In a CPR class its easy. Just remember 30 and 2 and your done. (okay....not that simple) However, fast forward to your first patiant by yourself. You walk in a room and forget everything. As a first responder(or new EMT) this will happen on your first few runs. It happend to me this past weekend. I was told to pratice and pratice. This all paid off on Sunday. I walked into the room and found my patiant laid out on the floor. In a blink I checked for a pulse and breath -none. Next thing I knew I did my compressions and had my BVM out. A police officer assisted me once it was setup and we ran with it till EMS got there. That felt like a long damn time( it wasn't). We even rode the rig to the ER pumping the whole way. It was a huge confidence builder, although the outcome was sad.
I was complmented on my work and that felt good. The other thing that felt good is that my first responder teachers were there. They saw me in action. (And I didn't screw up!!) Now I think an EMT-I cert is within reach. Maybe a job change...who knows? I have been pushing myself to join a full-time dept.