Well. The reason I wanted to do emt was because I'm still unsure between if I'm more interested in dental or med school. I'm guessing emt would be a great sort of way to expose myself to the same kinda of things doctors are exposed to. So that's one.
The money isn't too bad, between 14 and 18 they say, per hour. What was it in your experience? I could definitely live with that, as ill still likely be living at home. I'm a humble guy.
By food service you mean waiting tables? I asked my waiter friend about that, and you need experience. They start you out as a busboy, you are literally doing slave labor, I've done it before for like 2 days and would not put myself through that again. Plus waiting tables isn't much my thing anyway, not very meaningful.
How did or do you like being an emt? Could you by any chance get me some info on the emt crash courses? I've tried to no luck. Ill definitely be looking into the rescue squads!!
I hear you, waiting tables or bar tending is not my bag either, though I have friends and family who've made a surprisingly hefty chunk of cash in those positions.
In upstate NY, it can be tough to find a job as an EMT-B without any experience. Most paid rescue squads want you to have logged ride time, usually attained through volunteering. I've never worked as a paid EMT, but when I was looking into it a few years ago, the starting hourly rate was $8.50/hr. If I remember correctly, you said you're from Brooklyn or Queens, so the pay rate very well may be different (to adjust for cost of living, rigors of the job, etc).
Do a quick google search for "rescue squads in brooklyn" or "emt brooklyn" and I'm sure you'll find some places nearby. From there, I would visit in person and just have a chat with the folks there, they'll know best how to enter the field. I think a phone call is easy to dodge, a body is not.
As for my experiences, the job can be extremely exciting, but can also take a toll on your psyche/morale. The types of calls you'll be responding to are largely dependent upon where you ride. In my short time as an EMT, I rode in a remote rural setting, and in a a dense urban setting - two polar opposites. Depending on how much you ride, it's only a matter of time until someone will die on your watch. You'll see living conditions you didn't think existed, and meet some of the dirtiest people you can imagine. In the rural setting, a large chunk of our calls were "frequent fliers," usually elderly folks who are lonely and just want some company. Another large portion of a routine day would be transports - bringing elderly folks from the hospital back to their nursing homes.
If you're looking for some exposure into medicine, I think it's a great start if you're willing to put in the time for the education and not expect a huge monetary return.
