hired as a firefighter?
@@Unknown21312 my first agency not so much but subsequent jobs, it was a requirement at the time I was hired.
This video needs to be shown in the orientation meeting prior to EMT school. It has taken me a decade to get the job I've always wanted. I've worked 30 years worth of hours/experience in that 10 year span. A lot of that time was spent with services I had no desire to be at other than to glean specific experience (ER, critical care, interfacility, rural, major metropolitan area, and even a flight stepping stone job) in order to get to the position I have always wanted. It is a long and arduous road. At this point I'd say it was all worth it, but there are definitely easier routes to money and happiness in the healthcare industry. Keep doing God's work brother. Awesome video.
I love your passion for EMS. Every time EMS brings a pt in coding they have already ben administering life saving care on the road and report the story to me while wheeling them in to the nurses. I always thought that was impressive. Im a medical scribe about to go to medical school and my time as a scribe, I have gained such a respect for EMS. Nothing but respect for that front line field. I hope every problem the system has gets better with time.
The good news is we are now able to call more patients in the field after working them for 20 minutes, depending on their underlying Rhythm, end tidal, and taking into consideration other circumstances.
I’m definitely on the side of hating EMS. I quit EMS because of the mental toll it took on me and the mental and verbal abuse from the supervisor including the low pay. I was IFT for two years while waiting to get on a fire department that just straight up ghosted me after finishing the application process and being on the waiting list for about a year. I decided to stop waiting for something that would never come and decided on a career change. I’m now going to college and getting a degree in Cyber Security and I’m extremely happy. Not where I thought I’d be since I wanted to be a fireman for as long as I could remember but such is life.
We’re you EMT-B or Paramedic?
Funny enough, I became a firefighter… now I’m a Cybersecurity analyst making great money. Thinking of going into EMS part time to become a medic. I love cybersecurity, pentesting, DFIR, etc. it’s just not as fulfilling in the people aspect. It’s all about businesses. It has its perks for sure and is a great field. It just doesn’t compare to taking care of patients when it comes to having an impact in this world. Even if you discover a new zero day, or reverse engineer some malware and are the hero who stops a ransomware strain taking down businesses….it’s meaningful, but not in the same way. Let alone the absolute grind to stay up to date on it all. Pros and cons I guess.
14 years on ALS in a major metro. I’ve been a professional FF and a deputy/SWAT medic for our coverage area. It’s not easy. But, you gotta find what sustains you. This video is excellent advice. Looking forward to 19 more and I’ll hang my hat up.
For sure do more videos like this! I'm just about to start medic school after two years as an EMT. I like to think I'm passionate about the field and want to better it for everyone involved. I wish there were more people like us that are passionate about EMS as a whole and want to advance it. Can't wait for the medic vs nursing video!
I have worked in EMS for forty years. In all total I have rode ambulances, fire trucks, sprint cars, fixed wing and rotor wing air ambulances and special neonatal transport units over the past forty years. As well as work in pediatrics for four years, ICU for one year, immunology for one year, and ED for twenty eight years. I have expounded on the good and handled the bad through my faith in a higher power. I can’t fathom doing anything else.
Great video. I am a CCT-RN for an IFT company in a major urban area and most EMTs I encounter are dissatisfied. As an RN, I make as much as I would in a hospital but only have one patient at a time instead of 4 in the ER or 2 in the ICU. Most RNs know about flight nurses but don't even know that working transports on an ambulance is an option. Everytime I go into a hospital and see ER or ICU nurses dealing with the day to day issues I appreciate how easy my job is even more. I still get critical patients but now I can spend more effort and focus on each one instead of being pulled in 4 directions. I work with 2 EMTS and when asked always recommend they use EMT as a stepping stone to progress forward onto something the compensates them better whether it's paramedic, RN, NP/PA, MD or work for a good paying fire department.
Thank you for the honesty and transparency. These are a lot of reasons people burn out after 56 years and some of them are the reasons why some stay to help fight advocate, join leadership, associations, and instruct.
Thanks, I was actually looking into going into EMS. My brother is fire/medic and I was going to ask him about going into EMS. I knew I was going to see some rough things on the job, but this video actually helped me more along with asking my brother. I also wanted to go into nursing so, honestly this helps me with my career choices.
