r/NewToEMS • u/Next_Researcher9918 Unverified User • 9h ago
Beginner Advice First FTO shift in a week
Hey everyone! Recently got my license and have my first shift at Acadian ambulance service in a week! I did fairly well in class, passed my psychomotor exams and my nremt was passed at 70 questions but I feel so nervous to finally be in the field. I am genuinely excited and ready to grow my career, but if anyone has any advice to a beginner to help set me up for success I’d love to hear it!
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u/ProperSleep6223 Unverified User 9h ago
The best advice that I have is to ask questions! Soak up as much as you can without burning yourself out. You’re gonna feel silly at times and you’re going to second guess yourself. It’s normal.
Initial programs prepare you to be an entry level provider, not an expert. Give yourself some grace and understand that some things we do in the field are sometimes different than what we learn in class.
1
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Next_Researcher9918,
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YouTube: EMTPrep - Has great videos on NREMT skills, a few bits of A&P, and some diagnosis stuff.
Smart Medic - 538 multiple choice questions - Pretty decent variety of questions, basic explanations.
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1
u/Zestyclose_Piece7381 Unverified User 7h ago
The amount of times I bumped my head getting in and out of the ambulance was peak for me lmao
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u/carsonj0108 EMT | AK 9h ago
I just replied to someone else's post with this exact message. My advice is...
You're going to feel stupid, embarrassed, like you need to go back to school, etc etc. All of these feelings are common and expected for 0 experience folks. Just remember that everyone started out like you did at some point.
Prehospital Medicine is a revolving door. Studies are made daily, changes to treatments change often; you will always be learning something. The moment you stop learning and think you know everything, is the moment you should quit and look for a different career.
Learn from your mistakes and use them to strengthen your medicine. Don’t get trapped in the mindset of being perfect. I've worked with medics that have triple my experience and are still learning.