alt Hacker NewsHey this is awesome! I’ve also always wanted to do EMT work but gravitated more toward software in college. I really related to all these reasons. Especially the feeling coming up more when I’m dissatisfied with work. The main reason I delayed was because if I’m going to do it, I want to be a good care provider and it seems really hard to keep the skills sharp if it’s just volunteer part time. How do you balance keeping the skills sharp while working another job full time?
Also, I’m 38, so I tend to feel too old. But I just started a part time program at a community college. Worst case I just learn some interesting skills.
Anyway, thanks for writing it. It’s good know I’m not just crazy wanting to do part time EMT work and keep my software career. I kind of feel like an idiot sometimes when other people ask me why I’m doing it.
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> It’s good know I’m not just crazy wanting to do part time EMT work and keep my software career.
Not OP, but there are dozens of us. If you might be interested in things like ski-patrol or guiding.. there's loads of related NOLS certificates besides WEMT / WFR for things like avalanche, cold-water rescue, high-angle rescue. It differs by location, but something like EMTB cert often requires a "intern" type of deal with ride-alongs and intubation IIRC, which may or may not be scary, but just the schedule of it can be harder for people with another career. Meanwhile your friendly local search and rescue may need help, and many of the more casual certs are very helpful, and knowing some of this stuff is just good civics.
You've got it exactly- learn a skill and why not? I'm a VC and founder and I also just passed my NREMT last month. Am I going to work as an EMT? No. But I'm proud of the skills.
Like OP and others, it would be great if there were better volunteer opportunities in big cities. Lmk if you want to start something.
I'm 20 years older and just started a composite construction certification course at a trade school. So far it's been great.
OP:
> How do you balance keeping the skills sharp while working another job full time?
I don't! I've been volunteering with my current service for ~2yrs, and I still don't feel like a very "smart" EMT. It's coming, but slowly. And I'm trying to do more shifts (e.g. every week).
I simply try to "manage" my stupidity. I usually ride with a more experienced EMT, and any very-big calls will get a medic; I focus on learning & asking questions when it's appropriate; I try to drill _something_ every shift. If I really wanted to learn quickly, I'd take a few weeks off and run with AMR in a city... that definitely gets the calls.
> Also, I’m 38, so I tend to feel too old.
That's one of the biggest reasons I delayed. I felt too old at 29 & worried I would be out of place. FWIW, I think the class after us had an average age of ~35, so you might fit in more than you expect.
I resonate with wanting to be good, though. I think about it every time I get a call. My counterargument is (a) that 1 month of training is 1 month more than most folks have, and (b) in an emergency, you're always part of a team.
Even if you just fetch the stairchair.