I'm a physician with my origins in private ambulance doing 911(in CO lol). I totally recommend it for people wanting to pursue medicine for the skillset, but people should definitely be cautious based on the reasons you mentioned. I think you addressed the issues very well. The work hours in EMS are brutal, the pay is poor, responsibility is high, and you're treated very poorly by many other professionals. Props to people who continue to work in EMS.
As someone who has been thinking very seriously about training to be an EMT this year I am grateful for this video but also disappointed to learn after watching that this is not the profession for me. Only because I realise that I don't have a supportive spouse who will step up when I have to work long hours and overtime. My family will suffer while I'm trying to live my dream.
Thank you for doing this video brother! The reason why I want I to EMS I was wanting to help people and healing people making them feel batter so they can get there life back on track! After losing my mom at 12 years old and losing my father at 18 years old I was wanting to help people in need! God Bless You Brother
Can’t wait for that RN vs Medic video! Currently finishing my BS and thinking about going into a nursing program. I have been an EMT for 2 years in IFT. I still love EMS and have never felt like it was a job. I have also considered Paramedic as a career but I don’t think I will be able to live comfortably in that area looking at the long term.
That’s so awesome!! I love doing EMS as well! Good for you!
Your story is like mine...I was a medic for almost 30 years...I left to become an RN...pay as a medic sucks if you don't want to work 3 jobs...🤷♂️ I wanted a family and to be comfortable...as a medic, that means never seeing your family and that's just not acceptable. As a nurse...you make the money of a professional...paramedics aren't respected in this country and that's why they aren't paid what they are worth. Sorry to be mercenary about it, but that's the way it is. 🤷♂️ I also knew I didn't want to destroy my back and not have proper insurance and savings after I was used up. Not something you think about when you're in your 20s or 30s...but when you get seriously laid up for your first time and don't bounce back like you did...and find you have monster medical bills you can't afford...🤷♂️ that's when you realize how unappreciated medics are for what they do. 🤔 I am working on my Nurse Practitioner like every other nurse out there...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938 I’ve been in EMS for 6 years, looking to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner. How was the transition for you? Do you prefer nursing?
@@taylorzee28 I have been a practicing RN for 12 years...I didn't go right from nursing school to np school...and fortunately most good schools have stopped allowing RN new graduates to go right in np school, they just aren't ready. What you learn in school is very different from the real world. Same was true in medic school and nursing school. Anyway, you will find there are some differences, you will have to learn to practice outside the emergency setting. Much emphasis is placed on med/surgical stuff. The basics are emphasized because your specialist skills are learned OTJ 🤷♂️ but you definitely will know way more than your classmates and will know your meds and many diseases and disorders. You will know how to perform so many skills, you will have a huge leg up. It's weird, and in the ED/ICU if you practice there...you will come in...not ready to go, there are many, many skills you won't have...don't be cocky...but, you will definitely be ahead of new grads. You will not have to struggle financially...nursing definitely pays a very solid wage...even starting out...this is usually what I share with new nursing students with some experience...its different but your experience will give you an edge throughout your education and career...good luck.
Thank you Sam. To me EMS is a calling. No one should come into it to make money. I did it for 34 years and wouldn't trade that for anything.
this was an amazing format and quite enjoyed it. Your page is EXTREMELY helpful and i thank you for everything you do. Its good to know all of this stuff while i am in school to start in this amazing field. keep the content coming. THANKS MAN!!!!!!
Preach! I agree with Kevin Thomas. Be sure that there is a work/life balance. Be sure that you have a support group to help you deal with what you experience and see. Trust me, you will remember your call from 20 years ago. If your mind, body, and spirit aren't healthy then serving your community is going to be more difficult.
Filled out the “why didn’t you renew your certificate” survey yesterday. Selected hostile workplace environment. Not the patients or work, the management and coworkers were the problem.
Sounds like you were working at a single toxic place and just gave up on the profession as a whole based off a single workplace experience. Im truly sorry you had to experience this, but don't blame the whole profession.
