Rules For Riders (EMT/Medic Students, Ride-Alongs etc.) 

As an EMT student I was lucky, I went to a small county EMS station that only had 1 ALS box with a really good crew and they treated me like a member of the crew

I’m a paramedic this video is quite on point. Drives us nuts to have to look for the intern and tell them we are checking the truck.

I’m an EMT student and preparing for my first ride along with a Fire dept. later this month. This video was very helpful and makes me 100x more excited to be able to do the ride along! 😃

these videos were so helpful especially the interview ones. They helped me get my fire job over the summer. Thank you!

Wow, you really cover every topic we could encounter in the fire service! Hope to have a paramedic student one day. I’d be honored to serve along side you brother!

really enjoyed this video and im excited for my opportunity in the future! and im excited to wear the cool EMT gear.

I have a ride along coming up and this was extremely helpful in knowing what was expected of me. Thanks!

Just passed my NREMT. Ride alongs were tough but very preparing and they literally gave a full exposure on what to expect. Sitting in the back of the rig for hours, the stuffiness, barely enough time to eat, not always the friendliest crew members, and yes having to listen to the kitchen table banter. I want to get into fire, but will gain experience on the EMS side. It will be tough but rewarding

Super helpful video! I'm starting my EMT class in a few weeks, and I'm going to make sure to implement these tips.

I’m a fire explorer and I plan to schedule a rideout next week. Thank you so much for the tips!

EMT Students take this video to heart. Because 3 of students at the college EMT class couldn't behave as instructed, the ride along program we have had with a local fire department was canceled in the middle of the quarter. One of these students made poor remarks to the crew and was immediately sent away. This ruined a great opportunity for their classmates.

Going on a ride along in a few weeks , video just popped up on my feed . Love your videos very helpful .

Just passed my NREMT a couple weeks ago. 7:10 is so true. The first time I was with the FD, the medic wanted to give fluids to one of the patients we had. Before the shift started I looked at all of the labels of the canisters, but didn't actually check them. The canister that was labeled "drip sets" actually had laryngoscopes in there. I got chewed out by that medic for not properly checking the truck, and handing him a laryngoscope to help with an IV 😅. Lesson learned. On the next and final shift I did, I opened up every single compartment back there. I even noticed that the O2 was low and replaced the canister (after being told where the extras were). I don't think the medic on the first shift was actually mad because he respected my attitude even though I was timid. On that second shift though, those guys loved me!

The superb advice here applies not only to ride-alongs with first responders, but to most aspects of life, in general. WELL DONE! 👍

Got my first ride out this Saturday, my nerves are up but I’m fairly confident in my skills. Thank for the advice! Will definitely be back to check out some other videos.

Thanks for the tips! I’m in the next step of the hiring process for part time at my local department. I got a ride along tomorrow 👍🏻.

Thanks for the Video, always useful. Commented before on being accepted and going through. On my first day, I realized I’m going to enjoy this ride of course with learning being my goal. I’m journaling each day/week. I noticed not much information for my area- not sure if you’d like the compressed notes once I’m done for any future candidates in my area or State. Again keep up the good work!

As someone who has recently gone through EMT school I couldn’t agree more and am glad my school made it clear to represent them well and to take the time people at the station give you seriously because they are giving you an opportunity and don’t be the reason they might turn down future students

I once held an EMR certification and rode with my local volunteer ambulance service. I took an EMT class twice, but I had really bad test anxiety and missed the examination deadline, so now I’ll be taking the class for the third and hopefully final time in February

I'm so happy this came up in my youtube suggestions! Im an EMT student and start ride alongs next week and I'm so nervous! Thank you for all the information it answered a lot of the questions I had!

Thanks for this! I'm a brand spankin' new student, and was surprised to learn we'll be jumping into patient contacts early in our education. I'm glad to hear that being honest about uncertainty is more than acceptable. That's very good to hear. Thank you for this video!

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos! Thank you! Also how accurate the information is!!!!! Spot on!!!!!! Please keep up the Great Work!!!!!!!!

Im super excited to start my ride time i have two dates sunday and mondy on memorial im so excited to be part of this field i went from being homeless for a year to this hardwork pays off

Thank you for the golden advice Mike. I'm just a senior going for EMR level training, but some interactions and possible ride-along time with local EMS crews will probably be part of my program.

Really glad I found this video. My uncle who was a firefighter recently passed after a short battle with cancer and it’s been really hard preparing for my rotations with out him. He would have sat me down this week and told me all of this. Thanks Mike!

Very useful. It is VERY good advice for the corporate world with some tweeking . Good Job Thumbs up.

