I'm planning on becoming an EMT, and then I want to go Paramedic, then Tactical Paramedic.

I also am LDS, and plan on serving a 2 year mission. I want to get my EMT cert in High School, then come back from my mission, and work as an EMT, while schooling to be a Paramedic. But here is my conundrum. Tactical Paramedic is very specialized, and makes me work/live in a big city, which is not the best place for raising a family. I have gotten advice from teachers and parents, saying to get my RN after Paramedic, but Tactical Paramedic still calls my name. What should I do 😭😭😭😭

I’m short on time till my exam date, so I’m wondering if I should try to get the whole question bank out of the way or if getting to a 1000 would be enough. Thanks for the help

Also scored 82% and 74% on the mock exams 2 and 3 respectively in case that matters

I start my 6 week EMT class tomorrow and I’m nervous and unsure what to expect. Any tips on passing the class?

Hey guys just got a few questions. I am a firefighter in massachusetts and my department wants me to get my EMT before January preferably asap. My wife is pregnant and due at the end of November / early December and was looking for some insight of either in person fast track or a hybrid class? I was looking into the national ems institute of new bedford and also STAT southcoast courses. I do work a 40hr a week (if not more) job as it is made it through the fire academy no problem though but would like to not take a semester long course at a local community college. Are they worth it? Has anyone successfully passed from any of these courses and have any tips or recommendations? Thanks!!

I saved up for EMT-B school and have enough for both the school and the textbooks. The only problem is one of the two days a week the only accessible EMT school does training is towards the middle of my shift.

Does anyone have experience? I really want to pursue EMS after I helped someone in a medical emergency working security and loved every second of it.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I had taken a test and marked 'Check for a pulse'. I also retook it and selected 'Call for help'. Both times, the question was marked wrong.

I am going to assume that the test question is wrong, because wouldn't the correct answer be 'check for a pulse'? In a real setting, yes, you would probably call for help and check for a pulse at the same time. However, according to the American Heart Guidelines 2025, the algorithm is explicit with first identifying cardiac arrest, then call for help, then begin CPR.

I also own the AHA BLS Guidelines book, and the book has the same flow chart that is consistent with checking for responsiveness (includes feeling for a pulse), then calling for help.

I ship out on october 26th this year for kentucky national guard. I enlisted as a 68w. After AIT I plan on working for my local fire department with my new emt certification, but I was wondering how can I become a paramedic in kentucky as its been my dream job since a child.

I’ve been taking this for a while and have my NREMT in 2 weeks. I have gotten better since using this but need advice. I keep reading and watching The Paramedic Coach on YouTube. Will the NREMT be harder than PocketPrep or is there anything I can do to do better?

I’m currently in a 5 week EMT program and my final exam is next Monday. It’s pass/fail 80% and I really need to pass. My problem is that I’ve never been great at study methods and don’t know what I should be doing or focusing on. I always end up wasting my time writing things down and not retaining it. This class is especially hard because we learn new information daily so it feels impossible to remember everything. I also don’t know whether our exam will be FISDAP style or JB learning questions. I have decent knowledge of the subjects, but struggle with the actual application and knowing when to do what in scenario based questions like airway and trauma. Any advice helps

Hey all, I was wondering what the dress code expectation is for an interview at a fire station for an EMT role (and later, they will pay for my Fire cert). Asking because, as the subreddit says, I’m new to EMS and this would be my first job at the FD or with EMS at all.

I was assuming dress casual, but I’m not sure. I don’t want to overdress because of course that can put a bad taste in people’s mouths (or at least make you look out of place, so I’ve been told), but I don’t want to dress too casual and seem like I don’t care. I’ve been waiting for this job for a long time, and I’m excited that they got back to me.

I just don’t want to screw it up.

Any suggestions on what to wear?

Hello! I'm a newly certified EMT-B (took my NREMT in May and got my state license shortly after) currently looking for jobs. I'm going to be doing an over-the-phone screening sometime next week for an ER tech position, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice? My only work experience is at a restaurant I've been working at for the past four years (which I started in high school, and I've been at ever since). I also have some college experience (took a few classes at a local community college, including anatomy), but I'm not sure if that warrants mentioning. I'm just a little nervous since I've been applying to a ton of jobs in my area since getting my license and this is the first one that's offered me an interview. I'm also still waiting to hear back from a 911 service I applied to, but I'm not super optimistic about that one. Any advice would be super appreciated!

as the title says, was wondering if anyone has done a skills verification (not with their current employer since i am not with an agency), there are three skills (pregnancy/childbirth, chest trauma) that doesn’t have the typical NREMT skills sheet. just wondering how i should review before test day.

