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Excellent perspective and point, Mike: appreciate the input! I've definitely realized with each little step taken that not only is my introduction to the field minuscule in comparison to a future within it, but it's going to take a lot of dedication to explore all options, and commit oneself to pursue that potential you speak of. I'm lucky to have the support of close friends and family with me in this journey, as they also see the drive and incentive I exhibit. I've always had a strong desire to give back selflessly to those around me, both dear friends and random strangers alike (which I feel may help me tremendously in this field). While I understand that I know next to nothing, and am not afraid to admit it, I'm both thrilled and anxious to step into this world!

Ugly: Been there done that got the T-shirt.Politics in small services can be a bitch even when those that are against you are dead wrong. Many times it's because they are afraid of change.

Welcome to the ranks Hex. Yup 200 hrs is what I went through as well. My instructor actually did the barber statment then upon graduation actually added this little tid bit. If anything remember it at all times... "Congradualtions on becoming an EMT. You now posses the knowlege to save someone but the experience to kill someone." Like Mike said up there. Dont let it dicourage you let it empower you. Strive to be the best you can be and garner all the experience and knowlege you can from your mentors both here and out in the world. These are a bunch of great guys and gals here. They helped me immensly when I was a rookie. Any questions feel free to ask us and also please participate in discussions around the board. It will help as you go through your schooling. Best of luck

As far as I can tell, a bad haircut never killed anybody. But I do remember I think it cost Bill Clinton about 1600 bucks one time though. Or was that another politician? Which again is about 2 times the cost of the EMT Class you are taking right? Perspective huh?

Zoll X series is based on the Propaq MD which is used extensively in the air medical industry. I like our propaq MD. I understand the Zoll X can also do carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin monitoring which would be useful for fire incidents. It also has the CPR feedback. I much prefer the size of the MD Propaq and the zoll X is similar size. They have everything we need for a critical care patient without having to carry both a monitor and a defibrillator so we are very happy with them. They also have the option to wirelessly transmit EGKs to the receiving facility if it is all set up.

Just for perspective, in South Carolina you need a minimum of 1500 hours worth of training to become a barber. Think about that for a little bit and let that sink in. Two hundred hours to be an EMT. More than SEVEN times that to cut hair. This information is not intended to be a downer. Nor is it meant to discourage, dissuade or belittle anyone or their chosen professional pursuits. I'm only trying to emphasize that your 200 hour EMT class is barely the beginning. You will have the potential to do a lot of things as an EMT. Some of those things could affect the life of one person or many people. As far as I can tell, a bad haircut never killed anybody. Food for thought. (Source: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Barber/index.asp?file=faq.htm)

Well, there it is.

Arctic, I personally like, "30 years of serving the community." Good slogan for an EMS service or a house of ill repute. Around here it would be more appropriate to say, "30 years of saving your family from driving one of the 5 cars in the driveway to the hospital."