I would suggest becoming a volunteer firefighter. If you have it available to you, they can give you insight... they possibly can help pay for classes, and you could experience both the firefighting part of it and the medical/EMS side of it too. I live in Kansas and I know that in our rural districts they are desperate for volunteers and are willing to pay for all training. I know a lot of 17-18 year olds that volunteer and they LOVE it. It gives them the opportunity to get a ton of life experience... plus they just love getting in the trucks and wheeling around. I admire that. Good luck and let us know what you decide.