Young EMS Personnell

[Katie Elaine]

Yes. That's why I'm enlisted in the US army as a Health Care specialist. Because this is all just a game to me, so I can dance around and ride in back of a truck with big flashy lights on it. It's so much fun, and then I go back to playing with my dollies and playing dress up.

You aren't always right. Age doesn't always matter. I'm sick of people judging that because I am two months shy of 18, it means that I'm not apt to volunteer at an ambulance department. Just so you are aware, there isn't some shining moment the second the clock strikes midnight of my 18th birthday that suddenly I am this smart mature person that can really do a good job. Maturity isn't always dependant on age. I am planning on making this into my profession once I'm done with my four years. So, before you judge me, at least get to know me. Which you won't, because this is an online message board. I'm also sure that the fact I was top of my class of people ranging from 18-50 years old doesn't mean a single thing, and I'm just playing a little game out of this.
It amazes me how close-minded some people are.

 

[silver]

As Søren Kierkegaard once said "once you label me, you negate me."

By applying labels of "children" to 17 year olds you take everything away from them and create identities that must be kept within the boundaries of those labels. For in 12 months on the anniversary of their birth something miraculous does not happen. The person will still act the same.

Not every person fits in immature and unruly category. Its a case by case situation.

 

[Ridryder911]

I'm a bit offended, but at the same time, you've never ridden a call with me, so you really have no place saying that.
I agree to a certain degree, there are kids who ride around and don't take anything seriously, but that is a gross generalization. I've been asked by many people in the surrounding area to join their departments, and have been handed applications by paid services to join the service once I hit 18. I've been told I am better than some adult EMT's. So, please, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't make such broad statements. And just to make it clear, I am quite aware I have a lot to learn, but that's why I'm doing this- to learn. But I know quite well what I'm doing, and both on and off shift I present myself in a respectable manner. Yea, I'm a teenager, I act like a teenager behind closed doors, but I stay away from stuff that could get me in trouble (drink, smoke, drugs, etc), and, ESPECIALLY when I'm wearing my colors, I hold myself to the highest degree, and understand that my behavior is expected to reflect that of my Ambulance Association.

I honestly hope that at some point you can ride with a good underage EMT, so that you can see that there are times when age isn't even questioned because he or she works just as hard as any adult EMT would.

Really, just how good are you? What life experiences do you bring to the table? Tell me all the experiences you have seen and dealt with in life in your whole 17 years? Sorry, I even realized that when I was a Paramedic at 17 I immediately learned that I had no idea of what life was all about. I acted like a sponge and absorbed as much as I could. Also, realized the other medics that were Vietnam veterans would literally beat the living poop out of me, if I even attempted to think differently.

Research even scientifically has proven that the brain does not mature for critical thinking skills until the age of 25. Hence one of the reasons insurance corporations can and do charge more for underage drivers. The same reason we have child labor laws and laws protecting under age why? .... Due to lack of maturity and inability to sometimes comprehend, they are protected.

You are lucky you live where you do, otherwise you would not be able to even have taken the course in most states. At my service the minimum age is 23. Sure, almost anyone can pass the test and the skills....well my pit bull almost have most of those down. It is the critical thinking skills that becomes the difference. What do you do when you have a severe trauma patient, and inability to fly and the nearest trauma center is 25 miles away .. Do you leave and possibly leave your town unprotected or take to the closest which has no trauma capabilities? How do you deal with a father that daughter has been raped? It's such critical thinking skills that one cannot learn in classroom or on paper that is an essential part of the job.

Are you sure your psyche is able to see and process multiple patients or grieving mothers crying over their kids? As was said, its not easy for even older ones. I have seen youth develop PTSD from such programs as Explorers. I was one and a Post advisor that personally witnessed it. At that time, we knew nothing about such and two potential health providers was permanently ruined. Yes, I am quite aware not all youth are alike; but that is not a gamble I am willing to risk or have to deal with.

Never understood why we should encourage or push kids into this profession? EMS will be there when they have finished college and matured some. Why does this branch of medicine feel that they have to have children exposed and perform emergency care? No where else would we even consider such! Can you imagine of hearing of teenagers working in a surgery suite? Could you imagine the public outcry? Even though it would be much more controlled, safer environment.

Just because a state has sanctioned or allowed definitely does not make it right. Just look at the curriculum and all the levels EMS has and see what a joke it is.

You really want to perform EMS? Then focus on your studies, have fun in life and experience the most you can! Find a well credentialed EMS program with great clinical sites, obtain as much exposure to medicine you can. Then when you have reached this then enter the profession. By that time you will be of age and have matured some. You will find you will be an asset and be able to perform much better and be able to make wiser decisions. What's the rush?

