Gin121

Thanks for the replies guys. I think we need to get off the "adreneline junkie" status. Perhaps I would have been better off stating that I like the unknown of responding to a scene that requires a survey, analysis and a response all while possibly having to deal with a hostile or psych. ... (deep breath), ahhh fu+* it, adreneline junkie is easier to say so I'm fine with that title! Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I digress ........

.... again, I am a former Physical Education Teacher and am a current HS Lacrosse Coach. I am a former ATC which, trust me here folks, was a crazy hard process to even enter into (pat on my back, 3.82 GPA) let alone stay in through 9 11. I have credentials outside of the EMS field, yes I'm EMS virgin, up the ying yang including Fugitive Recovery Agent, Alarm Responder, Personal Security and a healthy dose of weapons experience.

I appreciate all the thoughts and suggestions but if we can move on to more positive corrective reinforcement rather than statements like "getting research from tv shows" (uuuuggg, so dumb) I would very much appreciate it. There is no place in this world for ignorance. Just my 2 cents.

.... side note, oh how I wish my DROID had spell check. If typos found, my appologies.

Ruff .. isn't that what one could call gross generalization or stereotyping ?

No Camp 3 ?

Just saying that this thread has focused and pretty much beaten to death, the adrenaline junkie aspect .. most seriously when tones go off (and in Ontario Canada)in Fire Halls and Ambulance Halls. The physiological response was and can actually measured, the findings were very clear that with loud tones a "startle reflex" kicks in (btw it also is associated with increased cardiac risk) but the human body no matter what anyone on this board eludes there is a conditioning that one goes through. A counter argument / position could be taken that when an individual does NOT have a physiological response then they should get out of this profession, a lack of response could indicate true burn out or a pathological situation ... look to 4c6 he's loosing his mind because of NO calls (and others in comments areas)

Lets look at the background this poster states he has, lets forget that he at least has 4 years of University, think B.Ed is a cake walk ? Compare that to I'm a silly student First Aider girl ...te hee hee and I like flowers but I want to be a SWAT medic and pack a .40 cal glock ... he he he ... put things into perspective. jeeze uzz.

1- ATF ... well if anyone has had any experience in that area thats totally "cool under pressure" and while multitasking this is the entire goal of that training. Hundreds of lives in the balance, just say runway 320 Alpha vs runway 320 B ... think about that please.

2-A teacher in Phys ED, hmmm ... thanks not my cup of coffee (I have 2 teenagers thanks that is more than enough) but leadership, tolerance and supportive, would be I highly suspect be some attributes, then dealing with soccer mums .. yikes.

ps How can you tell a pit bull from a soccer Mom ? ... umm lipstick.

I am just damn happy he's not an English lit teacher .. because we would all be screwed for grammar, punctuation and especially myself as the KING of the run on, and on sentence.

In Closing .. I have to call you all on the Flight Paramedic (yes there are lots that are good at what they do) but please after actually doing the Flight gig, 4000 hour with patients documented, Rescue Helo Long Sling and on to specialized ICU transport team's. Your all full of shit ... these flight suited guys and girls have the biggest egos on the frigging planet ... check out any of the "flight" sites and tell me I am wrong .

<insert puking smiley>

cheers

<edited to make post look better and include reprimand >

Well said and thanks for having my back Mav!

<edit>Re: gender referencing.

How true that is.

Lmao! .... and yes I am a dude.

Thanks for the replies guys. Dwayne, Although I appreciate your experience and expertise, I have not gotten my research off tv shows. I have compiled good hard thought out data. You are seeing a tiny clip from a thread and hanging on some words and taking them out of context. Another member said adreneline junkie so I used his words. Again, I'm 37, not 18 and kind have been there done that. No premature ejaculation here! I know it takes many years of class and experience to get to Flight Medics. I simply put it out these to get personal information rather than reading documents and formal research.

The plan is to volunteer at my local EMS.

Obtain my EMT B Certification.

Continue being a volly but join another company as a paid EMT.

Obtain EMT I Cert.

Enroll in and train for Paramedics.

Obtain Paramedic Cert and work as a Paramedic for 2 or 3 years as I study to get my RN Cert.

