EMT-B, Volunteer Fire Fighter, Surgical Technologist
Been doing EMS for 8 years since I was 16 years old. Learned in the only high school based EMS program in the nation. My mentor was a pioneer in the US EMS system as it stands and did special work to set up an EMS system in the nation of Jordan in the early 1980's. I could probably dig up the JEMS article on him if there is any interest. I was a paid EMT-B for a city level ambulance department and a theme park as well. I volunteered for a lot of special duties as well like Bike EMS. I was also a volunteer EMT at the same time and I still maintain contact with that company - I run 911 shifts when I drive to visit my parents so they rarely see me. That's all in PA. I took the first half of paramedic school as well (couldn't complete the course due to military obligations, had to withdraw, it really sucked). I am currently waiting for the VA EMS Dept to stop kicking my reciprocity paperwork around so I can get my VA EMT-B and join a company. I am probably going to join VA Beach EMS,
Fire for 5 years although I don't know much about it. The local fire and ems companies we're separated the fire dept had good old boys club syndrome. I never did get proper training fire wise despite being in burning structures before. I would love to be a better Vol Fire Fighter if only I could find a decent company that actually provides training to it's members. I have to look around VA. I got stiffed by Hampton Roads Fire because I couldn't attend their fire school - they couldn't seem to understand that my military on the job training (CDC classes/tests) was the first priority.
I've been a surgical technologist in the USAF for 2.6 years. This has nothing to do with 911 but to be honest it improved my BLS skills 100%. I know anatomy and physiology like the back of my hand and I'm able to get way better histories. I'm able to engage with patients a lot easier than I could in the past to get to the roots of problems.
Working on CPR Instructor in the USAF now. Took months of waiting to get into the very limited and rarely held class. Slated to complete that and get that certification June 24th and 25th.