Being a paramedic is an incredibly rewarding and challenging career choice. From responding to emergency calls, providing medical attention in the field, and transporting patients to medical care, paramedics have a unique responsibility to help keep their communities safe. The role of a paramedic also carries with it a unique set of challenges and benefits which should be carefully weighed before pursuing a career in the profession. In this blog post, we will be exploring the pros and cons of being a paramedic. We will look at both the positive aspects of the job, such as the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and the more difficult realities, such as long hours and high-pressure situations. We hope this blog post will provide readers with a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful paramedic, allowing them to make an informed decision about this important career choice.
| Pros of Being an EMT | Cons of Being an EMT |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Some Patients Can Get Disrespectful |
| First to Respond to an Emergency | A Lot of Administrative Tasks (paperwork) |
| You get to Help Save Lives by Administering Care | Decrease in Quality of Sleep |
Pros of being a paramedic
Here are a few advantages of becoming a paramedic, whether you’re looking for a full-time or part-time job:
Experimentation with medical procedures
You are trained in the following medical techniques and duties as a certified paramedic:
By joining different professional organizations, you can stay informed about modern techniques and cutting-edge technology.
Assisting those in need
Being a paramedic is the ideal way to fulfill your commitment to making a difference in the community. As a paramedic, you have the chance to respond to a variety of medical emergencies and use your expertise to save lives. Many patients concur that as soon as they see a paramedic arrive, their moods start to improve. Your career is fulfilled when you give others hope during life-threatening medical situations.
A firm career foundation and potential growth
Career diversification and advancement
The scope of paramedics’ work means that they are constantly learning new techniques and improving emergency procedures. As a result, you have access to brand-new, exciting job opportunities where you can find your perfect fit. By extending and strengthening your skills, you can become a crucial component of the organization you work for.
Seek paramedic internships and work opportunities in places like:
Invest in your education and career development to reap many other advantages, such as an increase in income, job security, and a wide range of career options. One option is to enter the private sector, which includes establishments like quarries, cruise ships, and offshore drilling rigs.
Diverse opportunities for problem-solving
Being a paramedic might be the best career choice for you if the idea of dealing with everyday challenges excites you. Remember that every day is different as you answer calls for various emergencies. For instance, you might be helping fire victims one day and helping those affected by natural disasters the next. Being an excellent problem-solver is necessary for becoming a paramedic, and when combined with enthusiasm, it makes you love your job even more.
Adventurous activities
A paramedic’s daily duties include going into the field to deal with emergencies. You travel extensively and get to see a wide variety of the state’s regions. Since paramedics are constantly on call, including during an ongoing medical emergency, they also attend to various activities. This includes instances involving bravery, explosions, auto accidents, and twisted ankles.
No continuous supervision
If you want a job where you can perform your daily tasks without being constantly watched, consider becoming a paramedic. You protect other people’s lives as a paramedic. Employers frequently require you to work with one or two coworkers for up to 24 hours without seeing a supervisor in order to accomplish this. Your employer has faith in you to carry out your responsibilities and go to emergency situations Even if there isn’t constant supervision, you aren’t necessarily alone because help is almost always close by.
Short training duration
The short training period for paramedics is another reason to look into possible careers in this field. Since paramedic training is relatively short—about a year—you can start working in this field earlier than with most other occupations. Additionally, the brief training period guarantees that you can manage other responsibilities, particularly if your schedule is already packed.
If you want to work as a paramedic, you must first obtain your EMT license and then finish a recognized paramedic training course. After that, you can obtain a license and look into the many paramedic job opportunities.
What’s the difference between a paramedic and an EMT?
Practitioners of emergency medical services (EMS) are accredited at various levels. Most EMS service providers are emergency medical technicians (EMTs), who are also known as paramedics. There are differences in the level of training and the procedures that EMTs and paramedics are qualified to perform.
Here are the primary differences between EMTs and paramedics:
EMT training and work experience are common starting points for careers for doctors, nurses, and firefighters. EMTs can assist in life-threatening situations by receiving advanced training, and the majority of them go on to pursue paramedic credentials.
Cons of being a paramedic
To make wise career decisions, it is crucial to be aware of the possible drawbacks of being a paramedic. Some of the most common drawbacks include:
The psychological burden
First responders frequently deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological toll is all too common in the medical field, and working as a paramedic does not lessen the load. Be aware that enhancing your mental health and general well-being is a crucial step on the journey to becoming a paramedic if you are currently employed as an EMT and want to advance to that position.
Sleep deprivation
Paramedics regularly have long and extra shifts with unpredictable patterns. As an illustration, you might work a 48-hour shift followed by a 24-hour break. You don’t sleep during the shifts because it’s often intolerable, so you work the entire 48 hours. Numerous studies demonstrate that humans require about eight hours of sleep per day, and that being sleep deprived negatively affects your mood, ability to concentrate, and general physical health. Make things right by asking your employer for enough time off or vacation days so that you can get the rest you need.
Difficulty in acquiring certifications
Employers find you more appealing when you have certifications, but depending on your state of residence, they can occasionally be challenging to obtain. For instance, Florida’s licensing laws require testing for both a Florida paramedic certification and a National paramedic certification. You would require both because this enables you to relocate to any other state in the event of an emergency or patient relocation. You might only be granted licensing in one state because other states don’t provide paramedic training programs that prepare them for the National Paramedic Test.
Dealing with emotional patients
Paramedics encounter all types of people, often at challenging times. Patients and their families may communicate with you in an unpleasant or disrespectful manner under these circumstances. Other people may cry or scream around you. A workable solution entails respectfully hearing people out, setting ground rules, and being open with people you come across about the problems.
Huge responsibilities
One of the most important advantages of being a paramedic is having control over another person’s life, but it can also be a disadvantage. Almost all other professionals, including paramedics, are accountable for the results of their actions. As a result, your responsibility is heavier than usual because you are in charge of people’s lives. Despite potential mistakes, it’s crucial to protect the patients’ interests by being aware of all relevant contextual factors.
Risk of job-related injuries
You run the risk of suffering a work-related injury or illness as a result of the constant bending, lifting, and kneeling. Additionally, you might occasionally run into a patient who has an infectious disease or come into contact with blood or excrement. Wearing gloves, a mask, and frequently washing your hands could provide adequate defense.
REAL Pros & Cons of EMS… (EMTs & Paramedics)
FAQ
What are some of the pros of being a paramedic?
- Experimentation with medical procedures. …
- Assisting those in need. …
- A firm career foundation and potential growth.
- Career diversification and advancement. …
- Diverse opportunities for problem-solving. …
- Adventurous activities. …
- No continuous supervision. …
- Short training duration.
Are Paramedics worth it?
A highly rewarding and door-opening career path is becoming a paramedic. Because of their capacity to demonstrate compassion, transport patients safely to hospitals, and administer first aid in cases of medical emergencies, paramedics play a crucial role in the healthcare industry.
What are the cons of EMT?
- Pro: Training is much faster than many other medical professions.
- Con: Being an EMT is labor intensive. …
- Pro: You’ll have job stability and room to grow. …
- Con: EMT’s are also under a lot of mental strain.
- Pro: Despite the turmoil, it’s an exciting career.
What are the dangers of being a paramedic?
- Lifting patients and equipment.
- Treating patients with infectious illnesses.
- Handling hazardous chemical and body substances.
- taking part in the ground and air emergency patient transportation
