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Comment by Alex on October 26, 2008 at 1:07pm

I'm going to be volunteering at a hospital until I have enough money to buy a car and take an EMT course. Thank you everyone for your help.

Comment by jill on October 11, 2008 at 5:01pm

Alex,
I just read your post and I think it's awesome that you want to help. I got my basic card at the age of 40, while raising 3 kids, while dad was a long-haul truck-driver. If you have the heart for the job and you want to help, any department should be thrilled to have you. Get busy my friend and don't worry about the GED. Soon, you will have your EMT-B card, and nobody will know the difference, or care because all the cards look the same. Good luck with class, and let any of us know if you need any help.

Blessings and Be Safe,

Jill

Comment by Andy Marsh on October 11, 2008 at 7:52am

Get to class! See you on the streets soon! Good luck!

Comment by Lizzie~Lu on October 11, 2008 at 1:30am

Alex,

I dropped out of school in 8th grade (long story there), and got my GED 3 days after my 18th birthday. I thought I couldn't go to college because I hadn't graduated from high school. I was almost 40 before I learned this was not true.

I finally went to college, graduated with a Renewable Energy degree and work as a Wind Plant Technician. I am now pursuing an EMT certification because our wind farm is 40 minutes away from Life Flight and I want to be able to keep people alive while we wait.

Don't ever let ANYONE make you feel like you can't do something!! You can do whatever you believe possible!! Trust me on this one!! Go for it!! You will make us all proud!!

~Liz

Comment by Alex on October 10, 2008 at 9:27pm

Thanks everyone.

Comment by Brian Dumser on October 10, 2008 at 7:06pm

At least you went back and got your GED. That says a lot about you. I have a friend in another F.D. who has his GED and has been a FF/EMT-B for about 4 years now. I know another retired Fire Officer who has his GED and went on to get an Associate's Degree in Fire Science. Good luck brother!

Comment by Cathy Shipley on October 10, 2008 at 9:40am

Alex..Congrats on the GED..good job! Go for whatever you decide to do, or to become. With your GED nothing can stop you but you..follow your heart. Just remember that EMS is not a money making career..believe me (27yrs in it) but I feel EMS gives me more then money can...sense of pride in myself for doing what I love works for me..take care and good luck..Cathy

Comment by Jenny Holderby on October 10, 2008 at 12:07am

Wait a minute!!! You EARNED your GED!! I work in an academic library @ a university where a GED is just as good as a HS diploma. You might have to take a few extra classes to prepare you for higher education but you can still take the tests for admission with a GED. There really isn't a lot of difference and believe me, I can't tell which students have a GED or graduated with honors.
You were raised in a time where everyone is expected to graduate from high school before you go on with the rest of your life. Years ago, people quit school for what ever reason & then (mostly women) went back to get their General Education Degree. Some went on to college from there or to a vocational school or started their own business. Some people who started with a GED have masters degrees. It isn't the education you have but the education you are willing to work for.
Get the education you want. Be who you want to be. And believe me, nothing in emergency services is EASY.

Comment by Kimberly A Bownas on October 9, 2008 at 11:04pm

Alex, whether you have a high school diploma or a GED it doesn't matter. You did what you felt you had to do and as far as I am concerned at least you did get it. It doesn't make EMS look bad because you have a GED instead of a diploma. As long as that is what you want to do and you work hard at it then you have nothing to worry about. Good luck and stay safe...