Whether you’re just getting started in planning your career in emergency medical services or you’re already enrolled in an EMT training program in your area, you may still have some trouble visualizing what life looks like in the field once you’ve received certification and started work in the industry. Sure, your training will prepare you as an emergency medical responder and you’ll understand the processes and procedures to follow once you’ve gotten a job placement. However, speaking first hand with a practicing EMT is the absolute best way to discover if your cut out for this line of work.
The EMT Training and Career Headquarters was recently fortunate enough to briefly speak with Christopher Garrison, 32, an EMT-Basic in the Dallas-Forth Worth metro area. We asked Chris a few questions about his journey, life in the field, and what he views as the challenges for any aspiring EMT. We great appreciate him taking the time to respond to our questions…enjoy!
EMT Training and Career Headquarters: Chris, how long have you been working as an EMT?
Christopher Garrison: I received my certification in 2009, so I’ve been in the industry for right at 2 years now.
EMTTACH: How’s it going so far? Do you enjoy the work?
CG: It’s the right place for me to be. I’m not the type to sit at a desk all day, I need to be on the go. I’ve always had an interest in the medical field and an aptitude for science. I’ve also always been the type of person that’s cool under pressure. I tend to really thrive when others around me are in a state of panic, so that ability to focus and follow procedure when I’m in a stressful situation was initially what led me to this career.
EMTTACH: Do you work for a public or a private agency?
CG: Right now, I’m employed with a private ambulance service here in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. I’d rather not mention my employer publicly, but it’s been a good company to work for.
EMTTACH: How long did it take you to find work after your EMT-B program?
CG: I actually had a lead on a company that was hiring right before I received my cert, so I was basically employed right out of training. I think I got pretty lucky, because [other EMT candidates] in my class were having a tough time with the economy coming out of a recession. I’d say overall though, it’s a pretty good field to be in if you want to sort of stay isolated from the big unemployment spikes and layoffs.
EMTTACH: What’s been the best part of this line of work for you?
CG: I’d say the schedule. When I’m on, I’m on, and when I’m off, I can be at home and just escape and spend time with my family. I’ve pretty much got it made right now since I’m doing four twelves from 6:00am to 6:00pm with three days off. Not to mention, after being in the field and getting a feel for the work, I can’t really picture myself working outside of this industry. It’s where I need to be.
EMTTACH: Our web site audience is primarily made up of aspiring emergency medical technicians who are looking for information to get started in the career. Any advice for someone who’s looking to get a foot in the door?
CG: I’d say you need to know if it’s the right job for you. While it might not take four years of med school to get a job, it’s not for everyone. I’ve talked to a lot of folks who are like “Well, I was laid off and I’ve been trouble finding a job, maybe I should start looking at training courses”. To me, it’s either in your DNA or it’s not. I don’t see it as the kind of career you get started in just to make ends meet while you’re looking for something else to do. It takes a certain type of person to handle the demands of what we do and you’ve got to know if that’s you.
EMTTACH: So you plan on sticking with it?
CG: Definitely. Like I said, it’s the path for me for now and I just can’t picture doing anything else.
EMTTACH: Any tips for someone who’s ready to start their EMT training?
CG: I’d say more than anything, just get involved and take part. The worst thing you can do is sit back during clinical and just watch what’s going on. Get in there and volunteer every time you have the opportunity. If you think you’re going to learn everything by sitting back and watching, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening when you’re in the field.
The EMT Training and Career Headquarters would like to thank Chris for volunteering his time to answer our questions. Stay tuned for more interviews with emergency medical services professionals in the coming months.
About Michael McCandless
Michael McCandless has been in the emergency medical services industry for nearly a decade. He is very proud of his career and the opportunity to serve his community. He is also the owner of the EMT Training and Career Headquarters website, which provides information and resources to individuals interested in beginning a career as an EMT.
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