🏫📝As a student, I hated feeling like a burden to my preceptors. And some of them made it pretty obvious they didn't want to have a student tagging along, no matter how competent. 🚑🎓As a preceptor later on, I work hard to make my students feel welcome. They get greeted at the door (unless I'm on a call), a quick station tour, included in any training we do, and spoken to as a real person (including using their name instead of "hey, student"). 👀I check in with them to see if they need help with whatever they're studying, and do AARs for our calls to help them absorb knowledge. 🐱‍🏍If they're experienced, such as being a combat medic, or they let their certs lapse, I challenge them with more difficult/complicated tasks. Some of them have even taught ME a few things! 👍I almost always get great reviews (students review preceptors, same as preceptors review students), and some of them have applied to work at my department. That said, I always appreciate it when students start off with the mentality of a guest, and wait to be invited into the group. That humility is very endearing, and presents a good first impression. ❗Edit: Sorry if it seems like I'm bragging, or "virtue signaling" as they call it now. My point is I appreciate well-mannered students. Based on reactions, they appreciate my methods (which seem to be not so common😔), so I'm sharing those with other potential preceptors. Also edited to add emojis, because they're fun. 😉

Thanks for the rules. I do my 1st ride along soon.

Great words of wisdom!

very helpful video, thank you!

Great video one thing I do want to state is (atleast from my medic experience) every station is a different environment I’ve been to stations where the crews are younger and engage with you (especially if you’re a younger person) and want you to help them around just gotta ask. Now there are some stations where i’ve had them tell me I’m just there to study and go on a call whenever we get one and didn’t want to see me washing plates or any of that. So just get a catch of the crew and environment of each station. Bonus tip ( not necessary ) but bringing some pastries or money to pitch for lunch and dinner they appreciate that a lot !

I forgot to shave one time in emt school and the captain made me shave. Never been so embarrassed but I’ll never make that mistake again

Spot on, as a student these are defiantly amazing tips.

Thank you, we require ride alongs before hiring as reserves. Has the career firefighter it’s my job to show them everything and help them out. It’s kinda difficult to do because everyone is different and I want to see who they really are. At the same time it’s a really acquired situation for them.

I can't thank you enough for these videos. I'm 26 and I'm thinking of getting into the fire service. I grew up in the fire service and wanted to get into it at a young age but waiting until my mid 20s was literally the best decision I could have made. Those who had dad's as firefighters we get the reputation of going in as a know it all and I'm afraid that would have been me especially at 18 and possibly now if I didn't watch your videos. I went on a ride along at 17 and it's safe to say I was completely immature, and I didn't know what to do being with two veterans and a rookie that day. It was so conflicting seeing the different personalities based on seniority. Looking back I probably should have shadowed the rookie. I thought I knew the fire service but I really didn't. What's gotten me reinterested is over the past year constantly hearing what's "essential" and what's not and seeing firefighters continue to get out there no matter the risk and see them do what my dad did I totally want to get back into it

May I also add to not come in and kick back in the recliner when the rest of the crew is doing work. If you have homework, do it at the kitchen table or work station if provided. To go along with minding your appearance, don't show up with your boots unzipped and your pant legs bunched up in them. As always, great video and great advice...keep up the good work!

I came to this video thinking it would be mostly common sense. Although some it was, it did show me things I hadn’t really though about before as well. Really good advice. Thank you.

That emt student who was bragging about cheating the system has to be on a different level of dumbnesses great video!

My written and physical test is in two days. I'm super pumped to get started and very grateful for your information and advice!

Really good advise. I liked the one about carrying a pen with you. Nothing drove me more crazy than needing a pen only to find I didn't have one, and how are you going to record information accurately especially on legally binding care. Looking professional will go along ways to making you look like you know what you are doing.

Good sound advice 👍👍

I'm still an EMT student. However, I already finished all my ambulance rotations, I enjoyed them a ton. However.. these other comments are scaring me. My goal going into it was to blend in and learn as much passive knowledge as possible. I didn't want to ever pretend like I was one of the guys. But I also wasn't the awkward student in the corner. I talked and joked around with the fire crews (city ambulance assigned to a station). I made sure I was helpful. When cleaning time came around, I cleaned so well and detailed they were making jokes about me cleaning better than the new guys lol. I was with 3 different fire shifts throughout the whole thing. The first crew were younger guys and we got along really well. They even brought up (not by me haha) that I was cool, and they would be glad to work with me. They were awesome guys. Second shift were older folks. Still awesome, it was a bit scary at first because they ignored me essentially (complete different from the first shift). It wasn't until later in the day that we started talking and stuff. We ended that shift comfortable with each other. I had a really deep conversation with one of them. It lasted over an hour and a half. He even hugged after that, really great "bonding" experience. Third crew was rough, they were cleary very experienced Firemen. I was instantly treated like the pee on student, shook me a little because they treated me completely different than the other shifts. We got along in the end but it wasn't the same as the others (which I'm fine with). I'm just really scared I over stepped my bounds with everybody. They may have just been trying to be nice. And that makes me really uncomfortable. I really won't know I guess...

