Being an EMT/Leadership Role in EMS Organization as EC

[502623]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm currently a first aider for a group at my college (ICEMS, Indiana Collegiate Emergency Medical Service), which doesn't mean much. I'm currently in a basic first aid class and plan on getting EMT-certified by taking an EMT class in the fall. Having this certification and being a part of this organization gives plenty of opportunities to work at events as an EMT and do what's necessary when situations come up involving patients. I'd also like to take a leadership role in the organization even if it be small just so I'm not a basic member.

Does this sound like a solid EC to everyone? I haven't really read about anyone mentioning being an EMT/first aider as apart of their ECs, but I feel like it would certainly be a solid addition, especially having two years of doing it.

 

[dudewheresmymd]

EMT is very popular at some colleges. In fact, a lot of colleges have their own EMT programs. This is a rock solid clinical experience activity.

 

[Geebeejay]

I'm currently a first aider for a group at my college (ICEMS, Indiana Collegiate Emergency Medical Service), which doesn't mean much. I'm currently in a basic first aid class and plan on getting EMT-certified by taking an EMT class in the fall. Having this certification and being a part of this organization gives plenty of opportunities to work at events as an EMT and do what's necessary when situations come up involving patients. I'd also like to take a leadership role in the organization even if it be small just so I'm not a basic member.

Does this sound like a solid EC to everyone? I haven't really read about anyone mentioning being an EMT/first aider as apart of their ECs, but I feel like it would certainly be a solid addition, especially having two years of doing it.

Lotta pre-meds are EMTs, especially premeds in this forum. But it is still a solid EC. I wouldn't focus so much on getting some leadership role in some university organization as I would working in the field and building some strong patient-care skills. Events are great and fun but definitely won't expose you to the nuts and bolts of patient-care as well as working in the field. Get your EMT, but don't use it as a box to check off - actually make good use of it.

 

[Chir0nex]

EMS is a good EC in that it gives you a chance to showcase clinical experience and leadership, but as has been said, it is fairly popular.

In general, an EC is only as strong as you make it. If you want to really make EMS into a useful EC then you have to show dedication and involvement, which most likely will have to be some sort of leadership role. Definitely do more than just take shifts. If you are not into administrative work, then try and work on expanding training programs, planning protocols, or some other kind of project that you can then point to as an example of your focus and interest. Those are the things that will stand out to admissions committees or interviewers.

All that being said, make sure you have fun. I was an EMT at my college and had a blast doing it. Make sure that you are enjoying the things you do, not just putting in the motions to get a better resume.

 

[Geebeejay]

EMS is a good EC in that it gives you a chance to showcase clinical experience and leadership, but as has been said, it is fairly popular.

In general, an EC is only as strong as you make it. If you want to really make EMS into a useful EC then you have to show dedication and involvement, which most likely will have to be some sort of leadership role. Definitely do more than just take shifts. If you are not into administrative work, then try and work on expanding training programs, planning protocols, or some other kind of project that you can then point to as an example of your focus and interest. Those are the things that will stand out to admissions committees or interviewers.

All that being said, make sure you have fun. I was an EMT at my college and had a blast doing it. Make sure that you are enjoying the things you do, not just putting in the motions to get a better resume.

So not true....I don't understand why everyone on SDN thinks you need to reinvent the wheel to get into medical school.

I don't know what EMS company you worked for, but the big ones in my area all have well-established hierarchies that aren't exactly welcoming of pre-med rent-a-EMTs into their leadership. For most people, this is their CAREER and they don't need an inexperienced pre-med writing their bylaws when there are plenty of more experienced individuals who are actually committed long-term to the profession who would be more than happy and capable of doing it.

You don't have to go through motions....the EC is what you make of it. Build those patient care skills, gain familiarity of the system, and learn how to take care of and communicate with patients. You don't need to be the president of an organization/company to make it meaningful and valuable experience.

 

[Viduus]

I did the EMT route and I was the leader of my school's EMR-level club. My only advice is to be sure you get some dedicated shadowing time with a physician too. About half my interviewers made sure I shadowed even knowing I was a very active EMT

 

[502623]

I did the EMT route and I was the leader of my school's EMR-level club. My only advice is to be sure you get some dedicated shadowing time with a physician too. About half my interviewers made sure I shadowed even knowing I was a very active EMT

Oh absolutely. Shadowing was always top priority for me and getting a good number of hours doing so.

 

[sazerac]

I interviewed a candidate this year who was the leader of his campus EMS group. It was a largish university, they owned 4 or 5 ambulances. So he not only did the normal EMT type work, but he also had to deal with employees, running meetings, motivating others, dealing with university officials, etc.

That was a great example of not only patient interaction, but solid leadership skills. I strongly recommended we accept him.