I joined the club

[jnathan]

Hey friends... I should probably spend more time on the forums, and plan to, especially in the First Aid section. I've finally got a credential, albeit a basic one. Passed my NREMT-B a couple weeks back and I'm looking forward to some fun interaction and learning some more from the actual medical professionals (unlike me).

-Jeff

[woodsghost]

Excellent! I have to up my credentials. But first I have to re-certify in the the very basic credentials.

[Halfapint]

Awesome! Once I get settled into the property first aid is one of the big things I want to work on. I've got lots of nurse friends who work in everything from brain surgery and trauma, to quack in the box's patching up cuts and scraps so I've got lots of brains to pick and get some advice as well as trying to get some basic certs.

Also welcome back jnathan!

[jnathan]

Thanks to you both, when the cobbler's children are shoeless, the cobbler looks like a jerk.

It might seem a little cheesy, but one of the coolest things about prepping is the ability to help others and first aid seems to be one of the best opportunities we have for that.

Not long after joining ZS in 2008, a member here sent me a box of first aid stuff to get started. I'll bet there's a lot of paying-it-forward that could happen in terms of skills and even first aid items.

-Jeff

[NT2C]

My credentials are so far out of date they probably don't even show up in the databases anymore. My last renewal was in the mid 90s., right before I hung up my scope completely. No way would I want to go back to it now (and truthfully I'm in no kind of physical shape to do so even if I wanted to), but the basics tend to stay with you and I've been able to keep myself patched up pretty well since then. Good to see you younger folk getting involved in it and getting the training.

<tips hat to group>

[Stercutus]

Not long after joining ZS in 2008, a member here sent me a box of first aid stuff to get started. I'll bet there's a lot of paying-it-forward that could happen in terms of skills and even first aid items.

-Jeff

I doubt it was me because I was not a member in 2008 but a little known secret is that everyone who posts a legit incident where they used their personal medical supplies off job to help a stranger or service member gets a free box of medical supplies from me. I can only recall doing it 3-4 times but the names of the people I have sent them to escape me. It is nothing Earth shattering, trying to reinforce good behavior is all.

[SteelWolf]

Hey friends... I should probably spend more time on the forums, and plan to, especially in the First Aid section. I've finally got a credential, albeit a basic one. Passed my NREMT-B a couple weeks back and I'm looking forward to some fun interaction and learning some more from the actual medical professionals (unlike me).

-Jeff

Congratulations and welcome to the family! What is your ultimate career goal? Or was EMT a preparedness goal? Regardless, well done!!

[jnathan]

It's been incredibly slow merely getting first my National license and now my State license. Once I get my state license, there's a company I can do a little work for on the side that staffs sporting events and concerts. I'd like to do this for a while and get a lot more experience, as I'd even be working with paramedics.

My wife is amenable to me going to paramedic school at some point in the future, but it's unlikely this is going to replace my career. Just something I'm able to do on the side to get more knowledge and skill, for a little money, and for the chance to help others.

[IANMCDEVITT]

Good for you man, your right, it is unlikely it'll replace your career. I'll bet whatever you do pays more, gets more respect, has a retirement, and is safer............But, try and work some shifts professionally. Don't let that fact that your working with a Paramedic impress you. Trust me. That's just a title. If you get the chance, watch people. See who you'd like to work like or with or learn from.....or, just adopt the qualities you admire or techniques you believe are effective from everyone, EMT, or whatever. Hone your BLS skills like a knife and be able to work calmly and smoothly. You'll blow most paramedics away. Good luck...........BTW, BLS saves lives, ALS just improves the quality of life.

[VXMerlinXV]

Nice work on getting your basic card. I have done a decent amount of event medical, and you can learn a TON, because you see a wide variety of cases and can learn from some decent providers.

[Slugg]

Congrats on passing your NREMT. I took it once in 2010 and recently took it again in 2018 while being an LPN. I always felt there is a difference between rattling off medical facts and critical thinking regarding decision making with varying information.

[SRO1911]

Work that basic all you can - good basics make good medics.
Im doing my advanced clinicals right now, ready to jump into medic. It's sad what EMS has become as a career, i consider myself very fortunate that my day job is such that I can afford classes and volunteering.

[Slugg]

I do feel EMS is the most underpaid work I've seen myself. Not saying others aren't out there, but being in the medical field myself I always wondered why I get more than some of those guys. It's not an industry you get into for the money.