emsaly

I think you all have good points. I would also agree that I think it should be decided on a case-by-case basis. I would say 16 might be too young to actually work as a full-fledged EMT, but FR might be a great start. Some people at 18 are young adults, others are still kids. I myself am a young EMT. I started class at 17, but didn't get certified 'til I was 18. I think it may have been a bit different for my situation than some as I was exposed to things from an early age that many kids don't have to deal with (divorce, death, childcare, 3rd world country living, teaching position, ect.) and I believe that probably helped along the maturing process by quite a ways. This was my dream and I believe it's one of the best things I've ever done. All that being said, it's not been easy for me. I've been exposed to much that has really made me wonder what I'm doing. Much of it has been very emotionally dificult, but it has been a good learning experience to work past. It's made me think and forced me to deal with things I probably would have never faced in the same way if not for some of the experiences I've had on the ambulance. My co-workers (mostly middle-adged) treat me with respect and as an equal and I believe that helps me in turn to want to act respectful and as an equal. We have another young EMT on our service and, from my observations, they are as skilled (if not better) than some of our older and more experienced EMT's. So what I'm saying is not in the defense of all high school students being allowed to be certified, but to be open-minded to the idea that some of us can do it and it may turn out to be beneficial to not only you, but us.

It depends on my situation. If it's nighttime and I can't sleep, I pace. If I'm in the position to do it though, I run. That really works the best for me. Besides that, music. Playing it myself seems to work the best for me (it's one of my greatest forms of expression), but just listening is good too. Get out in nature, just think, work out, pray, read,...

Decide on your priorities...