Cyber Ninja

Thanks. That makes sense.

Thank you all for your posts. I had been continuing my research in the meantime, and think that I will go with the EMT-B for now. I agree that going for Paramedic is not in line with my goals. I'm near Valencia, which I've seen several posters here say is a good place to go, so I'll contact them. And, for the record the reason I wanted the EMT-B and maybe more was, in fact, for SAR. I've been involved in some level since my teenage years. After a couple years hiatus I'm getting back into it. We recently had a little girl wander off into the woods down here who was ultimately rescued, but because of the terrain most of the groups that I've been involved with were not allowed to participate. I'm looking to get involved with some of the other groups, the ones associated with the Sheriff's Office, and for that the EMT-B was strongly encouraged. I also go on an extended backpacking trip once a year, usually alone, and always to very remote areas. Thank God I've never needed it, but I've always taken emergency items, including medical, but felt I lacked the advanced training that might make the difference. Thanks again for all your kind posts. Oh, and Cyber Ninja was completely random, actually, but I like it too. ...says the elephant keeper... By the way, is EMT-I a real thing? I see that it's mentioned by the NREMT, but looking on my state's (Florida) Health Services website I see no mention of it. I understand it's Intermediate, but what are the real differences, and, keeping in mind my intentions outlined above, would it be worth it for me? Thanks.

Hello. I'm new to the forum, and after reading with interest a number of the threads regarding the certification process, I've decided to ask for some of the members' input. Here's the deal: I've got a year of education benefits left over from the VA that I have to use or lose. I've got several years left before I lose them, but I don't want to wait, as us vets never know when Congress might change their mind. After thinking for a while about how to use them, I had settled on getting my EMT-B, and as I began to learn more about things, decided I might also pursue a full Paramedic certification. The thing is, I really don't foresee myself working for a FD or anything, I've already got a career as an IT consultant that is going well. The reason I wanted to pursue the certs is because I'm involved in a number of volunteer organizations where there is either elevated risk of injury, or we're required to have one, or in some cases to be one (EMT, I mean). I also have found myself in the role of first responder more times than I can count and have been myself wishing I had more training than my military first aid and an OSHA style First Aid and CPR cert. So, the question is: Am I nuts? It wont cost me any money, or at least not much, but I have no plans to pursue a career in the field. I realize there are continuing education requirements and certification renewals involved, is there something else, perhaps mandatory experience, that I'm missing? I appreciate your [gentle] comments. Thanks.