Firefighter vs ER Tech?

[DeadCactus]

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Asking here because with so many EMTs, I figure at least a few have been a FF or Tech or both.

I'm looking to start volunteering as one or the other.

Firefighter:
Get to do something new while still using and developing my EMT-B skills.
Downtime to study, relax, or work on other things.
Seems like a wonderful experience and something I will probably never get to try if I don't do it now.
Chance to see more of a part of medicine I probably won't see as a physician.

Tech:
More participation in/exposure to a broader spectrum of the aspects of medicine.
More oppurtunities to learn new things.
More contact with physicians. (Which mean more chances to find out more about life as a physician and more chances AT the things applicants are generally trying to round up; LOR, shadowing oppurtunities, etc.)
Can probably switch to getting paid for it if I decide I need a little cash.

As I type this up, I'm beginning to realize that most of the pros I've listed for being a tech are things I will get my fill of in medical school and am leaning toward FFing for something new and to do one of the things I've always wanted to try; but I appreciate any input.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Asking here because with so many EMTs, I figure at least a few have been a FF or Tech or both.

I'm looking to start volunteering as one or the other.

Firefighter:
Get to do something new while still using and developing my EMT-B skills.
Downtime to study, relax, or work on other things.
Seems like a wonderful experience and something I will probably never get to try if I don't do it now.
Chance to see more of a part of medicine I probably won't see as a physician.

Tech:
More participation in/exposure to a broader spectrum of the aspects of medicine.
More oppurtunities to learn new things.
More contact with physicians. (Which mean more chances to find out more about life as a physician and more chances AT the things applicants are generally trying to round up; LOR, shadowing oppurtunities, etc.)
Can probably switch to getting paid for it if I decide I need a little cash.

As I type this up, I'm beginning to realize that most of the pros I've listed for being a tech are things I will get my fill of in medical school and am leaning toward FFing for something new and to do one of the things I've always wanted to try; but I appreciate any input.

Depending on the district, being a firefighter will leave you with little downtime to study. Also being a paid firefighter in many departments is a headache because of rampant nepotism and union issues. I really can't recommend it as a part time job....besides, outside of volunteer departments, part time positions are a rarity and 24 hr shifts are often the rule.

I would suggest you check out www.fieldmedics.com/forum/ if you want a more broad and experienced sampling of EMS beyond just the premed perspective. There are numerous career medics and EMTs on there as well as a couple of MD/NREMT-Ps and more than a few EMS instructors (myself included).

 

[DeadCactus]

I would definately be doing the Firefighting through a volunteer dept. I'll contact them and discuss the feasibility of making it work time wise once I've decided if that is the route I want to take.

Thank you for the link, DropkickMurphy.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I would definately be doing the Firefighting through a volunteer dept. I'll contact them and discuss the feasibility of making it work time wise once I've decided if that is the route I want to take.

Thank you for the link, DropkickMurphy.

Not a problem......if I can be of further help, let me know. Feel free to PM me.

 

[viostorm]

If you want to do it for medical school, do the ER tech. Doctors work in hospitals and this will help you see if it is something you want to do.

If you want to have a fun time, do the FF thing.

 

[DeadCactus]

That's a good point, but I'm not concerned with finding time to be around physicians. I've seen enough to feel comfortable deciding whether to go into medicine or not; the rest is finding my niche as a physician and I have plenty of time in med school to decide that.

Boosting my application is always a good thing but this is more about having grown accustomed to volunteering a little of my time and wanting to do it in a way that lets me be involved in things I enjoy participating in (namely the various emergency services).

 

[cel083]

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