Thank you

Hi , huge fan on your channel. Can you make a video about EMT school more in depth.

I love your honesty during these videos definitely helpful. I just got done with the emt school like two months ago and I cannot wait to start my career as a future fire fighter. Do you highly recommend to do ride along for the fire department?

I am currently in EMT school now and am a volunteer firefighter, and hoping to become a career firefighter. I have done 2 BLS clinicals and now I have 5 ALS clinicals to go. This is the video I needed to see. I love watching all of your videos sir thank you!

just ran my first 24 hr as an emt and it is different for every station!

I was fortunate to go to medic program hosted directly by the ambulance service. This was a double edged sword in some respects. The program issued uniforms, and it was hard to differentiate from staff medics and students. Probably a good thing? The first week of class, one of the supervisors of 3 shifts kicked the lead instructor out of the classroom. And, he took us downstairs on orientation of the building. Then onto the ambulances etc that took the whole afternoon. How to exit and enter ambulances. How to operate the cot. The problem was that while the carry in stuff was the same - blue bag, drug box, monitor (LP5 and LP10), not all the ambulances we set up the same inside. The shift medics were all assigned to their own truck for the shift. Then he explained REAL WORLD expectations and consequences of medic student actions or inactions. #1 YOU ARE A STUDENT NOT STAFF MEMBER AND REMEMBER THAT ALWAYS. Although some of the students were employees of the ambulance service. And, as I was sometimes working with the shift supervisor especially on mid-week clinicals during the day. #2 If you do not know how to do something speak up, they will be glad to help you learn. But never bluff your way through something. They said the firefighters first responders and law enforcement first responders know how to do stuff and may be of assistance. #3 Questions are welcome, but not in front of the patient, family, first responders, or hospital staff. But as the supervisor clearly stated. There is the classroom and then there is REAL WORLD situations. Book smart is one thing, and street smarts are paid for with experience. #4 The medics knew full well where students are in the program, and know what skills they can perform i.e. starting IV’s, intubation, and other ALS cares. Doing those skills was at the discretion of the attending paramedic. Going on fixed wing flights was at the discretion of the pilot and flight nurse. The rotor wing flights were not open to riders etc. #5 He explained that if the medics are cleaning the station, it would be best that you ask for a chore to help out with and get it done. Dusting, cleaning the bathrooms, making up the beds etc. We had couple class members that did not take that to heart. And, those 2 incurred the ire of staff medics! #6 He explained that most medics bring their lunch, and it would be wise to adopt the same habit. As, there might not be time to stop at fast food place or Stop and Rob store. #7 He explained that if you make a mess while starting an IV you best be the one cleaning it up. He stated that IV needles go in sharps containers, and not stabbed into the upholstery. If you make a mess while at the station, you best clean it up. #8 He explained that there are a lot of eyes upon the students. This was in the form of the program educators, staff medics, and ambulance service non-medical staff, ambulance service upper MGMT, to the 2 ambulance service medical directors, flight program director, and preceptors at the two hospitals. He said they do get feedback. And, some of that can lead to students being banned from facilities. The funniest part was……he said that students are the first ones through the door on all shootings, stabbings, unknown medicals, and he was kidding!

I will be going to school for EMS this fall I appreciate this video do u have a video on how to become a firefighter EMT?

Thank you for these videos! Are you OK with us emailing you questions?

The rule that I am not part of the crew is the biggest rule I lived by when doing my rides for EMT. I only partipated in events in the station when I was invited.

I'm actually nervous about the fitness test. I definitely will not be able to cheat my way around anything

It sucks not knowing where anything is. Slammed with three complicated rescues. All three involving a death. Then wild bees in swarms.

Hi I’m wondering can you do a video on our a department’s orientation is like, what to expect and what’s the best tips to thrive through it?

Hello I am an explorer for Las Vegas do u think you could make a video about what u should do as an explorer on a ride along for the new people or people that are going on there first ride along as an explorer thank you

This video makes me so happy that when I did my ride along time in the local EMS agencies, I shut my mouth. 😆

As a student with the agency I am rolling with, I am allowed to act as a EMT basic while under supervision of a EMT-B or Paramedic. I got lucky because I have worked with the Dept a lot being s volunteer with a different local department.

Think of your internship and ride time as an extended interview process. As a preceptor I'll have big say whether you go on and how wants to work with you.

