EMT since 1994 (back in the old days of EMT-A)
EMT-CT (something akin to a paramedic in my state, though not the same)
since 2000
ER Tech at the hospital where I go to MD school since 2000
Member of the same squad since 1994
So, I've been doing this stuff for just about 10 years now, and I'm only 26
I guess I kinda started as a way to find out if medicine was really going to be my thing or if it was just an idea planted in my head by my parents. Turns out I love it and wouldn't change a thing.
I'm in MD school; when I interviewed the 2nd time at my current school (I was wait-listed and didn't get in the first time) the interviewer pointed out that not only did I have clinical stuff on my application, but also the fact that I'd been doing it for so long (and at the same squad no less) really showed committment to the clinical side of medicine, not just resume fluffing. When I prepared with the pre-med advisory committee at my undergrad they told me to highlight my interest in clinical medcine since before I graduated high school if anyone had any questions about me not doing research.
I also know of at least 12 other people in my year and the years behind/in front of me that are EMS people too (at least 5 of whom were members of the squad where I ride before starting) - so a lot of us do go to MD school too. We even have it set up to get continuing education for our time in school - I recerted last year without having to do a thing other than fill out paperwork and be in med school.
But, considering the DO part, there hasn't been a DO school in my state until the past year or so with VaTech opening, so maybe something will change with that development. I know of one person at my squad who's going for DO there now.
Anyway, good luck to those applying - and keep riding if you can once you start school - it's not that hard and it's a great "light at the end of the tunnel" situation where you can have some autonomy and remember the stuff that makes this fun when you're memorizing the TCA cycle for the fiftieth time.