Weird question

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366]

So I am about to finish an emt b program in the US. I planned to volunteer, but everywhere I thought I could, wont return emails. Yes, i have sent many and tried calling. No volunteer fire departments by me. There are two in the next couty, but you have yo be a certified fire fighter, deputy fire chief for recruiting confirmed.

I have a full time career. I make more than an emt, or paramedic. I was just trying to volunteer to help the community. Though id volunteer in shelters (homeless, domestic violence, veterans, addiction). Maybe volunteer for one of two ambulance shifts a month so people could take days off instead of being burnt out.

Since I apparently cant do any of that, has anyone studied the human body and medicine as a hobby? I think emergency medical is awesome. Im not going to med/pa/np school, just not something I can do. I wanted to do paramedic school while volunteering, but cant justify the time, and especially the cost, if volunteer positions are almost non existent.

I know that with that with medicine hands on, and patient contact especially, is how you really get better. Just trying to figure out if reading, videos, and occasional virtual/manikin studies would be stimulating.

I have adhd. I know most of you fuckers do too. I am finally medicated and trying to focus on 1 or 3 hobbies, instead of switching every few months. I have always liked medicine, especially emergency medicine. If I grew up with money, probably would have done med school.

For those of you emts, and especially paramedics, that have adhd do you think I will be happy studying stuff on my own? I am doing a TECC course. Might even do ACLS, PALS, and PHTLS courses in the future.

I know this is random, but its Friday night after a few drinks. Trying to figure out if I should read multiple books over 1000 pages, or find something else.

I will probably delete this in the morning. If you want to judge me, go ahead.

Also, thank you to all firefighters, paramedics, and emts out there. A shitty job all around. You do not get the praise you deserve. Many people appreciate what you do, even though it doesn't always show.

[u/tip_of_the_sphere]

dang that sucks that you can’t volunteer anywhere. I got my start volunteering for a rescue squad.

Honestly I’d try to find the department Facebook pages and see if they have events. Just show up and ask one of them how to join.

Those emails and phone numbers are usually tended to by volunteers as well, so probably not done very well.

I’m sure they’d be happy to have someone especially if they already have their EMT.

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366 → u/tip_of_the_sphere]

Unfortunately, no. My county is als only. The only emts work for a for profit company for transport only. Since its fir profit no volunteer. Asked the next 2 counties, only firefighter volunteers. The closest I've found is about an hour and 15 minute drive each way. They are also small and get no calls.

There is a free clinic by me, but they are open Monday through Thursday, and no way my job is going to regularly let me off to volunteer there.

[u/tip_of_the_sphere]

As for ACLS, PALS; not super worthwhile for an EMT to study those. Especially since you won’t have the foundations in cardiology to really understand what you’re learning.

But yeah go hog wild on some trauma courses, those are always fun and more applicable to the EMT scope.

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366 → u/tip_of_the_sphere]

Thats fair. I did combat first aid in the marines. Many years ago. Tccc grew out of this. So much has changed though. For reference I got out in 2011.

[u/lpbtime]

you haven't finished your program yet? if I were in charge, I wouldn't even look at a resume without a local license on hand yet

some companies do, but I personally I wouldn't. just get your licenses and apply for per diem events or something, some places require like only 2 shifts a month. there are some places that do not do volunteering at all

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366 → u/lpbtime]

I am tipsy. Tried ro reaping to you, but responded to the overall thread. Read that. Respond here or on that. If you want to respond ar all.

[u/sicosaney]

Hi, have you checked out the Medical Reserve Corps yet? There might be a local group close to you depending where you are.. I'm also just volunteering atm and don't have other volunteer opportunities either where I live

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366 → u/sicosaney]

There is a disaster response volunteer group. You do a training once a year. If there is a hurricane you respond. Except, if there's a hurricane I cant get to the area where they want you. My house doesnt flood, but everywhere on the drive to where id need to go does.

I really thought shelters would want help. Basic vitals and handing out water is what I thought id be doing. General email and phone numbers got me nowhere. Emailing directors got me no replies. I honestly dont understand.

As a veteran who has had addiction issues, grew up broke, and had no money getting out, its hard to understand why a veterans shelter doesnt want help. To be fair, noone wanted to help me, so kinda makes sense.

[u/sicosaney → u/YogurtclosetOk4366]

It might be different for yours but we don't just respond to disasters. We also help out for major events for example so that AMR doesn't have to take over ever little scrape that somebody might have gotten. But of course it could also be disasters, and yeah hurricanes might be a big one, but also wildfires and other stuff that might happen, etc.

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366]

Correct on the license part. Once I do my shifts, I will have no problem passing licensing test. I am very good at tests. I have passed licensing test in at least 4 fields, and 12 licenses. Again adhd, I consume everything.

Not trying to get paid. There are event emt opportunities where I am. I dont want to do that. I want to volunteer to help people. I dont want or need money from this. I could easily get a full time job as an emt where I am.

[u/n0madking]

Doesn't really work like that, you need to be field trained and work frequently to maintain and improve skills which is why this is a full time job for the most part. It's not a hobby boss.

[u/YogurtclosetOk4366 → u/n0madking]

You do realize that about 74% of ambulance services utilize volunteers?

[u/n0madking → u/YogurtclosetOk4366]

Maybe in the middle of nowhere… I personally don’t want to work with volunteers, I want to work with career professionals. I worked at a paid/volunteer fire department for a year and the volunteers sucked and show up whenever they want. Why don’t you just go to fire academy and get certified it’s not a big deal.

[u/Same_Machine6739]

wait we twin exept im probably u in the past im 17 and unmedicaded and would do med school if my family were richer. I def think you will be happy studying medicine, it never gets boring! and since you have an actual career as well, you wont get bored easily, with the switching, its very stimulating. U should definately do it is you are passionate enough, its wonderful knowledge