@@mattking3852 worked for four companies over four years. Became crystal clear that is what the industry is in my area at least. I worked for the smallest and the biggest, AMR, both shockingly similar and never providing any care for people I care about. Talking about private EMS
@@samthekashman Private services tend to put their survival in the industry over their need to save their employees. A few of the hospital and county based EMS treat their employees better. But as a whole we are still trying to find our standing that stabilizes the industry like nursing and other medical professionals that have found their place and made their job invaluable.
@@samthekashman Bummer, sorry to hear that. I hope you find a service where you are valued and treated with respect.
True
This makes the job way more appealing to be honest.
I don't like the idea of facing scenarios where lives are on the line all the time. Doing smaller jobs that still help people is something I am super interested in. I also honestly don't mind not being seen as a healthcare professional, just doing my job is what I care about.
Ten year medic, this video hits the nail on the head.
PrepMedic, I have been a paramedic for 27 yrs, 21 as a flt medic at three high preforming services; been there, done that, got the t-shirt. 6 mos ago I transitioned to nursing (ER of course) and although I miss certain aspects of flight, etc, I don't regret the decision at all. I think this video speaks volumes of hard truths. I agree with your perspective on the topics you spoke about. Have an end game/plan and stick to it. Plan on missing holidays (your family life will suffer), and do not allow it to be your entire identity; do things for yourself outside EMS. Good talk!! I wish this was strategically talked about more often at conferences and in paramedic programs. Keep up the good work!
Loved this video. I’m finishing my rn/Bsn at the end of the year and I applied to paramedic school. Still not sure what career choice would be best for me so I would really enjoy that rn vs paramedic video. Thanks!
I started back in 1986 at 18 joining my city fire dept. Moved to a different town in 1988 and got involved with the county rescue squad. Had got my emt license and worked on the county ambulance for a while. Pay sucked, so became a automotive technician and did that and raised a family. We moved back to my hometown and got back on my city fire department again and am still on 38 years later. Am on the county rescue squad and been a EMR for 15 years. Just last month (feb24) got my nremt certification and state license and am working for 2 different county ambulance districts and loving it
I’ve been an EMT-B for 4 months now. To be fair I’ve dealt with some fucked up shit where I’ve come to realize it’s another Tuesday for me yet some of the calls hit close to home. I’m on private IFT started on BLS and got onto an ALS IFT rig. My day one in training (ALS IFT) I had a bad call, and it was one of the worst for me, the Critical Care Medic (13+ years), and the other emt (16+ years experience). Do not ask about worst calls, and don’t ask ems gods for anything ESPECIALLY CPR. Just don’t. I started off shaky and not confident at all, but I managed and learned. I worked ridiculous overtime with an amazing work partner. Worked my way up in 2 months to an ALS 24 hour shift. At this point I’m more confident in my skill set, but I’m burnt out and ready to go back and finish X-ray school then CT. I’ve talked to my medics and it has taken a toll on me and my mental health is declining. I don’t hate what I do and I love my patients, but for me I see a lot of red flags from the private side. I know I’ve made a difference for a lot of my patients. I’m working on getting into a hospital as we speak, and so much love and appreciation to my medics and all of their support. I’ve met some great mentors and people along the way, but sometimes it just isn’t your end goal. Well said. There’s more than just nursing or medic. Radiography is awesome, respiratory therapy, surgical tech, etc. Possibilities are endless in medical. Take care of your physical and mental health if you are going into/already in this field. Trust me. There are days I cry after my shifts. We all get to that point no matter how “used to it” we get. To those of you that have been doing this for so many years, mad respect. You all deserve soooo much more. I’ve learned an insane amount in the last 4 months and have truly grown and changed as an EMT and as a person even. It is a good starting point and opens doors with opportunities. Hopefully my experience will help someone thinking about becoming an emt or will help a student know more so what they’re getting into from one baby emt to another.
