Re:Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked
by vcoppola on Saturday October 03, 2026 @07:12PM
(#49948707)
I kind of did this in reverse lol. I was an EMT on private ambulance for 5 years, went to paramedic school, then dropped out and became a software engineer. Coming from the other side, I can definitely relate to the experience of delaying something you want to do for reasons that, in hindsight, were mostly irrational.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked
by scarecrowbob on Saturday October 03, 2026 @09:39PM
(#49949739)
Being older and having recently passed the NREMT, it was interesting watching the young folks who were my FTOs for my clinicals- it seems like a really good "first job", even if the pay is pretty bad (or maybe because of the pay).
I was very impressed with those folks, younger than my own kids (who I am impressed with as well, of course).
For my own part I taught at a university during my 20s and then dropped out to work in software- changing life around has been very helpful. I can relate to doing something difficult for a while and then moving on when you've figured it out and see that it might not be the path to where you want to go. I hope it left you better for having the experience.
Re:Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked
by vcoppola on Sunday October 04, 2026 @12:02AM
(#49950513)
Yes, absolutely! I greatly value having come from a nontraditional background and recognize the diversity of thought and well roundedness that it's afforded me.
I agree with you that it’s a great job for anyone who can stomach it—especially early in their career.
Kind of like how people say everyone should work in the service industry at least once. I think caring for and serving others is messy work that forges a beautiful soul.