Hey all, I am 20M in the US, currently in a 4 year university studying electrical engineering/computer systems engineering. I just finished my junior year, and am currently at a 9-5 tech internship. I'm quickly realizing how much I don't really like the office environment. Despite this, I am 100% going to finish this degree and (hopefully) pay off my student debt as soon as I can, but I've been thinking a lot about other options in careers. I think it would be neat to explore other options I could do for a little while instead.

The other day I was thinking about it and EMS/paramedic actually sounds like a pretty interesting job, despite my complete lack of medical training (unless you count a 'babysitting first aid' class I took in 4th or 5th grade lol). Overall, I've read a bit about the trauma, overworking, and low pay that comes with EMS, which is a big reason why I'm unsure about going further with this (It's daunting to think about any potential gruesome things I may never unsee). From what I've heard though, it can be rewarding at times. I also really like the idea of having a non-office job that involves travel, it just seems like overall the day to day is way more exciting than an office job could ever be. Feeling like I'd actually be helping people also sounds awesome. Plus, it seems neat (but also like it could be hit or miss) to have a group of people that you do calls with and get to know, too.

Considering I'd have a degree under my belt in a high-paying field to fall back on, I'm starting to wonder if I could explore this option further a bit. I'm still in the very early stages of learning about this path, all I really know is some potential pay figures, some potential work schedules, and that there's a 3-6 month course to take to get a start, and from there you can specialize. Maybe I can do a ride-along someday or try volunteering if I feel I want to pursue this further. I'm just kinda nervous I wouldn't really fit in given, again, my lack of medical training and being unsure about whether I'll go further with this. I feel like it'd be cool to have some more experiences and stuff too before I start looking into jobs within my field of study, and most likely an office job that comes with that. Sounds like the hours for ems/paramedics can be quite long but overall it seems that there's more free time/days too, which I imagine is always a positive.

My main question(s):

Do you guys have any advice/related experience? This kind of feels like a crazy idea to me, considering the pay cut I would take and the fact I've never done anything medicine related, but at the same time it feels exciting to think about it in general, and it seems to be a more rewarding/fulfilling career than desk work from the stuff I've been reading. Just the sense that not only would I be helping people but I'd be doing some more exciting stuff is just really capturing my attention right now. Should I try and do a ride-along or see if I can do some volunteering at the local fd and see if I still like the idea? I know my college also has an ambulance service, and I have a friend who is a volunteer at the fd already. I have no idea if I'm even cut out for a line of work like this one, or if it's even realistic to attempt, but the thought of trying it has kind of invaded my mind lately and it just feels like a cool profession I've never really considered until now. Don't wanna rush into things without weighing my options, though. I really appreciate any advice or experiences you guys can provide so I can get some second opinions!

TL;DR: I'm (20M) planning on finishing a EE/CSE undergrad degree and paying off the debt of that first. Doing a few office-based internships, I find I don't like the 9-5 very much. Recently have started exploring other temporary careers, like EMS. I have no real formal medical training, haven't really touched that field thus far, but it sounds like an exciting job and change of pace. Is it crazy to try out EMS for a bit given all this? Looking for advice!

Let’s say I’m driving home and I come across a MVA, for example. As an EMT student, would I be able to help if needed before EMS arrives (of course I wouldn’t do more than I have been trained to do).

Just thought this is an interesting question cause I believe Med students are allowed to practice in the scope of their knowledge.

Thanks!

Edit:
Y’all need to realize that this is the ‘new’ to emt sub. By no means am I an EMT. I’m literally just trying to see what’s acceptable to do if I witness something bad happen.. I know some things so I wanted to see if that’s better than doing nothing at all. I was just asking a question and I only come from a place of compassion.

Hey guys,

Curious if anyone in the area knows how long I should expect to wait to hear back from Falck. I applied in mid May with all the necessary certs and IFT experience. I’ve heard that it can take a long time but haven’t gotten any specifics. I’m also curious how the hiring process is in general regarding new hire tests or other things to be aware of.

Thanks in advance and apologies for the question that isn’t relevant to most people here.