Started in EMS back in 2001 as a way to serve (didn't want to kill or die overseas), spent 5 years as a paramedic before becoming an RN (and getting a substantial pay raise immediately); 12 years later and I'm starting an acute care DNP program. You nailed everything in this video. It's a young person's career and a lot more dangerous to one's mental health and body than one realizes when starting out. The general public, and even other healthcare providers, have no idea the incredible skills you're able to use. Still, it's a crucial service that could be so much more effective than it is in its current fragmented, privately-run state (especially with regards to employee retention, pay, benefits, recruitment, education, interdisciplinary cohesion, public awareness, et cetera). It's an interesting time to be in health care and we'll see how this pandemic influences the future of EMS, and healthcare, in general. *and yeah, my RUclips handle is outdated, haha*
Here in Sweden it takes 5 years of university studies to become qualified for this job. I’m 2 weeks into the first year of this right now. The teachers talk for hours about how healthcare is about more than just pure medicine. I had a fkin 5 hour lecture about this yesterday. It’s not just about doing cool procedures and driving fast.
How much do you make? That seems like it would be impossible to get anyone. Hell med school takes 6 years where I come from.
In sweden you become a nurse first, than specific Training. The teamleader is always a registered nurse on an ambulance.
Current life plan: Proficient Runner ✅ ➡️ Proficient Swimmer ✅➡️ Complete Air Force Competitive PAST standards ✅➡️ Become RAM at local fire dep (In progress) ➡️ Become EMT at 17-18 (In progress) ➡️ Become Paramedic by 19-21 (In progress) ➡️ Enlist active duty with a Pararescue contract ➡️ Do my time active and then settle into the Air Guard and become a Paramedic in the civilian world preferably South Metro but there are no Rescue Squadrons in Colorado so I’d need to cross train into a different MOS or go somewhere like Florida or Arizona (New York is a option but I’m looking to leave New York)
(Please let me know if I missed anything I am 16 and exploring my Options but I am looking for a purpose greater than myself and life and a thrill)
It looks like you got into my head! I think exactly like you, on everything. Great Sam! Greetings from Florence, italy!
Pay not great? When I told a CNA what Paramedic starting pay was at my company she was shocked and said, “That’s trash”.
And… sorry but it won’t change. A nurse can attend to more patients than you in a 12hr shift. That’s more billable interventions than a Paramedic can produce. In America, it’s all about the Medicare billing model.
EMS is a great stepping stone but a terrible destination. The Pay vs Educational Requirements/Clinical Responsibilities doesn’t match by a longshot.
The narrative private companies sell to new recruits of saving lives is to hide the fact you’ll be a facilitator of the rampant abuse of America’s 911 emergency system and Hospital Emergency Dept system at the expense of the US taxpayer. Most of your calls will be providing outrageously expensive transports to an ED for people who need only a taxi to an urgent care clinic. Private EMS is demoralizing to work for but Municipal EMS is a little better in this regard.
EMS is a waste of time unless you can’t see yourself doing anything else.
As a single dude in my early twenties getting out of the Navy, looking into EMT seems great. I've seen the average pay in my area is around 30-40k depending on the years of experience and qualification, thats an fat bet an easy money for me, routine and basic bullshit and terrible supervisors is exactly what the military had me deal with, so I'm pretty sure I'll be fine, but good to know.
Hope to one day make Paramedic/Crew Chief.
For the short time i was an EMT, i never saw one person revived. What a shocker. That's not how the media played it. I moved out of the county & never returned. You didn't mention internal schemes & politics, Sam. That's everywhere, but it should never be allowed in such a life-saving team. Zero tolerance ought to be the motto. My dime's worth.
Question: If EMS moves under the healthcare umbrella, will that mean EMTs can get a gumball or wigwag to move traffic out of their way when called into duty?
As a paramedic in Finland I feel really blessed that we can go both, nursing and EMS with the same education. Nowadays all new paramedics here have also the same education as nurses and all "EMT:s" (we don't really use that term here) are either firefighters or practical nurses.
How are staffing levels in Finland? Everywhere else in the world seems to be facing challenges.
In EMS the situation is good. But basicly all other health care sectors seem to have some problems getting staff, both nurses and doctors.
As an EMT, I've had too many partners that do the bare minimum (or less), straining the team, profession, and public image. Granted, not everyone is trying to be the best person and professional they can be, but there are definite side effects as you've highlighted. Many outside don't understand a field don't understand the nuances inside a field; always good to highlight there's more to see!