R/r 911

 

[BLSBoy]

Yes. That's why I'm enlisted in the US army as a Health Care specialist. Have you gone to, and graduated from Basic Training, and your Tech School? Because this is all just a game to me, so I can dance around and ride in back of a truck with big flashy lights on it. It's so much fun, and then I go back to playing with my dollies and playing dress up.I'm sure your recruiter would love to know you cross dress and play with dollies

You aren't always right. Age doesn't always matter. I'm sick of people judging that because I am two months shy of 18, Suck it up, buttercup. I am the youngest medic in our agency. I have to work twice as hard. Its a great educational experience, proving others wrong. Its also a fact of life. Deal with it. it means that I'm not apt to volunteer at an ambulance department. Just so you are aware, there isn't some shining moment the second the clock strikes midnight of my 18th birthday that suddenly I am this smart mature person that can really do a good job. Maturity isn't always dependant on age. I am planning on making this into my profession once I'm done with my four years So, before you judge me, at least get to know me. Which you won't, because this is an online message board. I'm also sure that the fact I was top of my class of people ranging from 18-50 years old doesn't mean a single thing, and I'm just playing a little game out of this.
It amazes me how close-minded some people are.IT amazes me how defensive people

All that aside, I started off as an Explorer at age 15. I was all ate up with it. But I always had direct supervision, and I was the only one there.
Realizing you are but a wee peon is the first step.
Keeping your ego in check is the second.
Above all, learn!

 

[NJN]

I believe that a majority of those younger EMTs one may encounter do not belong on an ambulance. That being said, I am 17, I am an EMT, and I do believe that I was at one point one of those people who have no business on an ambulance. I started in EMS as a whacker, heck I had a subscription to galls before I was even a member of a squad. Later I realized that this is a serious business and we come to help those at their weakest moments. Now, I’m getting as many CEUs as I can get, trying to learn as much as I possibly can and trying to make myself the best EMT I can, in order to treat my patients with the best care I can possibly provide.

Now, I’ve been on crews where the average age was 18.5, and have had medics say we are a very organized crew. I’ve also been on a crew that the average age was mid 30s and it was so disorganized that I got out of there immediately.

All in all, I think that a young EMT should really be dedicated rather than doing this for poops and giggles.

As for the future, I like prehospital care so I’m looking at a carrier as a MICN. And hopefully with hard work and determination I will become, for lack of a better term the second coming of Rid.

 

[BLSBoy]

As for the future, I like prehospital care so I’m looking at a carrier as a MICN. And hopefully with hard work and determination I will become, for lack of a better term the second coming of Rid.

And move down to the up and coming MICU project known as AtlantiCare?!

 

[NJN]

And move down to the up and coming MICU project known as AtlantiCare?!

Lol maybe. Although i do kind of like it up here.

 

[BLSBoy]

Lol maybe. Although i do kind of like it up here.

We just added a new Satellite ED, and a 4th SCT truck. Its a great time to work here, and it's only going to get better!

 

[NJN]

I've got 1 year of HS and 4 years of college... maybe later.

 

[BLSBoy]

I've got 1 year of HS and 4 years of college... maybe later.

The referral dollars can onl go up between now and then..........

 

[Katie Elaine]

Really, just how good are you? What life experiences do you bring to the table? Tell me all the experiences you have seen and dealt with in life in your whole 17 years? Sorry, I even realized that when I was a Paramedic at 17 I immediately learned that I had no idea of what life was all about. I acted like a sponge and absorbed as much as I could. Also, realized the other medics that were Vietnam veterans would literally beat the living poop out of me, if I even attempted to think differently.

Research even scientifically has proven that the brain does not mature for critical thinking skills until the age of 25. Hence one of the reasons insurance corporations can and do charge more for underage drivers. The same reason we have child labor laws and laws protecting under age why? .... Due to lack of maturity and inability to sometimes comprehend, they are protected.

You are lucky you live where you do, otherwise you would not be able to even have taken the course in most states. At my service the minimum age is 23. Sure, almost anyone can pass the test and the skills....well my pit bull almost have most of those down. It is the critical thinking skills that becomes the difference. What do you do when you have a severe trauma patient, and inability to fly and the nearest trauma center is 25 miles away .. Do you leave and possibly leave your town unprotected or take to the closest which has no trauma capabilities? How do you deal with a father that daughter has been raped? It's such critical thinking skills that one cannot learn in classroom or on paper that is an essential part of the job.

