I went through an EMT program planning to work nights through college. Loved it, but I wanted to work 911 and 911 EMS is conducted by the fire service in my area, mandatory cross training to a minimum of EMT-B.

The flip side was I needed fire certs to work as a firefighter (duh). So, I went through the academy and got a job. I fell in love and couldn’t imagine many other careers.

I didn’t like being told what to do though, and I wanted to do more on calls.

I was in a situation alone with EMT partners (when I was an EMT still) where due to the nature of the call, we couldn’t do jack shit to save a girl’s life. I knew what needed to be done but lacked the formal education and equipment. It was literally the worst feeling I’ve experienced in my life. Long story short she died and I tossed it in the backpack for later. She’s one of the only patients who’s name I remember.

The next morning I applied to paramedic school. Went through medic school, and loved it. I kept working part time for the initial department, and switched my full-time work to a more urban department.

I’d lie if I said I never looked back, I think everyone does at some point. But really this is a career that is such a good match for my personality, and I’ve enjoyed it.