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Thu Feb 19 18:06:12 GMT 2004

Aaron SixxGunner,

I'd re-evaluate your career choices (particularly that as a medic) all
together.

Being called to accidents and "pulling people out of cars" is a small part
of the job.  And, probably one of the least important.

Plan on most of your runs being quite non-thrilling.  I would guess that
over 90% of my runs involve holding hands with one of our seasoned citizens
who isn't feeling well.  You will probably find that your interpersonal
skills will be called on much more frequently than your adrenaline fueling
abilities.

I agree with Scott: Jobs don't have enthusiasm, people do.  If its
excitement you want, except for a few well-spaced episodes, I'm not sure
you'll find it in either paramedicine or nursing.

Now, satisfaction is another thing.  But again, that has to come from
within.

As to some comments regarding trauma/adrenaline junkies...  I'm not sure
adrenaline is our friend.  In the last multiple vehicle, multiple patient
car crash to which I was called, I found one of my biggest challenges was
getting a few of the EMTs to slow down, calm down, and think (perhaps the
most important skill!).  And this was at a scene wherein I was directing the
activities of the jaws from two different departments, EMTs and medics from
three ambulances and a pile of fire and police personnel on scene.

Anyway, good luck, but don't get into the biz for the thrill and glory.
They're usually quite short-lived.

Phil Hoffman
EMTP

  -----Original Message-----
  From: trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org
[mailto:trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org]On Behalf Of SixxGunner33 at aol.com
  Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:41 PM
  To: trauma-list at trauma.org
  Subject: Nurse or Paramedic?

  I am currently going through emt basic training and I know whatever my job
is it will be in the medical field.  I know I would love to called to
accidents and pulling people out of cars and the thrill of it all. Plus that
can go right along with fire fighting.  My girlfriend is a nurse and is also
trying to convince me to go to nursing school instead of medic school.  I
would probably like that job also but im affraid it lacks enthusiasm and I
scared that I would be drawn away from it because of that.  The only thing I
could think of that would keep me on my toe's is maybe a Trauma Nurse.  If
anybody has any suggestions please let me know.  This site is really helping
me along the way thank you!

  Aaron
  SixxGunner33 at aol.com
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Nurse or Paramedic?