Are you sure your psyche is able to see and process multiple patients or grieving mothers crying over their kids? As was said, its not easy for even older ones. I have seen youth develop PTSD from such programs as Explorers. I was one and a Post advisor that personally witnessed it. At that time, we knew nothing about such and two potential health providers was permanently ruined. Yes, I am quite aware not all youth are alike; but that is not a gamble I am willing to risk or have to deal with.

Never understood why we should encourage or push kids into this profession? EMS will be there when they have finished college and matured some. Why does this branch of medicine feel that they have to have children exposed and perform emergency care? No where else would we even consider such! Can you imagine of hearing of teenagers working in a surgery suite? Could you imagine the public outcry? Even though it would be much more controlled, safer environment.

Just because a state has sanctioned or allowed definitely does not make it right. Just look at the curriculum and all the levels EMS has and see what a joke it is.

You really want to perform EMS? Then focus on your studies, have fun in life and experience the most you can! Find a well credentialed EMS program with great clinical sites, obtain as much exposure to medicine you can. Then when you have reached this then enter the profession. By that time you will be of age and have matured some. You will find you will be an asset and be able to perform much better and be able to make wiser decisions. What's the rush?

R/r 911

Like I said, I have much to learn. And I'm willing to learn. I can gurantee that I have not seen nearly as much as you have, and I have no idea how I will react the first time I see something truly serious. But the same can be said of anyone else of any age. I've dealt with serious tramatic injuries, and dealt with it just fine. (But, like I said, there is so much more that I will be exposed to, but I will face that when the time comes.)

In regards to flying a patient to the nearest trauma center, we are close enough to the hospital that we transport them there and the bird lands directly on the hospital.

I agree with many things you said, but at the same time, things vary person to person. But one thing I disagree with (And PLEASE, no personal attacks, and this is not being said directly to you, Rid,) is that I can go and be a medic in a war zone, and deal with those traumatic injuries, at the age of 18, but many people have an issue with individuals being an EMT-B at the age of 17, or any age under 25 (which seems to be the average age of maturity from what people are saying).

I also think that, because I ride with a rural ambulance, I am not exposed to as much as I would if I were to ride on an urban ambulance service. This also means that, for the most part, I am not in the direct line of danger. (and yes, I understand that scene safety is important everywhere, and that just because I am in a rural area means nothing as to the dangers that can present themselves.) And, IMO, I believe that some people are just naturally good in certain fields, and I've found my nack in EMS. I'm trying my hardest to ride with good Intermediates and Paramedics in order to learn as much as possible in the field, because field-work is incomparable to the text-book stuff they spoon-feed you in the class room.

Also *Prays she doesn't sound like a brown-noser* I appreciate being handed a valid argument. It means a lot more to me than someone merely telling me that I'm young and naieve and don't belong any where near EMS. I'm looking to make this a profession, and the only reason I'm not looking for intermediate classes in the near future is because my deployment date is so close.

 

[NJN]

ahhh. we shall see. how many SEDs do you have, i can only deal with so many.

 

[BLSBoy]

1 SAED, 1 Level II Trauma Center, 1 Cardiac Cath hospital.
Plus we do SCT for another hospital, and partially cover another.

 

[NJN]

1 SAED, 1 Level II Trauma Center, 1 Cardiac Cath hospital.
Plus we do SCT for another hospital, and partially cover another.

I was origionally thinking of going to the U in Newark. Oh and we should get back on topic, my blackberry is going off with every responce. Not fun.

 

[Katie Elaine]

All that aside, I started off as an Explorer at age 15. I was all ate up with it. But I always had direct supervision, and I was the only one there.
Realizing you are but a wee peon is the first step.
Keeping your ego in check is the second.
Above all, learn!

First off, I am not a cross-dresser, I'm a 17 year old girl. Second, it's called sarcasm. And I don't have an ego, I just believe that a new underage EMT deserves as much respect as a new adult EMT. Everyone needs to earn the respect of those higher up. I don't expect the EMTs/Paramedics around me to be amazed with me and respect me, but I do expect them to give me a chance. And I don't deserve to be told that I don't deserve my certification because I am underage.