I was a firefighter/paramedic for four years, then eighteen years ago i suffered a spinal cord injury and had to quit and I have missed it every day since. Just as much (or even more) today as the first day.
I’m sorry to hear that man sounds like you had a great career ahead of you best of luck to you
Made a subscriber out of me brother. I’ve been an Emt for 18 yrs on a 911 unit, and your spot on! I’m lucky and at a phenomenal service with great leaders and equipment and grounds. Recently had our Chief push and pass a 22% pay raise. Good services are out here.
That’s awesome! Thank you for your kind words and good luck!
There was an Episode of M*A*S*H that would explain it very well. Monotony and boredom punctuated by abject terror.
Becoming a Firefighter/EMT and eventually Firefighter/Paramedic has been a goal of mine since I was in 1st grade.
When I was 18 I wanted to be an EMT. After seeing what they really do and especially the pay! Nope, all the PTSD alone is not worth the pay
Did EMS for 3 years FF/medic . Left it for 6 years and just recently got my NREMT again so I can volunteer anywhere we move. Currently half a year from BS and going into PT, will still always volunteer when I can. Great video! 👌👌
32 years on the job ( firefighter Paromedic ) well said make your skills as sharp as possible be the team player and enjoy the job.
You are not wrong, but I would add that the skills are actually a small part of the job. Its the critical thinking and complete knowledge of the human body and psyche and when and who to perform life saving therapies on is what is key to paramedicine.
@@mattking3852 thanks but was referring to less of the skill and knowledge and more to the way the job can effect you. In my 32 years in emergency service I've seen lots of people burn out. Some from the streets some from the pay others from the Department. Keeping the right perspective on the job and why you are there can have a strong impact on a long career. Chears
@@chrismoore600 Thanks for clarifying... It didn't come off as that.
Aside from the fact we are babies in the world of healthcare, people don’t look to us as professionals because we have those individuals out there that presents horribly in uniform. To me it says you don’t care about your job, your work, your career, and you’re just doing it for a check. Those are the type of people that will continue to hold us back and will continue to put doubt in the minds of other practitioners about our skills and qualifications. You were spot on with this video, thank you!
For those that can walk that fine line between empath and sociopath...
I became a volunteer paramedic over 20 years ago. I worked my up through the ranks. I started out as a first responder, EMT, EMT-I, and then paramedic. I was also a special ed teacher during all this. To top it off, I was (still am) physically handicap. I wear a long leg brace and walk with a pronounced limp ( I have poilo). My chief saw something in me. I never saw myself as a "para god" but I always worked at improving my skills and showing my patients that I really cared.
Belated question--I was a teacher for many years and am interested in transitioning to this role. Do you think teachers can make good EMTs or paramedics? I'm flexible, active, good with people and want to learn basic medical skills, but I am already in my 30's...is it too late to make a change?
Newish ift emt here. This video is dead ass accurate. Everyone should watch this before starting the job. I like my job but I've felt my fair share of burnout and bullshit calls.
What exactly is a BS call? Cause for me, going on a decade of EMS with experience in major metro, rural and flight there is no such thing as a BS call. Just easy ones, or repetitive ones that can get tiring due to the added workload. Sometime I feel bad for people who have to endure a financial burden that possibly could have been avoided with other means of care/transport. I'd implore you to listen to the talk on ER cast called mind of an addict. What is BS, IMHO are peoples attitudes about their expectation of what they think they should be doing in EMS. Repetitive pt's and emotional/cognitive chaos is a part of the job, it's exhausting, but I wouldn't call it BS. There is a lot of room for societal and and systems improvement, I will say that.
Windwaterstone, agreed. That is kind of the point of this video, the only reason we perceive calls as “BS” is because we were taught in school that we are only supposed to see a very specific type of medical emergency/trauma instead of the psychosocial problems we actually see
@@PrepMedic by bullshit calls I mean people who can straight uber home. I personally would love to run a not for profit ambulance company where all prices are posted and any surplus goes to lowering prices on the next round. You guys make fair points but I also believe a bs call is in the eye of the emt who's running it. I hear a lot of people complaining oh this is the 9th "chest pain" we've run today what are the odds it will be fine. Those are definitely repetitive easy calls. You guys definitely have much more experience than I do which I completely respect but I think everyone's definition of a "bs" call varies. I also think there's a fair share of calls where there is no need to call an emt when they are other people who potentially need you more.