I’m nervous af lol 15 hour ride along coming up. First of 4

Lol the timing of this video, I’m sitting at Bellefontaine fire department for a ride along for the first time and I’m 1 hour in.

Nice videos

Can you please make more videos about the written test. I can get past the fitness test with no problem and I’m confident in my interview skills but I can’t get past the written test part. I failed the first one by one point and the second one by two points. What am I doing wrong?

@FirefighterNow Can you please do a Video on 911 Dispatchers - Fire Alarm Operators ? What you would recommend they do for perpetration for the Job & Interview?

Hello sir, You talk about how you have been on more than 1 fire crew. Do most people stick with one station or is it common to work at different stations over your career

❤️❤️❤️

Just passed my CPAT. Failed my first attempt but made 9:22 on my second!

Hey Mike, I was wondering if I could PM or email you about a question? It’s a little long form, so I didn’t want to leave a large paragraph comment. Thanks for the great content-it’s been extremely helpful on my EMS/firefighting journey, and I appreciate any further guidance you’re able to give me. Cheers

I'm thinking about a paramedic but I want to be a medical assistant first

Is it weird to do a ride along if we aren’t in EMT school yet?

The basic rule is show up and shut up. Bring some kind of dessert. Most crews will welcome you and engage. Never forget you are a guest and every station has it's own flow and vibe. Interns need to focus on what they are there for and it is not chill time or recliner time.

Always bring an extra pair of clothes

why on earth would you brag about avoiding something thats vital to your chosen career?

Whats the diference between a medic and an EMT?

Dang, I’m naturally VERY social looking for some form of “acceptance”. This gonna be a bitch

@6:22 scope is in the cab but don't give me shit about my full pockets and 3 flashlights, ROFL, @FirefigtherNOW

Don’t speak unless spoken too

Why backs boots? Black belt, navy paints exc? New volunteer fire fighter guy asking, I think it to hide dirt and stuff but still got to ask. Great videos, thanks for all the good information.

Can EMT students do ride alongs with the pandemic? I would hope so.

That point about not getting too chummy and obnoxious needs to apply to every social interaction where you are the 'new kid' in a group. There is nothing more cringey to me than someone coming into a tight knit crew and trying to be the loudest most familiar voice there. Just chill tf out.

I'm sorry was that third-rider an idiot? Seriously, you not only take shortcuts that compromise your integrity, but openly admit it to an entity that you may consider future employment. Some advice also is that you will have those hardass preceptors who have an agitated vibe, maybe are a bit condescending, and rather intimidating. I will say take what they teach you, but also take their reaction with a grain of salt and don't take it personally. One of the hardest preceptors I had was a dude we will call "Jimmy". Jimmy was super regimented when it came to knowing your ACLS, 12 leads, med protocols to the detail, and med calculations. He was uptight about IVs- if you made a non-sterile maneuver, he'd let you know about it. And I learned a ton from Jimmy. But he came off as intimidating and a bit of an asshole. I didn't know if I would pass clinical reading his comments in my manual. You know what? 5 years later with thousands of calls and critical care certification, I respect a ton of what Jimmy taught me. But I look back and say "geez, what an asshole." Says a lot considering he's no longer employed at my job either. I remind myself of this when I have students. So preceptors, instill discipline and be honest, but guide and be supportive, not intimidating. One of the kindest medics I worked with sent a student home due to obvious safety violations and content gaps that were unacceptable, and I was amazed at how respectful and non-intimidating he was despite the student being a liability.

1) emt's know everything because they went to jr college for one semester 2) emt's milk overtime 3) not everyone can be an emt , but don't worry, you can still be a firefighter

People treat riders like they're cadets. They're paying students and tax payers. Don't want to talk to them? Then don't. But you definitely don't make the rules around there.

Na I don’t take my earrings out because it me and that’s who I am I’m not gonna change

Firefighters have large egos and if they think you think you know stuff they will want to eat you alive. They are not friendly and not your friends. The firehouse sucks Haha!

lol. If you know how to do so something, don't tell anyone and just let them lecture you needlessly. No. Terrible advice. If you know how to do an EKG, don't sit and listen to some old fart drone on about how to do it; he has nothing to say you need to hear on that subject. Also, no matter what this guy says about 'respect', it's not at all discourteous not to have your time wasted listening to someone who doesn't know more than you bloviate about how to do something. Interestingly enough, firefighter medics are laughed at by paramedics quite often for their pathetic performance on basic skills. I think I can see why.

I’m rolling my eyes. Fire service got to stop taking themselves so serious. This guys video proves how delusional he is about his job. It’s not rocket science.

Thumbs down. “Rules” sounds like someone just complaining

Fuck I’ll never get that 10 minutes back