 

[bmennig]

Well, I appreciate the responses guys and girls. I guess in a generalization of the posts it all depends on who you talk to. I understand all your points and they are all certainly valid. My crew understands the role of an officer and what's expected out of them. We do the best we can and honestly we feel very honored that we have the opportunity to run a volunteer ambulance. Around our area all the EMS Capt's are Paramedics + so to be up on the management level with them is a great honor for us. We have member's of our dept that have been EMT's for 15+ years as well as members that have been medics since the 80's and they help us out with gaining experience as best they can. I know individuals our age typically are inmature and shouldn't be in an ambulance. You really need to have a good head on your shoulders to do the job we do. The primary problem with our area is the fact that we have nobody around here to get ambulances out. 98% of them are based in the fire dept and have very limited crews. With execption to ALS trucks and the City of Scranton's Fire dept, we're all volunteers, and as some of you know, it's a rapidly dying breed. When people come around and want to join because they want to be EMT's, their held onto like Gold and get burnt out because of it. It also comes down to politics within a small town that angers people. I'll tell you right now, the area that we cover is rural and 9 out of 10 calls are simple BLS or moderate ALS. We don't get calls that big cities get, therefore we aren't going to be the most experienced. In order for somebody new to learn around here it takes years. Like I said, I appreciate the responses and I guess we have to duke it out with what were going through and impress the heck out them!!

 

[EMTinNEPA]

First off, I am not a cross-dresser, I'm a 17 year old girl. Second, it's called sarcasm. And I don't have an ego, I just believe that a new underage EMT deserves as much respect as a new adult EMT. Everyone needs to earn the respect of those higher up. I don't expect the EMTs/Paramedics around me to be amazed with me and respect me, but I do expect them to give me a chance. And I don't deserve to be told that I don't deserve my certification because I am underage.

It's not a matter of deserving, it's a matter of what makes sense. This is yet another fault of associating fire with EMS. Fire department has junior members, why can't EMS? Can you actually fulfilled manpower with the ambulance? I wouldn't want a 17 year old taking care of me.

The bottom line is that EMS is a PROFESSION, NOT A HOBBY. How many 17 year olds do you know with a profession or a career? There will be plenty of time to start a career in this profession when you grow up.

I'm not doubting your competency as a provider. I am doubting that you want to make this field your career when you can't have seen much, since you can't even legally be on an ambulance at this point (except as an observer).

 

[CAOX3]

IMHO, if you can take the course, pass all the tests, and prove yourself under observation time, you should be able to join a department. State laws ban underage EMT's from working for pay, and (at least in Connecticut) The Boy Scouts of CT make the volunteer cut off age 15. We have curfews of when we can and cannot work. But I, by no means, (and I speak for all underage members of my department) need constant supervision. I work by the side of my crew, and I don't need watching over, and the Crew-head trying to keep track of me. Also, we need parent permission to work on the department, so our parents understand the risks of their child riding on an ambulance. I also do not need anyone making sure that I am safe. I agree with the 15 cut off age, but there is a certain level of maturity needed to take and pass the class, and we understand that once we are on a call, we need to take that maturity to the next level. And if, for any reason, our chief believes that we are not mature enough to ride, she will discuss the matter with us, with the board, and will remove us from the department until a further date.

Thats your opinion.

Do your parents work in EMS? If they dont they couldnt possibly no the risks. If they do they wouldnt allow their 15 y/o to be riding on ambulance.

You may be capable, but its every other 15y/o that Im worried about.

 

[whizkid1]

Wow that is young age to have that status,but as long as you are qualified more power to you.

 

[fortsmithman]

First off, I am not a cross-dresser, I'm a 17 year old girl. Second, it's called sarcasm. And I don't have an ego, I just believe that a new underage EMT deserves as much respect as a new adult EMT. Everyone needs to earn the respect of those higher up. I don't expect the EMTs/Paramedics around me to be amazed with me and respect me, but I do expect them to give me a chance. And I don't deserve to be told that I don't deserve my certification because I am underage.

One of our EMTs is 22 she joined the service when she was 17. All she could do was pt care she couldn't drive because in the nwt you have to be 18 to get a class 4 dl. When she joined she became an EMR (equivalent to EMT-B) When she was around 18 she took her EMT(equivalent to EMT-I). She's good.

That being said Age should not be factor except if they are really young like 16. It should be the maturity level. Some have posted in the forum that the minimum age should be 25. Well then the military in both Canada and the USA use medics who are at least 17 or 18 because here in Canada the minimum age to enlist is 17 with parental consent. The age years ago was 16 with parental consent. As well the age to be a fully sworn police officer is 18 to 19 (depending on the province or territory. When you're 18 you can become a firefighter. Police, fire and the military don't require 25 they require at least 18. On a side note while working as a bouncer I've seen police officers looking young that I almost carded them. You never no these younger members might surprise you and do a damn fine job. But that's just my humble opinion.