Tldr: y'all are right from a fact standpoint and have made me rethink my opinions. I don't expect my job to be trauma every day and we do provide a good service for patients who need it regardless of their mental or ambulation status.
Appreciate the honest response man. I totally get it, you pick up the same transient for the 4th time in a 24 hour period and the system is level zero, it is hard to think of the call as anything but BS. As professionals it is hard not to take things personally and feel that it is all on our shoulders but at the end of the day I have felt a lot better just putting my head down, going where I am told and making conversations, while trying to fix the system on the back end (not trying to fix it on the box). Hope things get better for ya, stay safe.
Everything you said is absolutely true. EMS is still in its growing and I have seen so many changes in my 30+ years in the business. I still love the job and being a silent hero works for me.
I've seen a bunch of these videos about reasons not to go into EMS. Nobody ever mentions wrestling a naked man greased up with his own drug sweat for 20 minutes and 3 AM while you wait for the cops to show up. Because that sucks and you will have to do it every couple weeks.
Not being snarky, maybe your agency has different expectations, but if you're wrestling with patients, why are you not leaving and waiting outside/in the truck, for PD?
what mike C said, plus do you not have the ability to utilize chemical control of the violent/combative pt?
I was a firefighter and emt for six years I’m currently a state certified first responder at my job at a sawmill our injuries are not too often but when they happen they are pretty bad I’m the last one for over two hundred people it gets stressful in a hurry as you know I’m not paid any extra for doing this but it’s in my heart
I watch this as I lay in my room, while working EMS
INCEPTION
So I am just a regular non-medical person that once had to call EMS because I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out I was just having a panic attack and my heart rate had gone berserk. I’d imagine the folks who responded that night didn’t go into EMS just to hook me up to a heart monitor, wrap me in a blanket, and have me sit in the back of the ambulance for 30 minutes while I calmed myself down. I am incredibly thankful they were there though. I was pretty embarrassed over the whole thing, but I can’t thank those two providers that night enough for their kindness. They listened to me tell them about the total disaster of a job I had at the time as if theirs wasn’t a hundreds times worse. They also told me that it wasn’t uncommon for them to see people my age in the same situation and how usually the next call does involve rushing them to the hospital. Maybe they were just trying to be supportive or maybe that is true. Either way it helped me take a good look at my life and realize no job was worth my health. That’s been two years ago and I still remember both of their names. So even if you aren’t always doing super high stakes stuff, maybe this can be a helpful reminder that you can still have a major impact and save a life without ever knowing you did.
I was only an EMT for 8 months. One bad child abuse case and I lost my shit.
Still a long time
I used to be in EMS for many years, and now I am pursuing a new career in biomedical engineering. I want to work on the other side of healthcare and be a part of the creation of life saving technology and interventions for patients and for healthcare providers to use on patients to better their outcomes. It's a change for me but for the better, but I feel EMS has opened this new career for me.
Why is it so hard to get jobs in an ER as an EMT. Any tips or advice on how to get an ER Tech job?
Thank you for this video. It was super informative, honest & exactly something I personally needed to hear reassurance of with my current EMS career decision. Love your videos!
Great video! I certified as a basic EMT on my way to nursing. Although I never worked in that role, I did get to recertification twice under state certification. My only regret is not having gotten out on the road. I was not eligible to take the national exam when we switched over, but the continuing ed. was great anyway.
I’m an EMT, although I’m great with patients and all, working for a private company is draining, they cancel our get off times, dispatch sends us around like dogs without meal breaks, sometimes patients aren’t even admitted at the drop off destination because they didn’t even know the pt was coming in, all in all, I can’t wait to move on to being a PA, hopefully things get better.
Legit just got my medic license and I feel like I know absolutely nothing
I watched this video just so I could Ignore it; I know I'm able to perform this and I am sick of people telling me I can't or shouldn't. I know damn well glamor makes up little of any job. anyone who knows that and refuses ain't ready.
