Emergency Medical Technicians take on some of the most challenging roles of anybody in the world. They’re thrust onto the frontline, often being put in horrific situations that could teeter on the point between life and death. It’s a job with immense pressure, and yet most EMTs rate their happiness well above average, putting them in the top 45% of careers.
Yes, it’s a tough job, but people love it because it’s immensely rewarding. You do a lot of good as an EMT – but is this the right career path for you? If it’s something you’re interested in pursuing, then make sure you consider these three things before jumping ahead:
How do you become an EMT?
First things first, how do you become an EMT and is it a reasonable career pathway to think about? Unlike some jobs, this one doesn’t require years of going to college or university, followed by some uncertainty as to what you’ll do next. Most emergency service providers will offer scholarships for EMTs to encourage more people to join this field.
What does this mean? Effectively, if you’re approved for the scholarship, you become an EMT team member. They train you on the job and pay you a starting wage. It’s one of the best ways to get into a career, as you can earn money while you learn.
Do you meet the EMT qualification threshold?
This already sounds interesting to you, but do you need any previous qualifications to enter this line of work? Other than having a high school diploma (or equivalent), you won’t need any educational qualifications to go down this career route.
Instead, the qualifying factors center on your current health state. To be an EMT, you need to:
- Have an updated vaccination record
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold a driver’s license
- Be able to lift at least 150 lbs
Why? Because the job is very physical and will put you in situations where you may be exposed to certain diseases – or people who could be at risk of contracting things from you. If you don’t meet these thresholds, it’s probably time to go away and work on your health/fitness or find a different career path.
Are you ready for this high-stress job?
Finally, do you think you can withstand the stress of this job? It’s not like any other job you might get after college. Most of your friends will go through school and party for years, then end up in a boring office-based job. You’ll be on the frontlines from the word go – but can you handle this?
Be aware that your work schedule will be completely random, and you’ll likely be working at crazy times. You’ll encounter some aggressive people doing your job, but you have to learn to accept it. Don’t pick this career if you’re not ready for what it entails. There’s no shame in not being an EMT – it’s a specialist job for a certain type of person.
Give these questions a mull over in your mind if this is one of the many careers you’re considering throughout your life. It will be insanely rewarding, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Emergency services can’t afford to train people, only for them to leave after a few weeks/months. Be sure your mind is in the right place so you don’t waste people’s time!
