The Pros and Cons of Being an EMT: A Personal Insight

For 17 years, I dedicated myself to the role of an EMT. While the job was demanding and at times emotionally taxing, the positive experiences far outweighed the negatives. I am now in a position to share my observations and insights from this unique perspective.

Pros of Being an EMT

During my tenure, I had the opportunity to witness countless life-changing moments, both tragic and triumphant. These unique experiences, along with the relationships I built, provided a sense of fulfillment.

Learning Opportunities: The job allowed me to delve into the intricate workings of the human body and learn from emergency medical professionals through continued education. Whether transitioning to paramedic school or staying at the EMT level, the insights gained were invaluable.

Impactful Moments: There were instances when I was able to make a difference in someone's life, even if it was a small one. People would thank me, often appreciating care that I may have taken for granted. These moments, though fleeting, left a lasting impression.

Cons of Being an EMT

While the job had its rewarding aspects, there were also significant drawbacks.

Morbid Experiences: Dealing with the physical and emotional demands of the job, such as vomit, decaying bodies, and other gross situations, were unavoidable. These aspects of the job can be distressing and, in some cases, traumatic.

Financial Inequity: EMTs often start at or near the minimum wage, especially in certain areas. Despite the importance of the role and the expertise required, the financial compensation does not always reflect the responsibility and impact of the job. I eventually left EMT for retail, where I found similar compensation but without the heavy emotional toll.

Emotional Impact: There were times when I received calls that haunted me. Flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) became part of my emotional landscape, taking years of therapy to mitigate.

Reflections and Regrets

Despite the hardships, I have no regrets about my time as an EMT. The job provided me with a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Moreover, I now have the ability to help other first responders navigate their emotional challenges, which has been rewarding.

I would like to share a personal secret: as much as I loved the job initially, I became disillusioned with it. In my experience, 90% of the individuals I helped were victims of their own actions, while 10% were truly unfortunate victims. This perspective may have contributed to my decision to stop working as an EMT.

While there are many misinformed people seeking help, it's important to recognize that not all of the individuals you assist are easily understood. Some actions, especially those related to substance abuse or reckless behavior, are hard to fathom.

That being said, the profound lessons I learned and the experiences I had, both good and bad, make the EMT role one of the most transformative and impactful careers out there.