EMT Education Narrative- Part 1

From a very early age, I’ve loved helping people. Growing up, if someone in my family were sick, I would always want to “play nurse”. Of course, at 6 years old my only experience as a medical provider was fixing my teddy bear’s leg when my dog had chewed it up. But even so, my mom, dad, or sister, would patiently let me take my toy “doctors kit” and examine them. I remember taking my plastic stethoscope and checking their heart with a very serious look on my face, as if I could actually hear it beating through the solid tubing.  I would administer medicine (sweet tarts) as needed, and bandage any injuries. Even if it were the tiniest wound acquired weeks before I discovered it. At 11 years old, my interest in the medical field had become much more serious. On Thanksgiving Day 2001, my dad suddenly became very sick. Barley able to breath and in obvious intense pain, he instructed for me to call 911. I did so without hesitation. No longer than 10 minutes later, the ambulances pulled into our driveway. After a mere five minutes of the paramedics examining him, they recognized the severity of his unfortunate situation, loaded him onto a gurney and rushed out the front door. One amputated leg and six months of physical therapy later, he came out on the other side of this ordeal a new person. After observing how the EMT’s and paramedics took care of my dad that day, I knew then that I wanted in on this exciting and rewarding job.

After high school, I met with the director of the local ambulance company and expressed my interest in becoming an EMT. The timing was perfect as they happened to be conducting a three month emergency medical service training course the following month at the local fire station. I put my name on the list, got my required books and waited eagerly to start my training. As excited as I was, I remember feeling anxious and nervous to start this journey. At 18, I didn't exactly know what I was getting myself into. All I knew is I was motivated. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not turn down.