Tips for Climbing the EMT Ladder?

[Shoduke]

Hey guys,

I recently started working as an EMT-B for my university's (The George Washington University) student-run EMT group. I want to eventually become a crew chief and hopefully even a supervisor in the next 3 years before I graduate in 2014. What tips do you have for someone looking to accomplish my goal(s)?

 

[Shishkabob]

Understand small unit politics.

 

[Shoduke]

Understand small unit politics.

Like understanding the innerworkings of small groups?

 

[adamjh3]

Keep your head down when it comes to station politics. Always step up to do the dirty jobs. Be persistent about wanting to advance. Get rid of all your facebook friends.

 

[JPINFV]

Like understanding the innerworkings of small groups?

Yes.

 

[Sandog]

And hope someone is going to retire for that position to open up.

 

[MrBrown]

Learn something about people and resource management

 

[JPINFV]

And hope someone is going to retire for that position to open up.

If it's a student run agency, people graduate and they can make everyone what ever rank they want.

 

[Sandog]

If it's a student run agency, people graduate and they can make everyone what ever rank they want.

Ahh, yes I did seem to forget that point. I am now president of my condo parking space.

 

[lawndartcatcher]

To quote Montgomery Burns:

"Family, religion, loyalty... these are the demons you must slay if you want to be successful."

 

[usafmedic45]

Read some books about a fellow named Reinhard Heydrich. He was extremely upwardly mobile in the organization he was involved with. LOL

 

[abckidsmom]

Read some books about a fellow named Reinhard Heydrich. He was extremely upwardly mobile in the organization he was involved with. LOL

Lol, does this invoke Godwin's law?

 

[usafmedic45]

Quite distinctly so....that would be the point.

 

[usafmedic45]

 

[samiam]

When I climb ladders I usually move my right hand then right foot then left hand then left foot and keep my eyed on each rung. I also make sure to always have three point of attachment.h34r:

 

[Wes]

All of the suggestions are good ones. But I'll add one more -- get more experience somehow. Being a leader in your first responder group means that people will be counting on you. And having been involved with similar types of first responder groups, being involved in ONLY that group will not give you anywhere near the experience you need to be successful.

 

[silver]

1) Don't take anything to seriously, you'll miss some great college experiences with your friends otherwise. 2) Its all child's play, which you'll realize if you want to advance your carrier in healthcare or if you go into any real organization/business.

 

[AlphaButch]

Let the right people know that you want to advance.

The key is finding the "right" people in your organization.

 

[mikeward]

Shoduke:

Congrats.

1) read all of the articles about the service in the Hatchet and GWToday

2) Stop by my office and we can talk.

A student-staffed ems service, administered by the university police, with a unique workload (a cardiac arrest every 2 years, a dozen drunk colleagues every September weekend) has interesting dynamics.

Mike Ward
2131 K St NW 510
(look up my GW email/phone/faculty page on the university website)

 

[JPINFV]

...and then there's networking...