Is it too late to say "Don't do it!" ?
they are all thats hiring right now. lol
any advise/recommendations?
gear/classes i "need"?
it's best used as a stepping stone to something else, i.e. nursing, safety, etc.
AASI will provide the classes and training that they feel you need.
Show up to work at least 15 minutes early...Your relief will appreciate it
Stay out of station "politics"
Have an open mind. Use every call as a "learning opportunity". Ask questions and don't assume anything.
Buy the most comfortable pair of boots that you can afford and decent socks....Your feet will thank you for it at the end of your shift
As an EMT at Acadian, you will be doing a lot of driving...Polarized sun glasses are your friend
Buy yourself a good stethoscope...The Littmann Classic II SE is a good choice and won't set you back too much. Pick an off-the-wall color and make sure that you put your name on it.
A good multi-tool or folding knife and a small LED flashlight are priceless.
Don't cram your pockets full of "stuff" - the only thing you need to carry in there besides your light is a roll of 1 or 2" tape and a few extra pairs of gloves.
Buy a small fanny pack or day bag of some type. Stock it with spare ink pens, a set of spare batteries for your light, EMS field guide, Tums, Advil, etc. and keep it behind the seat. Consider adding bottled water, cereal bars, packs of ramen noodles, etc.
Keep a complete spare uniform in your vehicle at the station, including extra socks.
Those are just a few things that popped into my head right off the bat.
i just need to find out their boot policy before i buy some, i never skimp on boots. after 10yrs of military and 8 offshore, i always get the best of the best.
As someone who's been in the field since the early 1990's I must disagree. Just b/c you couldn't hang don't put that back on the profession.
Dave
Chill out it was a joke.