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What are the pros and cons to becoming a paramedic?
I would love to become a paramedic, but i've heard from a lot of people that it's not that great of a job. There's often trauma involved, and it is at random hours of the day. Apparently it consumes your schedule. I would love to become one, as I said before, but I don't know if it is worth it. Any thoughts?
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Doc’s Answer
Emmalee paramedic shift hours in the United States vary, but they often involve longer shifts than a typical office job. Paramedics may work 12-hour, 18-hour, or 24-hour shifts, while most paramedic positions are full-time (40 hours or more per week), they rarely follow the standard 8-hour workday. Rotating shifts are common, with paramedics working a set number of shifts (e.g., 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off) followed by a period of days off. Some agencies use a 24-hour shift pattern, where paramedics work a full 24 hours and are then on call for the next 24 hours. Many paramedic shifts include an on-call component, meaning they are available to respond to calls even when not actively on duty. This may involve being paid overtime rates if called in while on-call. Your specific shift schedule can depend on the agency's call volume, the type of service (fire department.or private ambulance), and the specific role within the service. Shift start times can vary widely, ranging from early morning hours (e.g., 5 am) to evenings or even nighttime shifts.
➕ PROS OF BEING A PARAMEDIC
Here are some primary benefits you may enjoy in a career as a paramedic:
❤️🩹 HELPING PEOPLE — One of the major benefits of being a paramedic is that you get to help people in need. You use your skills and knowledge to save lives in a crisis, which can offer job satisfaction and enhance your community. This job satisfaction can motivate you to keep working hard, ensuring patients always receive the best care and compassion.
🩺 ENHANCED MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE —
Although paramedics don't go to medical school, they have foundational medical knowledge to keep patients stable until they arrive at the hospital. Paramedics may see a variety of injuries and medical issues when responding to emergency calls. If you're addressing these issues, you can enhance your medical knowledge every day, helping you become an expert in your field. This can also help you develop important soft skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
👍 GOOD JOB PROSPECTS — Communities always need paramedics, so you are likely to have ample opportunities throughout your career. According to Canada Job Bank, job prospects for paramedics are good or very good in all the provinces except British Columbia, where job prospects are moderate. Job prospects for paramedics are undetermined in the three territories, but you can consider contacting local hospitals and fire departments to explore whether there are any opportunities or job vacancies.
➖ CONS OF BEING A PARAMEDIC
It is essential to be aware of the potential disadvantages of being a paramedic to make well-informed career decisions. Some of the most common drawbacks include:
🧠 MENTAL BURDEN — First responders frequently confront depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mental burden is an all-too-common occurrence in the health industry. If you're presently employed as an EMT and wish to advance to be a paramedic, be aware that improving your mental health and your overall well-being is an important part of the journey.
Sleep deprivation
⏰ LONG HOURS — For example, you may work a 48-hour shift and then take a 24-hour break. You stay awake for the entire 48-hour period during the shifts because sleeping on duty is often intolerable. Many studies show that people need about eight hours of sleep every day, and sleep deprivation has profound consequences on your mood, focus and overall physical health. Correct the situation by requesting your employer to provide enough time off or vacation days so that you may rest adequately.
🤬 EMOTIONAL PATIENTS — Paramedics encounter all types of people, often at challenging times. In such circumstances, patients and their families may communicate with you unpleasantly or disrespectfully. Other people may cry or scream around you. A viable solution entails listening respectfully, establishing common ground rules and openly discussing the issues with people you encounter.
☠️ HUGE RESPONSIBILITIES — Being in charge of another person's life is one of the most significant benefits of being a paramedic, but it can also be a drawback. As with nearly all other professionals, paramedics are liable for the consequences of their decisions. As such, your duty has an additional weight since you are in charge of human lives. Although you may make errors, it's important to protect patients' lives by paying attention to all situational factors.
🤕 JOB-RELATED INJURIES — As a result of the constant bending, hauling and kneeling, you risk developing a job-related injury or illness. Sometimes, you may also encounter a patient with an infectious disease, or you may come into contact with blood or excrement. Wearing gloves and masks and washing your hands frequently may offer sufficient protection.
