Hi Toni,
Thanks for writing back. I was surprised by how many responses I got. I realize that I'll have to become certified as an EMT-B first and I assume that the experience will enable me to decide if I can actually handle dealing with human beings who are hurt or ill. As simple as that sounds, I've never dealt with injury other than my young sons "boo boos". I also understand that a Paramedic and an EMT are different certifications, the former requiring much more training. I'm not looking to make a bunch of money, obviously, but I no longer want my life to consist only of self-centered musicians and their needy ridiculous whining. Sounds jaded. Not completely. I'll continue to make records but I keep coming back to this idea. What are your hours like? If I might ask, how are you paid? Hourly? Salary? Are you in an ambulance or with a hospital? Are EMT-B the "assistants" of the Paramedics? I have so many questions, but I'll leave it at this for now. Look forward to hearing back. Also, I'm just figuring out how this site works, so bear with me.
Sincerely,
Trina Shoemaker
Franklin Tennessee
Hi Meri,
Thanks so much for responding. It would be great to chat. I didn't expect to get such positive response, especially from so many women my age. This is very encouraging. I have to take my 5 year old son to Karate, but I'll email you later today or tomorrow. Again, I really appreciate the support.
Sincerely,
Trina Shoemaker
Franklin, Tennessee
Thanks for responding. The truth is all I'm interested in. I understand that although I work well under pressure, the type of pressure I'm used to, i.e, a very upset guitar player who doesn't like the solo, will prepare me in no way for an injured or very ill human being. I also understand that I must begin the process by becoming a certified EMT-B. This training is relatively inexpensive and possible. I hope it will enable me to decide if I can handle this line of work. But what is one of your days like while you're working? If I succeed in becoming an EMT or further a Paramedic, is part time work ever available? So many questions, but I'll leave it here for now.
Most sincerely,
Trina Shoemaker
Franklin, TN
Thank you for your response, Dwayne. I'm very happy to keep these "conversations" in the open forum. Please forgive my ignorance of this process. I've never joined a forum before. If I proceed with certification as an EMT-B, a process which hopefully show me whether or not I'm able to handle this type of work, I would want to be part of this profession to my fullest capacity. I definitely don't want to be a wanker. When, way back in the 1980's, I started my path to become a recording engineer, there were no women. I was told it was ridiculous for me to try. I carved my career out of granite. Now, 25 years and 3 Grammy Awards later, I would give the same kind of intense focus to being a quality EMT or possibly a full Paramedic. I would like to understand what are the differences between EMT-B, EMT-I and Paramedic. Not specifically the training involved, but out there in the working world?
Most sincerely,
Trina Shoemaker
Franklin, TN