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Is there anything i can do as a teen to help become a first responder
i am 14 year old transmale and want to be a first responder (paramedic i hope) is there anything i can do to right now or as a teen to help achieve that goal when im older if so what can i do? And anything i should avoid doing now?
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Godfrey’s Answer
As a paramedic one need to be passionate about helping people in need and saving life's providing first aid.
One can start modelling or building that passion by joining scouts groups, joining red cross that can help build the resilient and first responders attitude.
After college completion and needs to join a paramedic training course so as to be accredited to practice as a first responder,this may take about 1 to 2 years
One can start modelling or building that passion by joining scouts groups, joining red cross that can help build the resilient and first responders attitude.
After college completion and needs to join a paramedic training course so as to be accredited to practice as a first responder,this may take about 1 to 2 years
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Derick’s Answer
Hey there Elijah, Fellow EMT-B here. The previous advice up above is a great start and has answered most of what I would recommend, being that your 14 the age restriction is a hard thing to allow you to get a better glimpse of what we do. I'd suggest thinking long and hard about your career choice. But as an EMT/or paramedic there are many different ways to utilize your degree or certificate. I would suggest learning CPR and getting certified in it first. It's never a bad thing to know how to do proper CPR. Also learning and understand some basic medical terminology. Ex: hypo and Hyper ( low and high) is a good thing to help you get more acquainted with the information within an EMT program. Medic school is approximately 1.5-2yrs long depending on the program you choose. EMT course is 3months to a year.there is a lower licence as an EMR, but your field of patient care will be limited.
Find a volunteer station and see what you can help with there.
Learn about different careers that as an EMT you can do.
Derick recommends the following next steps:
Updated
John’s Answer
Hello Elijah,
In many states, including Texas, there are laws in place that mandate first responders to be at least 18 years old. This is to shield them from potentially harmful scenarios that could adversely affect their physical and mental health. These laws essentially bar anyone from securing an EMS license and serving or volunteering for a service. Dealing with individuals in the throes of a medical emergency or crisis can be quite taxing. Not just during the situation - that's often the less difficult part - but also in managing the emotions that linger after the ordeal has passed. It can be distressing and many adults struggle with it, even those with robust coping mechanisms and support networks.
However, there's a silver lining. You might still be able to enroll in an EMT course as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians has lifted the minimum age requirement for course participation. But, they do warn that most states, including Texas, won't allow individuals to get licensed until they turn 18. I've attached a link to their website for your convenience.
When I was just starting, the service I volunteered for had a few local high school students (16 & 17) who had finished an EMT course and were allowed to be junior members, albeit with certain restrictions. These young people needed parental consent and an agreement with the service defining their boundaries as volunteers. Even though they had both passed the EMT Basic course, they couldn't respond to a call or scene or provide care since they weren't licensed. However, they were granted the opportunity to spend time at our station, attend our meetings, and get a feel for various aspects of the service's operations. This gave them a glimpse into whether this was the right path for them. Interestingly, neither of them pursued a career in EMS - one is now a physician assistant after attending college, and the other chose to study business.
I would strongly suggest you get in touch with the Texas EMS office or check out their website for more information.
Best of luck to you!
https://www.nremt.org/Document/Support-Center-Certification
In many states, including Texas, there are laws in place that mandate first responders to be at least 18 years old. This is to shield them from potentially harmful scenarios that could adversely affect their physical and mental health. These laws essentially bar anyone from securing an EMS license and serving or volunteering for a service. Dealing with individuals in the throes of a medical emergency or crisis can be quite taxing. Not just during the situation - that's often the less difficult part - but also in managing the emotions that linger after the ordeal has passed. It can be distressing and many adults struggle with it, even those with robust coping mechanisms and support networks.
However, there's a silver lining. You might still be able to enroll in an EMT course as the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians has lifted the minimum age requirement for course participation. But, they do warn that most states, including Texas, won't allow individuals to get licensed until they turn 18. I've attached a link to their website for your convenience.
When I was just starting, the service I volunteered for had a few local high school students (16 & 17) who had finished an EMT course and were allowed to be junior members, albeit with certain restrictions. These young people needed parental consent and an agreement with the service defining their boundaries as volunteers. Even though they had both passed the EMT Basic course, they couldn't respond to a call or scene or provide care since they weren't licensed. However, they were granted the opportunity to spend time at our station, attend our meetings, and get a feel for various aspects of the service's operations. This gave them a glimpse into whether this was the right path for them. Interestingly, neither of them pursued a career in EMS - one is now a physician assistant after attending college, and the other chose to study business.
I would strongly suggest you get in touch with the Texas EMS office or check out their website for more information.
Best of luck to you!
John recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Elijah, thanks for reaching out to us. Great inquiry! Volunteering indeed represents a profound gesture of kindness within your community. You might already be aware of this form of community service through your school or local community. Don't hesitate to explore these activities that you're interested in. Engage with those around you to gain insight into their community involvement. Your participation would be a delight to the community, and I'm confident that any community would consider you a valuable addition to their group. The sooner you immerse yourself in community service, the more enriching your experience will be.
Of course, since you're young, it's important to discuss your plans with your parents. They might even assist you in finding the right community for first responders. Value their opinions as they could guide your desire to contribute. Remember, not everyone has the passion for community service, so cherish it. Best of luck! The world is eager to see what you'll achieve.
Of course, since you're young, it's important to discuss your plans with your parents. They might even assist you in finding the right community for first responders. Value their opinions as they could guide your desire to contribute. Remember, not everyone has the passion for community service, so cherish it. Best of luck! The world is eager to see what you'll achieve.
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Allison’s Answer
Hello there!
Remember, your enthusiasm and compassion for helping others is your greatest strength right now. Despite being young and still in high school, your age is just a number, not a barrier. Once you step out of high school, consider exploring EMT courses at nearby colleges. This is your gateway to becoming a paramedic, as gaining experience through these courses is crucial for admission into medic school!
In the meantime, why not volunteer at your local hospital or fire station? This will give you a taste of the field and help confirm if it's truly your calling. If your school offers it, consider taking anatomy or medical terminology classes. These will give you a head start on your journey. Keep going, you're doing great!
Remember, your enthusiasm and compassion for helping others is your greatest strength right now. Despite being young and still in high school, your age is just a number, not a barrier. Once you step out of high school, consider exploring EMT courses at nearby colleges. This is your gateway to becoming a paramedic, as gaining experience through these courses is crucial for admission into medic school!
In the meantime, why not volunteer at your local hospital or fire station? This will give you a taste of the field and help confirm if it's truly your calling. If your school offers it, consider taking anatomy or medical terminology classes. These will give you a head start on your journey. Keep going, you're doing great!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello Elijah!
You should consider signing up for a first aid training class designed for teenagers. It could be a great stepping stone into the world of first responders for someone your age. I took a first aid class when I was a teen! This is a fantastic goal and I am sure can be a rewarding career!
You should consider signing up for a first aid training class designed for teenagers. It could be a great stepping stone into the world of first responders for someone your age. I took a first aid class when I was a teen! This is a fantastic goal and I am sure can be a rewarding career!
Hello, Elijah
Try going to any local volunteer fire departments and see if they have a "Junior Firefighting Program" See if they do and try to get information on the next event to help out. I went to a local VFD and it worked. Even if they don't have a program you could ask to come to a training night to learn and egage.
Cam