This is a good topic. As for how much it changed me it has changed me greatly. If i had a chance to go back in time i would have. I have been an EMT for 14 years taking the class at age 15 years old and actually certificate in hand at 16 years old. I volunteered for a the whole 14 years with the occasional paid transports. The first 4 years of my certification i ran, First out ambulance and rescue, over 400 to 500 calls a year and burned myself out at an early age. I suffered from depression and had to get help. I am a cold hearted S.O.B. to life and people. I have had relationships that suffered and my current relationship suffers on and off from it, but i have to try 3x as hard to try to keep upbeat about things. I have had young adults come up to me wanting to be EMT's or first responders, I don't tell them not to but i give it to them straight and wish them luck on what they do. But if i could change my life i would never have gotten into this field. Yes i learned a lot and a lot of valuable lessons but not enough to compensate for the misery. So those are my thoughts of how EMS changed my life! happy happy joy joy! now damnit pass the happy pills.