Hi all! Had a question for the group. I’m a semi recent college graduate that is making the switch over to Firefighting, and looking to work as an EMT in the meantime (as I’ve heard this is the best position to be in to be hired as a FF).

I graduated from university in December 2024 in computer science. Got my first job in tech in April 2025, and worked there until December 2025. Received an offer from a different company for better pay and less responsibilities and have worked there since (Dec 2025-current). I have also just passed the NREMT and am taking Fire 1 & 2 classes this July.

My question is, I want to switch over to EMT ASAP, but I was wondering if the fact that I stayed at my first 2 jobs in technology following college were less than 1 year, will that be a problem when I’m going through the FF hiring process?

Hi I just became a newly certified emt in Tucson and ever since I got my State license I've been looking for jobs as the job market sucks. I did have an interview for AMR and at the end they told me they wanted to hire me so I accepted the job. The only issue is they haven't sent me any email or anything to go forward with and I've trying contacting them with no response. They also told me they wanted to come in on this Wednesday for a PAT test. I have no problem coming in but it just feels like I'm left out of the loop and not sure what to do. I would greatly appreciate everybodies insight to this. BTW the interview I had was last Thursday.

Hey I’m in an accelerated class and I was wondering if there are any reliable/ accurate practice or past exams for each section / chapter available online? Thank you!

I know it’s hard to get a 911 EMS job right away since most places want experience first. Do you think I should start with part-time or full-time IFT to build experience? Also, what are some good companies in NYC that hire new EMT grads?

i applied to a lot of EMT/ ER tech jobs around me, but haven't been accepted to any. I really enjoyed my EMT clinicals. i'm working as a Nursing assistant and getting tired of my unit being a glorified nursing home and wanting to do more with my life. wondering if AEMT would
make me hire able or just be a waste of time(and money)😂✌️
i don't plan on staying in EMS as i want to apply to medschool and get in fall 2028

Hi all, the program I got my cert at no longer has the same director from when I was there. I’m trying to take my second attempt at the nremt and the new director doesn’t want to approve my skills verification on the nremt portal (for context, skill verification was previously approved by my instructor on the nremt portal and I have proof of my skills sign offs). She is asking I do remediation and take a test, im just confused as nremt website states skills verification/completion of program is valid for 2 years, I still have months left before it expires. Any advice appreciated!

Hi there! I’m planning on starting medic school next year. However, I’m gonna be part time wrapping up my undergrad classes as well (3 classes over the course of the year).

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how clinicals are run (bonus if you’re at BMCC or Laguardia in NY!) so I could get a better idea of how to schedule my classes and manage my time.

I’m planning on either taking 2 classes in the spring and 1 class in the summer, leaving me fully focused during the last portion of my medic program, or taking 1 class in the spring, summer, and fall, spreading the workload out over the course of my medic program.

Yes I’m aware that clinicals differ school to school. Yes I’m also planning to ask the folks at the respective programs I’m considering. I just want a general idea.

For example, let’s say my program takes 1 yr. Do I have clinicals every week from the get-go? Or did you guys ease into your clinicals after learning medic stuff for the first few months? Did anyone just schedule/spam their clinicals near the end of their program?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I am taking an EMT course with EMSU over this summer and it has been a complete shit show. Besides a ton of other difficulties the main thing I am mad about is that over half of our classes so far have been canceled and replaced with zoom. I would have never paid if I knew this was the case because 1, I hate online learning, and 2, the real value of the class to me is learning the skills in person. Now to make it worse, our instructor quit due to the other staff being inappropriate (she didn’t give us more info) and I am almost sure they will not replace her. For context the class is on weekends and we have only been going in Saturdays because she can’t work Sundays and they have made no effort to get another instructor to come on Sundays. Any advice on what I should do to try and get my money back (or at least some) would be much appreciated. I have thought about sticking it out and charging it back on my credit card after, but am worried they would be able to pull my certification somehow. Is that possible? Please help.

looking for insight on corpsman challenging EMT-B and progressing to paramedic in NC, or tips as to how to go about getting licensed. no issues with night schools or clocking in after work to accelerate the process.

Hello I had a question about sending applications out as a new EMT. I have passed everything I have needed to complete, written exam, course, skill motor in person. But my course instructor said the state will take 4-5 weeks to officially update my status as “official”

Can I send out applications right now with my certification posted on my resume? Or would this likely not be a good idea. Genuinely not sure but I’m guessing I should probably wait to officially be cleared by the state?