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EMT: what is the hardest part of being an EMT?
doesn't have to be experience it can also be the exam
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Emanuele’s Answer
Hi Andrea,
Before becoming a doctor I was an EMT-B for 4 years. I mostly worked on my college campus, but I also had some more standard experience on ambulances. There are a couple different things that are hard about being an EMT.
The job itself is physically demanding. You are often on call for long hours, often during the night, sitting in ambulances or not great on call rooms, with not much to do. These boring periods are then interrupted by a surge of adrenaline when a call comes in, followed by a frenzy of activity, followed by more waiting. This can really wear you out over the long run.
The thing I found most frustrating, however, was that you get no closure with your patients. You drop them off at the emergency department and then you don't hear anything about what happens to them. That ultimately encouraged me to go to medical school.
Hope that is helpful.
Emanuele Maccalli, MD
Before becoming a doctor I was an EMT-B for 4 years. I mostly worked on my college campus, but I also had some more standard experience on ambulances. There are a couple different things that are hard about being an EMT.
The job itself is physically demanding. You are often on call for long hours, often during the night, sitting in ambulances or not great on call rooms, with not much to do. These boring periods are then interrupted by a surge of adrenaline when a call comes in, followed by a frenzy of activity, followed by more waiting. This can really wear you out over the long run.
The thing I found most frustrating, however, was that you get no closure with your patients. You drop them off at the emergency department and then you don't hear anything about what happens to them. That ultimately encouraged me to go to medical school.
Hope that is helpful.
Emanuele Maccalli, MD
Thank you Emanuele for the the advice and inside pov.
andrea
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Andrea!
I am currently a paramedic, but I was an EMT for 3 years prior to that. I think it all depends on where you work and finding a good partner to work with. I have a permanent partner where I am right now and we work really well together! It can be frustrating when having to work with someone who you maybe don’t get along well with or just can’t connect to.
I am personally a fan of the hours! I couldn’t imagine working an 8 hour day 5 days a week, but there are positions for EMTs out there that do that as well! You can do so many other things with your EMT than you would think.
I would really recommend shadowing and doing a ride-along if it’s something you’re considering. It’s a great field to work in, and some places are getting better about patient follow up with the crew after discharge from the hospital.
Everything is teachable, even if you’re learning it on the spot. Don’t let that scare you away from what could be a great opportunity if you think it’s right for you!
I am currently a paramedic, but I was an EMT for 3 years prior to that. I think it all depends on where you work and finding a good partner to work with. I have a permanent partner where I am right now and we work really well together! It can be frustrating when having to work with someone who you maybe don’t get along well with or just can’t connect to.
I am personally a fan of the hours! I couldn’t imagine working an 8 hour day 5 days a week, but there are positions for EMTs out there that do that as well! You can do so many other things with your EMT than you would think.
I would really recommend shadowing and doing a ride-along if it’s something you’re considering. It’s a great field to work in, and some places are getting better about patient follow up with the crew after discharge from the hospital.
Everything is teachable, even if you’re learning it on the spot. Don’t let that scare you away from what could be a great opportunity if you think it’s right for you!
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I have had 2 friends who were EMTs. Both transitioned to other fields.
One is a dentist. His experience was helpful in our studies because he had practical knowledge. Also he was capable of handling emergencies in the office much better than most. We did discuss that there is a high rate if burnout.
I found this on web:
Prevalence of burnout in EMS
They found 49% of respondents self-reported burnout, with 43% suffering from work overload and 38% experiencing anxiety or depression.Oct 21, 2021
One is a dentist. His experience was helpful in our studies because he had practical knowledge. Also he was capable of handling emergencies in the office much better than most. We did discuss that there is a high rate if burnout.
I found this on web:
Prevalence of burnout in EMS
They found 49% of respondents self-reported burnout, with 43% suffering from work overload and 38% experiencing anxiety or depression.Oct 21, 2021
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hardest part of being an EMT… long hours for little pay.. being able to set aside emotions to care for different patients in different scenarios. Running a horrid call and being able to place that aside to respond to the next.