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What was the hardest part of training to be an EMT?
both physically and mentally
4 answers
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Ryan’s Answer
Hello again Andrea,
Great question! Different aspects of EMT training are easier, or more difficult, depending on your own strengths and weaknesses.
The sheer academic challenges are what I see the most students struggle with. You are learning A LOT of information in a very short period of time, and much of the information is not taught in middle and high school, so you don't even have a foundation to start from. Anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology tend to be some of the most difficult subjects. You can prepare by studying hard in Health / Biology class, taking a college level anatomy and physiology class before enrolling in EMT, and by just developing good fundamental study habits (reading, making study guides or flash cards, highlighting, etc.). The Khan Academy of Medicine on YouTube is a great study resource!
I'm fortunate that I'm a pretty good student, so I managed to actually get an "A" in my EMT class. Not so fortunately, I've never been a big fan of blood and guts! So, one of the challenging parts for me was overcoming my discomfort in this area. Lots of EMTs, and Paramedics, have "that one thing" that grosses them out - maybe injuries to the eyeball(s), vomit, certain smells, etc. So maybe your biggest challenge will be overcoming something you find physically repulsive!
Another major challenge area is bridging the gap between simulations and real life. Closely related is the concept of having what we call a "good bed-side manor". Especially if you work as an EMT in a rural area, you may be with a patient for an hour or two while you assess their condition, stabilize them, and drive them to their hospital of choice. That's a long time to carry on a conversation with a complete stranger! Combine that with the fact that, as a new EMT, you're trying to remember all the steps you're supposed to take, questions you're supposed to ask, etc. It's like trying to do a math worksheet and carry on a conversation simultaneously! You either end up with wrong answers or your conversation is awkward, robotic, and disjointed. The best EMT students are the ones that quickly figure out that their patients are human beings, and talk to them as if its a friend of yours, and you're just concerned about their well-being - not like a robot trying to pump information out of them.
The last most difficult thing about being an EMT student is that EMT class does little or nothing to prepare you for what you will see "on the street". You will see innocent people seriously injured, permanently disfigured, and killed, and then see others commit acts of evil and walk away without a scratch. For many, it will only be a matter of time before you respond to the serious injury or death of a coworker, close friend, or family member. These things deter many from becoming EMTs, and force many out of the career. The best thing you can do to prepare is to be aware that it is coming. Prepare yourself by taking care of yourself - eat healthy, workout, sleep well, maintain friendships, use counseling services, take vacations, avoid burnout, share your feelings, avoid drugs and alcohol, spend time in nature, and celebrate the times you assist with births, get pulses back, effect a rescue, or "get the save" because that's the 5% of the job that makes dealing with the other 95% worth it.
It really is a great career. Good luck! Let me know if I can answer anymore questions.
Great question! Different aspects of EMT training are easier, or more difficult, depending on your own strengths and weaknesses.
The sheer academic challenges are what I see the most students struggle with. You are learning A LOT of information in a very short period of time, and much of the information is not taught in middle and high school, so you don't even have a foundation to start from. Anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology tend to be some of the most difficult subjects. You can prepare by studying hard in Health / Biology class, taking a college level anatomy and physiology class before enrolling in EMT, and by just developing good fundamental study habits (reading, making study guides or flash cards, highlighting, etc.). The Khan Academy of Medicine on YouTube is a great study resource!
I'm fortunate that I'm a pretty good student, so I managed to actually get an "A" in my EMT class. Not so fortunately, I've never been a big fan of blood and guts! So, one of the challenging parts for me was overcoming my discomfort in this area. Lots of EMTs, and Paramedics, have "that one thing" that grosses them out - maybe injuries to the eyeball(s), vomit, certain smells, etc. So maybe your biggest challenge will be overcoming something you find physically repulsive!
Another major challenge area is bridging the gap between simulations and real life. Closely related is the concept of having what we call a "good bed-side manor". Especially if you work as an EMT in a rural area, you may be with a patient for an hour or two while you assess their condition, stabilize them, and drive them to their hospital of choice. That's a long time to carry on a conversation with a complete stranger! Combine that with the fact that, as a new EMT, you're trying to remember all the steps you're supposed to take, questions you're supposed to ask, etc. It's like trying to do a math worksheet and carry on a conversation simultaneously! You either end up with wrong answers or your conversation is awkward, robotic, and disjointed. The best EMT students are the ones that quickly figure out that their patients are human beings, and talk to them as if its a friend of yours, and you're just concerned about their well-being - not like a robot trying to pump information out of them.
The last most difficult thing about being an EMT student is that EMT class does little or nothing to prepare you for what you will see "on the street". You will see innocent people seriously injured, permanently disfigured, and killed, and then see others commit acts of evil and walk away without a scratch. For many, it will only be a matter of time before you respond to the serious injury or death of a coworker, close friend, or family member. These things deter many from becoming EMTs, and force many out of the career. The best thing you can do to prepare is to be aware that it is coming. Prepare yourself by taking care of yourself - eat healthy, workout, sleep well, maintain friendships, use counseling services, take vacations, avoid burnout, share your feelings, avoid drugs and alcohol, spend time in nature, and celebrate the times you assist with births, get pulses back, effect a rescue, or "get the save" because that's the 5% of the job that makes dealing with the other 95% worth it.
It really is a great career. Good luck! Let me know if I can answer anymore questions.
Updated
Todd D.’s Answer
For me, the most difficult was making it to class after 12 hour work days. Academically, I had no issue. Same with skills.
All you need to do is pass the class. Most of the real learning starts once you get hired.
All you need to do is pass the class. Most of the real learning starts once you get hired.
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
For me the hardest part was integrating the clinical skills and knowledge with real life scenarios. I was required to quickly assess pretend patients, correctly, make a “prehospital impression” or diagnosis, and treat/transport in under 5-10 minutes. Doing this accurately and in the proper time frame took me a lot of time and effort.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
andrea
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
The whole class is the hardest part. I went into EMT class knowing absolutely nothing about medicine, other than what I had learned in the prerequisite CPR class. Everything was difficult because it was all completely new information and concepts for me. Fortunately I really enjoyed everything we learned and really wanted to be an EMT. This made passing the practical exams much easier. I also made a friend in the class which helped when it came time to study for the exams.
thank you.
andrea
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