➕ PROS OF BEING A PARAMEDIC
Here are some primary benefits you may enjoy in a career as a paramedic:
❤️🩹 HELPING PEOPLE — One of the major benefits of being a paramedic is that you get to help people in need. You use your skills and knowledge to save lives in a crisis, which can offer job satisfaction and enhance your community. This job satisfaction can motivate you to keep working hard, ensuring patients always receive the best care and compassion.
🩺 ENHANCED MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE —
Although paramedics don't go to medical school, they have foundational medical knowledge to keep patients stable until they arrive at the hospital. Paramedics may see a variety of injuries and medical issues when responding to emergency calls. If you're addressing these issues, you can enhance your medical knowledge every day, helping you become an expert in your field. This can also help you develop important soft skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
👍 GOOD JOB PROSPECTS — Communities always need paramedics, so you are likely to have ample opportunities throughout your career. According to Canada Job Bank, job prospects for paramedics are good or very good in all the provinces except British Columbia, where job prospects are moderate. Job prospects for paramedics are undetermined in the three territories, but you can consider contacting local hospitals and fire departments to explore whether there are any opportunities or job vacancies.
➖ CONS OF BEING A PARAMEDIC
It is essential to be aware of the potential disadvantages of being a paramedic to make well-informed career decisions. Some of the most common drawbacks include:
🧠 MENTAL BURDEN — First responders frequently confront depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mental burden is an all-too-common occurrence in the health industry. If you're presently employed as an EMT and wish to advance to be a paramedic, be aware that improving your mental health and your overall well-being is an important part of the journey.
Sleep deprivation
⏰ LONG HOURS — For example, you may work a 48-hour shift and then take a 24-hour break. You stay awake for the entire 48-hour period during the shifts because sleeping on duty is often intolerable. Many studies show that people need about eight hours of sleep every day, and sleep deprivation has profound consequences on your mood, focus and overall physical health. Correct the situation by requesting your employer to provide enough time off or vacation days so that you may rest adequately.
🤬 EMOTIONAL PATIENTS — Paramedics encounter all types of people, often at challenging times. In such circumstances, patients and their families may communicate with you unpleasantly or disrespectfully. Other people may cry or scream around you. A viable solution entails listening respectfully, establishing common ground rules and openly discussing the issues with people you encounter.
☠️ HUGE RESPONSIBILITIES — Being in charge of another person's life is one of the most significant benefits of being a paramedic, but it can also be a drawback. As with nearly all other professionals, paramedics are liable for the consequences of their decisions. As such, your duty has an additional weight since you are in charge of human lives. Although you may make errors, it's important to protect patients' lives by paying attention to all situational factors.
🤕 JOB-RELATED INJURIES — As a result of the constant bending, hauling and kneeling, you risk developing a job-related injury or illness. Sometimes, you may also encounter a patient with an infectious disease, or you may come into contact with blood or excrement. Wearing gloves and masks and washing your hands frequently may offer sufficient protection.
Thanks so much!! I'll consider all those things!!
Emmalee
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Emmalee,
On the positive side you have a job where you really help people and make a difference in their lives. There comes a certain "excitement" with rushing out to rescue people that would be attractive for people who want a fast-paced job that requires physical activity.
I think you nailed it with your concerns about the level of trauma you would witness and the odd hours. You would need to find a way to balance and decompress when you are not on the job. And the job would put a serious damper in your social life. I am curious, what attracted you to a career as a paramedic over other medical careers like e.g. nursing or physician assistant?
I hope this helps! All the best in your quest to find the best medical career for yourself!
KP
https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/schooling-to-be-paramedic
https://www.ottawaparamedics.ca/curriculum/
On the positive side you have a job where you really help people and make a difference in their lives. There comes a certain "excitement" with rushing out to rescue people that would be attractive for people who want a fast-paced job that requires physical activity.
I think you nailed it with your concerns about the level of trauma you would witness and the odd hours. You would need to find a way to balance and decompress when you are not on the job. And the job would put a serious damper in your social life. I am curious, what attracted you to a career as a paramedic over other medical careers like e.g. nursing or physician assistant?
I hope this helps! All the best in your quest to find the best medical career for yourself!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Thanks! In answer to your question, I was looking into the job possibilities of medical care in college. Any other suggestions?
Emmalee
I think nursing is a great career because you can start with a 2-year degree and go up to a PhD and nurse practitioner. And there are so many specialties too. Or the more technical careers, sonography and other imaging techniques.
Karin P.