TIMESTAMPS 00:43 What does an EMT (emergency medical technician) or a firefighter do? 01:09 What does a firefighter do? 01:45 What do firefighters do besides respond to fires? 02:16 What proportion of firefighting is responding to fires vs other emergencies like medical problems? 03:10 Are there different specialties (companies) of firefighting or do firefighters cover all cases? 03:53 What’s a typical day in the life of an EMT and a firefighter? Lifestyle, etc. 05:32 Do firefighters and EMT’s live at the station? (do own building maintenance, etc). 07:00 What’s the most challenging part of being a firefighter or an EMT? + what type of people are drawn to the profession 09:10 What are the most rewarding aspects of being an EMT or a firefighter? 10:29 What are misconceptions about being an EMT or a firefighter? + History of emergency medical services and healthcare 12:05 How do you become an EMT and a firefighter? What is the training process like? Paramedic vs EMT? What should you do before you decide to become a firefighter to make sure it’s a good fit for you? 13:14 Paramedic vs EMT? Training differences and roles? 13:48 Do you need to be a paramedic to be a firefighter or just an EMT? 14:17 How do you become a generalized + specialized firefighter (join specialty companies / departments)? + what are the types of companies / specialties + firefighting hierarchy 18:36 How to get into competitive firefighting programs? In addition to becoming an EMT or a paramedic 20:34 What types of people are a good fit to become an EMT or a firefighter? Qualities, skills, personalities, etc. 22:20 What are the finances like, and what are the employment types or practice settings are there for firefighters? (income, money, work settings, volunteering, etc) 24:16 How much do firefighters make in terms of income, and how does this increase with rank? + Opportunities for advancement 26:37 How do you establish a work-life balance with a busy work schedule? 28:58 How do you deal with the challenges of being an EMT or firefighter (such as emotionally)? How do you prevent burnout? 31:10 How has firefighting changed over the past few decades & what future changes do you expect? 32:06 Do you have any regrets about being an EMT or a firefighter? Is there anything you’d change about your career? 33:04 How do you become a good EMT or firefighter?
I was an EMT before I started attending PA school. Many of my colleagues were using the field to get into MD school. Its a great field to gain medical knowledge and exposure. Unfortunately, many EMTs are paid well below there value and leads people to leave the field quickly. Thanks to all our first responders out there!!!
I know a few doctors who became EMT’s to get valuable experience before med school, and they agreed it was very helpful too. It’s unfortunate that EMT’s aren’t compensated adequately for their efforts when they provide so much value. I agree- major respect to all of them!
3:51 Can't believe they do 24 hour and 48 hour shifts! 🤯 Wow a lot to learn from this video. As an EMT it's interesting to see the differences/similarities between different EMS organizations. But I can see how their advice relates not just to other EMTs, firefighters, paramedics, etc. but to anyone in the medical field (especially their coping advice). Great questions and great video as always 😊
Yeah the hours are intense. Oh wow, I didn’t know you were an EMT. Good point- a lot of gems are universal to healthcare (that was thoughtful of you ;))
NICE Dr. Adna....almost there to Adnan. Good idea doing this interview...im sure there are many people that watch your channel that are interested in pursuing this career. Very interesting to see the scope of their work. Thanks bro. Also keep working hard man...waiting for Adna to be Adnan.😎
Thanks Dr. J (or is it Joe now?)! Yeah, just a few more months haha. It’s cool seeing how other providers play a part in medical care, and firefighters handle a lot of first line medical care.
Salam Adnan! In terms of extracurriculars as a pre med you mentioned part time jobs should preferably be in teaching. What about a sales job in a store for example whats your take on that? Thanks
و عليكم، it’s not ideal, but if that’s all you have available, you need the money, or it ties into your bigger story somehow it is better than nothing. I don’t recall saying that part time jobs are better than teaching. Things like science tutoring are looked upon well, but I’d you can do things like work as a scribe, EMT, or phlebotomist you can check of shadowing/med experience, and working which would be better than just teaching.
