FRESH OUT OF EMT SCHOOL. Albert Reyes

will hire somebody with experience over somebody who has none. You may have to work BLS for a while. I worked on Basic Life Support, Critical Care Transports, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit transports, Lifelight transports, and ALS inter-facility transports. Put your time and work in. It’s worth it.

       RIDE ALONGS/VOLUNTEER IN ER

      Go prepared. Always do research and have questions ready to ask when the moment comes. Have necessary equipment on you to do your basic EMT skills. Dress to impress. Iron your clothes, shine your boots, and tuck in your shirt. There's nothing worse than a sloppy looking EMT. Smile and meet as many people as possible. You never know who will be on your interview panel as you are getting hired. Your attitude should show some humility and an eagerness to learn. Be respectful and listen to directions. Bring a notepad and take notes. Get in there and do some patient care. Don't wait for them to tell you your job. Get your hands dirty!

      

       THE OFFERING

      What I'm going to tell you right here is going to score you major points. When doing ride-alongs or volunteering in an ER, know that everybody in EMS loves FOOD, COFFEE, AND SWEETS! Do not come empty handed! Make sure you bring an “Offering” of your appreciation. Gift cards and thank you cards are greatly appreciated. Just don't come empty handed. This will probably be free for you so come prepared and share a small token of your gratitude for this experience.

      

       THE INTERVIEW

      Again, dress to impress. Shave and make sure you smell good. Use proper language. I used to sit on interview panels, and wearing a suit shows professionalism. It won't disguise your attitude and heart but it sure makes you look good. It is a must. Show them that you are serious about EMS and professionalism. Don’t forget to give a nice firm handshake and make eye contact with everyone in the room. The first handshake will often make or break you because it is the interviewer’s first impression of you. It starts there in the interview room. Do mock interviews with friends, coworkers, and family. Everything helps.

      Go prepared by studying beforehand. Read some books on going through an interview. You should have an answer for every question. Be familiar with what questions they might be asking you. Find somebody that went through the process. Ask them what questions they were asked and what you should be prepared for. Most interviews will start off with a question related to “Tell us about yourself.” Be able to give the panel an inside look of you personally and professionally. Most interviews will also have scenario questions about patient care or scene safety. One of the most important questions will come at the end with, “Do you have anything to add?” Have a summative “speech” prepared explaining why you are a good fit for the position and don’t forget to thank the panelists for their time. Be prepared to take a written or skills test right on the spot. Brush up on your assessments, scope of practice, and anatomy/physiology. Be prepared for anything.

      Words from the Wise; Proverbs from Today's Paramedics

      "I think I would tell that new EMT what I tell all the new people... There are no certainties in EMS. Recognize how important the job is, don't cut corners, form good habits. Work hard, sleep harder, love your job, and don't be influenced by those who are burnt out. You only get one chance at this job, make it count, because when you’re 80 years old, you're going to look back and realize that you're never going to be this awesome ever again.”

      — John McNulty (EMT / Paramedic) 12 years experience.

      

      “First day...this is a job for people with a servant's heart. If you got into the field thinking it was an extended episode of Rescue Me or Chicago Fire, then you will surely be disappointed. Less than 10% of our calls require the critical skills and lifesaving interventions that we're trained for. Book knowledge is critical, but a balance of experience and education is required. Listen to those with experience, more than likely they've been in your situation before. This is a team sport. A collective effort is required. No one runs a call without help. If you think you've learned and seen it all...it's time to find another career. A good EMT anticipates his/her partner's next move. Always think ahead. If you have a question, ASK! No one knows it all”

      — Jason Leech (Fire Fighter Paramedic) 23 years experience.

      

      “Whatever you do, in an emergency, if you are not in danger, please do not run! Walk with a purpose but don't run. And always wash your hands after you touch a patient!”

      — Florin Florea (Fire Fighter Paramedic) 18 years experience.

      “I have two important things I tell all new partners EMT's or paramedics...

      First, if you're new in this county and you're not sure where you are or where a hospital is, ask me before you leave the scene. It's easier for me to give you directions before we're lost and I can't tell where we are. Second, when we're on scene always be within my vision. If poop hits the fan and we need to bail out, I don't have to look for you. We're a team, you and I are it and I need to know if I can count on you to be there for me and vice versa, even if other responders are with us”.

      — Zia Warda (EMT / Paramedic) 26 years experience.

      

      “My words of wisdom....every day, do the best you can, in the time you have, at the moment you’re in. Meaning each day is important, and each day is different because of experiences, time, and learning from others whom you work with or care for. The wisdom comes from hard work at being prepared for the events of your patients’ worst moments of their lives.”

      — Jim Howard (EMT / Paramedic) 27 years experience.

      

      “You know, I'm pretty chill and don't expect too much from my EMT. I know it's scary, so I don't pressure them much, but if I have to answer the question, I would have to say obviously know your stuff and if not then ask. I hate EMT's who don't know and try to wing it. Like direction or using the equipment. But I like an EMT who's not lazy...set me up ready for the next call. Like putting the patches on 12 leads, set IV up, or saline lock. Not being lazy at least shows me they're trying and working hard. Also getting a facesheet helps. I hate having to get it after doing my EPCR.”

      — Anthony Nguyen (EMT / Paramedic) 17 years experience.