My volunteering experience in the ER had been very rewarding. This is because the volunteer program we had was run by volunteers and the hospital had a long-time reputation of being volunteer friendly.
I was there for a period of about three years, doing any thing that needed to be done. With the exception of a few doctors, the majority of them was nice and enthusiastic to teach. They show me how to read X-ray and explained most of the basic points of imaging technology such as MRI. What was more memorable was the nursing staff. I was close to two of them, a lady and a genleman. They took me everywhere and allow me to do a lot of things. Afterward, they would explain what they did while they write their notes on the charts. It was a grand experience!
And the patients and their families...some of them really showed me why people want to go into medicine.
I was not confined to the ER. During my shift, I would get to go everywhere in the hospitals, along with the staff and patients. My other favorite place was Ped.
Looking back, I could say that volunteering in the ER helped to solidify my desire to become a physician. Every Saturday contributed a little to the cause and the journey. I believe that you are free to make the most of what you face at a given moment in time. I knew people, volunteers in the same ER, who did not like it because they did not take the time to ask questions, engage the staff, and put out an effort to learn and help. I came there, not knowing if medicine is for me. When I left, there wasn't going to be a soul in this world that is going to tell me to study something else.
So, give it a try and see if you like it. Give it your best and see if you are rewarded. You could always find another department in the hospital to volunteer (we had ER, ICU, CCU, Ped, Oncology, etc.). If the hospital doesn't suit you, then find a local clinic (I did this too) and volunteer. The clinic could be just as rewarding, if not more. But that is another thread. 🙂