Emmy

And that's exactly what drew me to the caring professions. As cheesy as it sounds, I really do want to help people and have a positive impact on their lives. The negatives are important as well, though, and I do appreciate that. I'm definitely keeping them in mind. Edit: Thanks, Capman. My dad has been to visit my great aunt and she's doing a lot better. She's still a bit confused and lethargic, but she's eating and drinking well and she's been put on a drip to increase her salt levels.

Hi again, everyone. Firstly, I'm really sorry that I dropped the ball in regards to this thread. I'm afraid that I've had a busy last few months with school and work and other commitments and somehow forgot about the post I'd made here. Also, sorry for dragging up an old thread, but I feel guilty for not acknowledging and thanking everyone who replied with well thought out and honest advice. Secondly, thank you all for your detailed replies. I really appreciate the thought and time put into them and, as Chaser pointed out, I've received some very good advice. I appreciate all opinions and information, whether from the US or the UK, though obviously the UK info is more relevant to me. I've just read through all of the responses and I've learnt a lot and been left with a lot to think about. Since posting here back in May, I've had some other thoughts about career choices and where to go and what to do once I'm finished with school. (I know a few people in here mentioned nursing and that was something that I very seriously considered.) Currently, becoming a paramedic isn't my first choice, though it is something that I've still got on the back burner, so to speak. (As is nursing.) Up until recently, I hadn't thought about EMS as much and had been looking at my other options, but I had a run-in* with some paramedics, nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals on Thursday night and it stirred up some of my old thoughts about going into that line of work. Since then, I've been lurking and reading a hell of a lot here again. Those of you who suggested I get some experience were right on the mark and I know that this is something I most definitely need to do. I have a friend who is heavily involved in St John Ambulance and I intend to start after Christmas. I figure that this way I can get some training and experience in first aid and see if this is really something I want to pursue. My friend has even had the chance to go on a couple of ride-alongs and she absolutely loved it, so I may look into that as well. Anyway, this is getting long, so I'll sum it up here. Thank you all very much for your input and honesty. You're right, Dust, I didn't want smoke blown up my arse. :wink: I wanted blunt and honest facts and I got it, so thanks. I'll keep reading and researching and I'll let you know if I have any more questions. Thanks, Em. *For those interested, my great aunt was taken into hospital in an ambulance due to her very high blood pressure and very low salt levels. She is terrified of hospitals and people in the healthcare field, so the paramedics just came to assess her at first and then, gradually, persuade her to go with them back to the hospital. This all resulted in my dad, aunt and I taking an 11pm trip to A&E, not leaving until 2am. My great aunt is still in hospital right now and is expected to be home in a few days, if she continues to improve.

I'm 16 year old sixth form student and am seriously considering getting a degree in Paramedic Science when I leave school. I've done a lot of research, on this site and others, and really do think that this is what I want. I've always wanted to work in a caring profession, it's just been a case of narrowing it down. My parents disagree right now and keep asking why I don't want to 'do a better job'. :roll: Anyway, to cut to the point, I wanted to ask exactly what it is like training to be and working as a paramedic. What are the pros and cons? What do you dislike most about your job? What do you like most? What is the training like? What advice would you give someone in my position? Please be completely honest; I don't want anything sugar-coated, though from what I've seen of this forum, I don't expect it. Which is good. Thanks in advance.