I'm not one to get defensive about my career choice often, but some recent events have me on my soapbox. A few months ago, a young man, maybe 18 years old, working the register at a local grocery store asked me why I didn't go to college. "You seem too smart to be working on an ambulance." I'm not sure what I said or did to earn that "compliment," but it caught me by surprise. My answer did the same to him: "I did go to college, but let's get one thing straight: I didn't settle on becoming an EMT."
I entered college straight out of high school. I started as a criminal justice major, switched to English after a semester, then broadcast communications after three more. I went to two-year schools, four year schools, public and private schools. Many of my courses were enjoyable, but I couldn't find a program that left me feeling like I was pursuing something I really wanted to do.
I dropped out of college after two semesters at a state university and entered the EMS workforce full-time. I have to say it was the best decision I ever made. The opportunities that were afforded me and the experiences I gained were far greater than I ever could have imagined. I chose to abandon the "social norm" of attaining a formalized higher education in lieu of pursuing a career where I was truly happy.
I've been in EMS full-time for over a decade now, and still believe this was the best decision I ever made. The work is dirty, dangerous, and emotionally defeating at times. People bleed, cough, and vomit on me because they're too sick or injured to take care of themselves. I get sworn at, threatened, and occasionally spit on by those who don't know any better and (generally) have their judgement clouded by fear. I spend long days away from my family, knowing the only guaranteed time of my tour is the start time. All of this certainly takes it's toll, but it is also part of the job, the calling that is being an EMT.
At the end of the day, my shoulder is wet from those who needed one to cry on. My ears ring with the voices of those no one else will listen to. My hand aches from those squeezing so hard to feel the comfort of another human being. My heart hurts for those whom I cannot help more. But I pick myself up and go home, where I know my loving family is waiting for me. My son, who is so proud of what I do he tells anyone who will listen, runs and hugs me as I come up the basement stairs. My wife gives me a knowing look, understanding there are things I just won't tell her about my day. And I rest, knowing that tomorrow brings another day of helping others.
No, I didn't settle for becoming an EMT. I chose this career, and am proud that I did. If you work in EMS, I hope this rings true for you as well. No matter what tries to bring us down, we're there to help others, and each other, through the uncertain future our shift holds. If you don't work among us, now I hope you understand. We make look haggard and harried, but deep down inside we chose to make this our calling.