Obtain RN Degree and continue to get more experience, then, perhaps become Flight Medic.

The way I see it I will be studying and training for a minimum of 4 or 5 years before being ready to consider Flight Medics.

Again Dwayne, all do respect, don't go making ill advised and judgemental posts. Remember this is an open forum for people to "put it out there" and get ideas and share thoughts. My 2 cents....

Lol, nice! Yeah I don't spook easy and I like a challenge. I actually spoke with someone today about Flight Medics. I have a long way to go since I haven't officially joined EMS yet, but I will get there. Also placed a call to my County PD who has a CERT (community emergency response team) which is a civilian volunteer based team that responds and treats major accidents and disasters. Rock On!!!

I have my BS Degree in Education and am a former Physical Education Teacher/Coach. I didn't like the political aspect involved with Education so I left and went back to school and became an Air Traffic Controller. I liked that but my timing was bad. I was hired and flew out to Oklahoma City for training just days after 9 11. That gig lasted about 2 years. Since then I have been is business for myself and dabbled in Security work. Yes I am an adreneline junky. But no, that's not my primary reason for EMS and nor is EMS a backup or 2nd choice. Yes, it was at first. But the more I researched it and the more I thought of what I wanted for an ideal career, EMS was and is choice 1. The excitement of PD sucked me in at first. But now, at 37 years of age, I prefer some excitement while giving back and making a positive impact on peoples lives. Not writing tickets and pikssing people off!!

Additionally, 2 years ago this past December my local EMS crew saved my life. While working under my pick up truck, the jackstands gave out and the truck fell on me. My 7 and 4 year old boys heard me yell and quickly got the neighbor who called 9 11. The quick and professional work of EMS, and my boys, surely saved my life. I was air lifted to Stony Brook Hospital and was discharged later that night with some good burns from the gas tank puncturing and fuel penetrating my skin and some cuts and bruises from the truck resting on me.

That's why I've ultimately chosen EMS. As far as Pararescue, that's the EMS/Adreneline Junkie in me coming out!!!

I am just starting my career in EMS at age 37. I've always wanted to be a Cop bc of the excitement and adrenaline rush that goes along with the job. Since I'm now over the age limitit for PD in my area, I've decided to go EMT/Paramedics as it shares similar exciting qualities as PD. Does anyone know if there are civilian Pararescue or SWAT opportunities on Long Island?

You're going to find that most volunteer squads/companies/corps/agencies will ask you to spend a period of time volunteering with them, before they'll sponsor anyone for a seat in an EMT class, and unfortunately, it is with reason. Too many times in the past, someone gets into a partially or fully funded class, but on completion, when asked about that individual going onto the duty roster, the individual says, "Who? What volly organization?" They get the training on someone else's coin, and then don't pay it either back or forward.

After many volly groups got burned like this, they have potential members give time first, sponsorship later.

If you go this way, first, earn your spurs as an EMT, then, if the department takes you in for the specialty, go for the boat rescue.

As for the military, you'll go where they send you, and go military medical if THEY want you to go military medical. Have an ex girlfriend, was a Candy Striper, a NYS EMT, and even was a Combat Medic in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) during the 1973 War, but when she joined the US Navy, they made her (Drum roll and dramatic pause) a SIGNALMAN!

Signalman? Holy smokes! Although I would love to serve and think Military experience is a great way to train, I would miss the heck out of my wife and kids. Though it is still a possibility at this point. I read that bc I have my Bachelors Degree I can't take place in the EMT Scholorship Program. I read elsewhere though that my county offers EMT B certification for only $75 for current EMS. Can I volunteer w my local Department as EMS and qualify for the $75 tuition? If not they charge $850.00 for non EMS. Ouch .....

Hey All! Just joined to gain some insight on the Emergency Med Field. I am a former PE Teacher and Air Traffic Controller. I need a challenging carrer that is ever changing and exciting. I'm looking to join a local department as an EMS Volunteer while taking the EMT B course load to get certified. Eventually I want to be a Paramedic and also do Emergency Response perhaps, in the Military or with a local FD on a rescue boat. Any suggestions/guidance would be much appreciated. Glad to be a part of the community!