Informational Interview Report: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
[Thanks to SE for sharing her informational interview with an EMT.]
My current career goals are to become an (Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and hopefully work at a hospital within the next couple of years.
I interviewed a friend of mine who is currently doing an internship at a local hospital as an EMT. I met him at work. He is also a cousin to one of my best friends. At our job, he is a first aid helper who provides care for both customers and employees should there be any accident-related injury.
The main goal for my interview was to gain more knowledge about the EMT field. I wanted to get a better understanding about how this job is and what goes on.
I have never talked to someone who is going through the process of becoming an EMT, so I was excited to hear the answers to my questions.
On a scale if 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with your career choice and why?
My interviewee had a big smile on his face and without hesitation said, “A 10 without a doubt,” and proceeded to tell me how this career is unlike any other career he was interested in previously. He mentioned that one minute he could be helping an older lady with her groceries and the next he is performing CPR and trying to save someone’s life.
What do you like best about your career?
He said, “It has to be the lives that I save. Having the chance to provide the best care they deserve and even trying to put a smile on their face when they are going through their worst moments.” In that moment, I could feel how sincere he was and you could really tell how much this person enjoys his job.
What do you enjoy least about your job?
He said, “When we arrive and that person has already passed away.” When I asked him that question you could tell by the look on his face that it really affects him as a human being to see something like that. I think that in any job that is related to EMT, that will always be the worst thing about the job.
What is the education required to become an EMT?
He then told me it takes a semester to complete an EMT program and after you have completed that you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam. He says out of all the work he did in the program that the test is probably the hardest for any upcoming EMT.
What experience is necessary for this field?
He said, “Definitely working with patients and taking a lot of vitals.” He proceeded to tell me that when you first start off as an EMT, you work with a private ambulance company and then work your way up to doing 911 calls.
What areas are growing and changing in your field?
He went into detail about the many progressive changes regarding more advanced lifesaving equipment: “Learning to use new equipment to cut down the time we are on scene for a call.” He told me that firefighters are now impacted with there being more paramedics and EMTs.
What is the pay like for an EMT?
He told me for 911 calls you get paid $22-30 an hour and for private companies you get paid $13-18 an hour. I had never even thought about the pay before this interview. All I ever thought about was that I wanted to be a part of this field and help people out.
Lastly, what advice do you have for someone like me who is entering this field?
He probably said the most comforting words: “Always remain calm and never doubt yourself.” He then said, “Remember your training and most importantly, remember that this career is team oriented so you are never alone.”
Reflection
Hearing him tell me all these things made me so excited for my future career and all the things I am going to be able to learn. I have a better understanding about this career and the expectations on becoming an EMT.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my interview. I asked all the main questions that have been going through my head since choosing this career.
This interview gave me a reassurance that I have picked the right job for me and to not second guess myself anymore.
After the interview was over, I thanked my interviewee and we got some Starbucks coffee and talked about our day-to-day lives again. It’s nice to have someone who is your friend that you can gain knowledge from and is into the same career as you.