I never understood why some countries have a separate educational)training route for pre-hospital and hospital.
Here in Romania, ambulances are staffed by Nurses or Doctor/Nurse combo for the critical care ones. The ambulance is driven and maintained by a driver, but all the medical procedures are handled by the Nurse and/or Doctor.
The good part is that if you don't want to be an ambulance nurse anymore, you just switch specialities...
I'm not saying it is a perfect system, but it gives the mid level medical provider a lot more flexibility.
it's simply because it's a different system; In some countries EMS is part of the local hospital, or part of a regional health trust and as subdivision of the hospitals; In other countries EMS is carried out by various EMS providers completly independent from hospitals
@@EnjoyFirefighting Yeah, it's ridiculously fragmented, which is partly why there's so much burnout ...
@@DustinEMT there are pros and cons about ebery system. I got to know three different systems: county-based municipal EMS, private EMS providers and also working with the big players in EMS. However even with 3 different EMS providers working in my county, we all have the same standards: same ambulances, equipment, same tactics / SOPs, same dispatch, ...
We don't really have a drawback from now being organized under the same name of EMS provider.
BAck when I worked with a private EMS provider, it was the highest level of treatment we were able to provide, in contrast to other EMS providers in the county; And shifts definetly were better balanced than they're now
Isn’t this why they have a paramedic on board with the EMT’s?
Invaluable insight. Truly, thank you for this. You addressed many things that many others don't touch on, that i've longed for people to talk about
You would be amazed how much the pay has changed in Iowa since you left.
It hasn't really changed as a whole from what I know. You still have your highs and your lows
@@PrepMedic a place that offered me $16.50 two years ago is now advertising $20/hr to start. My agency bumped everyone to $20-24/hr about a year ago.
I can’t speak to what MGMC is doing, but pay is coming up quickly in Iowa.
I love not only are you continuing to get into the serious topics we want to hear about- now multi cam production! Sam, You are so on top of all of this!!
Even with your medic, the only way to make real money (at least here in Massachusetts) is through Fire.
Yea, or BEMS, WEMS, or Medlight. With BEMS you make about 60k a year as a starting salary, which is very good for just an EMT, then with OT and details you can easily bump it up to 100k
@@HUNTER-ve3iw definitely. Yeah, here in Mass..fire/medic starting is usually around 70k for two 24's a week; not too shabby. The privates pay horribly though
The US BLS reports that the mean career span of EMTs and Paramedics is 4 years. That’s unacceptable if we want EMS to retain experienced talented providers. From my experience as EMT and PM I place pay, workplace hazards, and unprofessionalism/disrespect from healthcare colleagues as highest on the list for why.
I appreciate your honesty outlining the challenges in EMS and in fending off bitterness. Although I know I can have a better impact on EMS from a PA position I believe. I’m interviewing for PA school shortly this fall and I intend on advocating for EMS in the future.
Knowing that there is a structural debate on whether EMS remains a public service (falls under the DOT) or moves closer to healthcare is promising to hear and I imagine the heavier hitting IAFF and nursing associations will be difficult to persuade.
Take care on that rotor and keep up the positive professionalism!
Going on my 10th year as an emt. Im doing everything mentally to gtfo out of this shit show. Ive grown to hate society as a whole. Its very rare for me to find someone that shocks me anymore. #burntout
I work in a Protective Security Detail, I quite literally do want to go into EMS as a side job. I wouldn't recommend EMS as a primary career because the pay sucks, but it is a worthy side job to become a SWAT medic, Protective Medic, Maritime Security Operator Medic, ETC
Reality check! I've had to use EMS services on a few occasions and can say without a doubt that some are very professional while others look raggedy as hell.
Are they raggedy as hell because they are generally sloppy, or is it because they are near the end of a 48 or 72 hour shift of 8-12 calls per 24 hours? You need to know the circumstances, which can be helpful if you are judging. I do agree, some are just sloppy. Every profession has those.
@@wabuchanan I'm talking about the difference between the providers and people. I'm aware of their hours and what they do. I'm saying some independent Services are horrible and tend to have shit EMTs.