I finally got registered for EMT Basic at Lone Star North Harris yesterday.
Took me a little while because they didn’t have proof I had the prerequisites – which were according the adviser HS English and math. I had to request a transcript from my University. (I made a D in Strength Training – really).
I start the second week of June, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6 PM til 10:15 PM. My schedule on those days will be intense, P90x at 7 AM, Work till 5:30, Class till 10:15 then start all over again the next day.
I also have two Mandatory Extrication, which are on Fridays from 5 – 10p, which I just realized means I have to leave work even earlier.
And there is Clinical – which I’ll find out exactly what that schedule is at the end of the first week and will do sometime after the 3rd week. Looking around the web – my school doesn’t have info available – it looks like that will be 1 8-12 hour shift in an ambulance and 1 8-12 hour shift in a hospital.
Why
I keep getting asked why I want to do this. I have a good job and make way more than I could ever expect to make as an EMT. I don’t expect to make a career out of this, though I do think I’ll want to do it on a regular basis. I don’t think you can keep a skill without practice and something like this you only really learn from experience. So I’ll probably find a volunteer fire department to be part of.
Reason #1: I’m doing it because I always wanted to do. When I was in High School (back in 1982) I had a buddy who ended up transferring to the high school for the health sciences because he wanted to be a paramedic. I always thought that was cool. But I’ve never taken the time to do it.
Reason #2: I consider it advanced first aid and that is a skill I want to have. My survivalist leanings are coming through here. Plus I’d hate to be in a situation where I could have done something and didn’t know how.
Reason #3: The girls and the glory. OK, I admit I romanticize it a little. I’ve read enough of Ambulance Driver to know it isn’t glorious, but I can’t help myself. I just seems exciting to be out saving people’s lives. Oh and the only EMT I’ve ever met in person was one of my models. Picture to the right.
Fear
I’ve got some fears going in and I thought I’d write them down so I can come back and laugh at them later.
#1 I’ll have too weak a stomach to be an EMT. The only time I threw up at the sight blood was when my wife went in to placenta privia labor in the hospital. And even then I turned around, blew chunks into a garbage can, and then turned back to her and held her hand as they took her to the OR. She says it is because I was afraid or stressed out, so I’ll take that as true and not worry too much about it.
#2 I won’t be smart enough. That really isn’t it, because I think I’m a pretty smart guy and can do anything. I think is it more worrisome that I haven’t been to school in 15 years or studied for anything. I tell my kids they can do it, so I guess I’ll have to buck up and do it.
#3 I’m not emotionally strong enough for it. Being an EMT will mean I’ll see tragic things happen. People dying, children hurt, etc. Will I be able to take that over time? Guess I’ll find out.
Just writing these down has settled my fears quite a bit. They weren’t really that bad any way or I would have found a excuse not to sign up.
I’m excited and wish it was starting sooner. I’ve realized I hate having to plan things in the future and then wait for them to happen. Wether it is shooting a hot model, going to Vegas, or taking this class. Once it is scheduled I want it to happen tomorrow.
Fears:
#1. When you’re photographing those beautiful models, does your head swim with images of breasts, gorgeous eyes, and long, shapely legs? Or are you too focused on the technical aspects of the shot to be distracted by such things? I’ll bet it’s the latter.
Same thing with being an EMT. You’re too busy with the technical aspects of patient care to be sick. Training can overcome a weak stomach.
#2 They write EMT textbooks at the 8th-10th grade reading levels. That should tell you something. You won;t have a problem with the academics. Devoting the time to practice your skills and assessments until they become reflexive, that’s a more difficult task.
#3 First rule is, it’s not your illness. That said, if you can’t approach this profession with an open heart, you have no business doing it. It’s just like life – there are peaks and valleys. The hardest part will be to remind yourself to look for the peaks.
Good luck, Ron.
.-= Ambulance Driver´s last blog ..For My Emergency Nursing Peeps… =-.
I hadn’t thought about the first that way. I is so true I’m too worried about lighting to notice the hotness.
Thanks AD
I am starting school at North Harris in a couple of weeks. I will be doing the Paramedic Degree Program. I cant believe I found your blog. I was looking up “characteristics of a great paramedic”. Love your essay. I won’t bore you with mine. I have been a Basic for 2 years. I am almost 40 with a family and volunteer with Atascocita and Crosby. I am catching up on all of your podcasts. I love Kelley Grayson. Saw him at a conference last year. Hope to see you around and be of any help. Although I can see you have things covered.
Colleen:
Are you in the day or evening program? I’m in the evening.
I live in Kingwood, so Atascocita was at the top of my list of places to volunteer. Can you tell me what it is like?
I don’t know if I am in the evening or day. I think it will be evening. I am on a waiting list, but talked to Drees and he said he thought I could get in the evening classes. I am going up there today to talk to him.
I love Atascocita Fire Dept. AFD is both fire and EMS under one roof. There are 3 stations and EMS runs out of 2 of them. Station 1 and station 2. The people there are great. It really is like another family.
I would be happy to introduce you to anyone you would like and help you get through the NEOP process. (New Employee Orientation Process). It all starts with an application. I can pick one up for you or you can pick one up at station 1. If you pick one up you will want to talk to Mary Anne Sokol. She will help you out. Your go to guy in the beginning will be Sean Conley. He is the EMS Clinical Maganger. AFD would be happy to have you. Again, let me know if you need anything. Colleen
PS. Atascocita just introduced a new volunteer incintive program. They will reimberse you for your tution.
I’m not volunteering until I find out what my clinical schedule is going to be for the fall, but I want to. Hopefully we’ll be in the same class. It is good to hear it is full, I think I’m the only one from my Basic class that is going on.
I think tonight is the night I’m going to tell my class about the podcast. I’ve kept it a secret until now.
Man I would love to be a fly on the wall for that one! Hope to see you in school. Colleen