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Your view on young EMTs
Most states require that in order to become a certified EMT, you must be 18. In some states, such as New Jersey, allow 16 year olds to become certified EMTs. And no, according to NJ's state laws, a 16 year old EMT is just as qualified to provide the same level of care as an adult. I am 16 and am a member of an EMS organization that is responsible for EMS coverage for a large area, and there is NO Junior/Explorer program, meaning I am entitled to do everything an adult EMT can do medically.
My question is, how do you feel about this system? I want your honest opinion, and will not get offended as long as it is your opinion and you aren't personally attacking/insulting people.
(Example: "I dont like young emts" or "I think its stupid for a minor to be an emt" would be opinions,
whereas "You are an idiot" or "I dont like you" arent really opinions but are rather offensive."
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on
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He is 16, that is why he does not understand why a 16 year old can't be EMT's.
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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
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At 16, you need to go out and enjoy what the world has to offer, not get tied up attending trauma after trauma.
There's a lot of "damaged goods" out there in the emergency services- don't get dragged into that before you've enjoyed everything this life has to offer....
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Permalink Reply by capcityff on
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Agreed. There's a big difference between a combat medic with military training than some kid wanting to be an EMT.
There also are no combat medics in the US at 17.
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Permalink Reply by Harold Richard Hair on
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agree
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Permalink Reply by James Sage on
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As I said, Canadian Forces with parents permission you can join at 17 and could easily be through Basic, Soldier Qual. And First level of Medic training Before you hit 18.
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Permalink Reply by Rob Vest on
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My advice, just observe. Finish school since that's more important and be a kid. Go play sports, meet girls, and hang out with your friends. You got plenty of time for this stuff when you're an adult.
Very well put!
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Permalink Reply by John McVey on
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It depends on the Indiviual person. Now, as a Pt, to be perfectly honest, I would be very nervous at first if the EMT/Paramedic was under age. But whether or not I stayed that way would depend on how professional the EMT was.
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Easy, As an adult, they are more likey to be Mature then you. and wouldnt make Pts as nervous. When all is said done, it really is all about the Pts.
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Permalink Reply by Ken Wilson on
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Why would you say that I am not mature? In response to that I ask, Do you know me? Have you seen me give Pt. Care? The answer is no. Honestly after what I have seen some adult EMTs do, versus 16-21 year old EMTs, 8 times out of 10 Id rather work with the younger EMTs. I am finishing school, and still manage a full time EMS life on the balance. I think these things are case-by-case, and some 16 year olds are going to be better than their 30+ year old colleauges, and others arent. I think that stereotyping isn't usually fair. I could easily say I would never work with you because you have a higher risk of cardiac or other issues and could have a serious medical issue while on a run, potentially killing me or the patient. I personally think you should come up to Jersey, run with some younger EMTs and let them show you how its done up here if you are so closed minded about it. Honestly I believe most of them would give you a run for your money on knowledge of EMS skills and Knowledge, what actually matters. So what if you can make a bottle or change a diaper. you dont do that on an EMS run, you use EMS skills and patient care. Anyways, thank you for your feedback.
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Permalink Reply by John Kroll on
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Ken, Your posting supports everything that was said. Maturity is an important factor in all of it and if you act maturely now then that's awesome, you'll be that much further ahead after a few more years of seasoning. There is a lot to be said for enjoying your teen years though and I support that perspective strongly.
Remember it takes 20 minutes to dress like a professional and a lifetime to become one. Becoming a good EMT or Paramedic is about a lot more than training, skills, and experience. Sometimes its as simple as being able to look down and your patient and know that something very bad is about to happen and getting out in front of it. I don't think to many of the comments in this thread have been to harsh but always hurrying your carrer along denys you an opportunity to see the bigger picture. You may someday be a great ER Doc but you'll never know that if you get tunnelvisioned now and think that EMS is the only way. Someone suggested "observe" and I think that is a great idea because you get to see a lot more. By observing you'll get 1 layer of seperation and you'll get to see the incident command piece, call management piece, and see who the strong EMT's are that you can turn to for mentorship down the road. I think those lessons are invaluable and unfortunately overlooked to often.
One other thing that I think is essential. Humility and understatement. In the fire Service we eat our own, no one wants so braggart who thinks he's all that and a bag of chips in the station and I don't want to go through the door with that person either. Ours is a tough profession at times and no one needs to be told that or have some cocky person in their face about it. It your ears are burning, it's a little warm; If your heart was broken, it was a tough call. That's the way it is and the honor of every fallen brother and sister deserves our humble continuance of that tradition.
I only mention this because I've seen many a newcomer with so many lights on their vehicle the damn car turns when they turn on the lights from all the momentum on the roof of their vehicle. OK before I go off on another rant rememebr the nugget of wisdom at the beginning of this post. "It takes 20 minutes to dress like a professional, and a lifetime to become one" We are all on the journey towards true professionalism, don't do anything that could bring disgrace to the profession or those who've gone before.
Best Wishes
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ive delivered one baby, treat geriatric pt.s all the time, some with boxes of meds, a LOT of insulin shock pt.s with IDDM, the emboli arent really common around here, asthmatics are a common call around here ive treated stabbings, gsws, anaphalaxis, epiglotitis, psychs,CVAs, cardio pulm. arrests, assaults, MVCs, and other serious conditions. and I have had ADULTS as EMTs ask me for advice. I have had the opportunity to reteach EMT skills to current EMTs. I am showing that after all of these "horrable" things (lol) I am fine, and always ready for the next dispatch.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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As I said, Canadian Forces with parents permission you can join at 17 and could easily be through Basic, Soldier Qual. And First level of Medic training Before you hit 18.
The issue is that just because it may occur in Canada, does not make it the same in the states. Besides, did you read what I posted about the military as well? The issue remains when making a commitment to the military, there is a big difference between that and running as a minor in an EMS system.
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