Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked
A software engineer details the twenty-one reasons they delayed getting an EMT certification, concluding that fear of trying something new was the primary obstacle.
read it The engaging personal essay and insightful comments from other tech-to-EMS career changers make this a rewarding read.
summary
A software engineer breaks down their twenty-one reasons for avoiding EMT training, ranging from time constraints and culture to the fear of failure. After finally completing a Wilderness EMT course, they realized these concerns were largely rationalizations masking their fear of stepping outside their comfort zone. The post encourages readers to confront similar hesitations about new pursuits.
key points
- Intensive programs like the NOLS Wilderness EMT course can compress training into 28 days, making it feasible for professionals with flexible time off.
- An EMT certification does not mandate full-time ambulance work; it primarily provides foundational medical skills and entry into emergency response networks.
- Many common hesitations about fitting in with younger students or disrupting a day job often mask a simple, underlying fear of the unknown.
who should read it
Software engineers and tech workers contemplating radical career tangents or meaningful side pursuits.
discussion warm
consensus
Commenters widely resonate with the author's psychological block, with several engineers sharing parallel career pivots into firefighting, paramedicine, and search and rescue.
pushback
A minority of commenters highlight the heavy psychological toll, high burnout rates, and pervasive PTSD associated with full-time emergency medical work.
I have written about this before here on HN.
I obtained a BS in Aerospace Engineer in 1998. After job jumping several times I realized I didn't care for it. I was basically a "paper" engineer, which was my fault as I never pursued jobs that did "real" engineering.
Anyway, around 2003/2004 I went to night school for EMT. The purpose was to be a dive master on dive boats (I was/am a dive master - I don't dive anymore). It was fun.
My engineering job sucked so I jumped into paramedic school right after EMT. I really enjoyed it. About a month from graduating PM school, county fire department …
It provides a compelling first-hand account of successfully balancing an engineering background with full-time emergency services over a long career arc.
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