Here we go!

I was intent on moving past being an EMT-FR (First Responder) and getting my EMT certification. Unsure if I want to go on to Paramedic school, but most schools require you to practice as an EMT for a year before applying anyway, so EMT class was a logical next step. The course I was looking at was a self-study online course, with a two-week boot camp in North Idaho (might be a front for the Aryan Nations?). And it cost several thousand dollars. I mentioned this to Joe, and he told me to hold off. Apparently they were planning to give an EMT course last year, but switched to FR due to time and complexity. He would broach the subject again and see if we could do a full EMT course this winter. I didn't hold out much hope, but decided to wait it out.

All the work by my colleagues has paid off. We are going to have an EMT-B (or just 'EMT' in the new standard scope of practice) course. It starts tonight. Runs 2.5 hours twice a week, some Saturday skills days. October through April. Minimum of 110 hours required, plus clinicals with an ambulance company or Emergency Department. Looks like I will be spending time in Livingston or Bozeman this winter.

We all had to write a letter of intent in order to be considered for the class (There were far more interested than slots available), so here's mine:

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Why do I want to be an EMT?

Do you want the real, full story about how an aging GIS professional falls in love with EMS after years of dabbling in WFA, WFR, and CPR courses? I didn’t think so.

The truth of the matter is, I don’t know if I will be a good EMT.

There. I said it.

I am struggling as a First Responder/EMR to provide solid patient care. After every run I find something I could have done better or differently. My lack of knowledge frustrates me. I am constantly looking up terminology or reviewing protocols to try and fill in the gaps.

If I’m having this much trouble as an EMR, why go on to EMT?

It is because I’m struggling that I want to continue with my EMS education. I want to be able to do more, to help more, both with the NPS EMS crew and with the Gardiner Gateway Hose Co. EMS. To do that, I need more education and experience and I believe the course offered this winter/spring will help.

So, take a chance on this wannabe-EMT/mapping geek.

Thank you for considering my application

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What kind of a knucklehead would accept that letter?

Apparently our EMS director would.

Me and 13 others will be working together for the next 7 months to become better practicioners and frankly, well, I'm freaking out a bit. It's a ton of work (textbook alone is 1300+ pages of reading, plus lectures, assignments, practicals...)

Oh, and I'm still working on my course work for graduate school.

Have I gone completely round the bend?

I guess you will all have to get used to those type posts for the next 7 months.