For my STEP project, I was able to gain my Emergency Medical Technician certificate. This is something that I have always dreamed of since I was little and directly ties in with my future career plans of becoming a trauma surgeon or emergency medicine physician. I completed the EMT course at Central Ohio EMS Training in Lexington, OH. The course consisted of both classroom and clinical components. Following the course, I had to sit for the National Registry exam that also serves as the licensing exam for Ohio. The course turned out to be an eye-opening experience and allowed me to gain a unique perspective of emergency medicine- especially pre-hospital emergency medicine. I am grateful that I was finally able to make a childhood dream come true.
As the class progressed, especially into clinical ride-alongs, I started to realize that I was capable of making critical decisions under pressure and began to feel more comfortable communicating with patients. Going into the class, I wasn’t so sure of my ability to accurately recall information and make the correct treatment decisions. I also didn’t feel very comfortable communicating with people in perhaps the most stressful times of their lives. As my ride time increases, I developed these skills. I feel like these skills will travel with me, both as a current RA and EMT… but also will be used for my entire career.
As mentioned before, I found the project to be very eye-opening. During my clinical ride-alongs, I got to see how different populations live. I had calls in affluent areas and I also went on calls in areas where the population had a low socioeconomic standing. Coming into my STEP project, I had never interacted with such a wide variety of people and found it interesting to see how different areas live. The disparities in healthcare make a lot more sense now that I have seen the resources available (or lack of resources) in different communities.
I also gained new respect for EMS and other first responders. I saw first hand the long hours (24 hour shifts), difficult calls they take, and saw the impact that public perception can have on them. I always respected first responders, but becoming a first responder really provided me with a new perspective. I saw how interconnected fire/EMS/police are, and the bond that they all have is truly special.
In terms of critical decision making and talking to patients, several experiences stand out. I can’t get too specific because of HIPPA, but I found myself making treatment decisions in the heat of the moment alongside EMTs and Paramedics with much more experience than me and becoming an active participant in the treatment. Regarding communication, I found myself communicating with all of my patients (some being scared/having very serious injuries). I had to perform assessments, patient reports to ER doctors, and talk to other first responders. This helped me get over being uncomfortable talking to people I don’t know. I have noticed I still use these skills as a RA and even when meeting new people.
Seeing how different populations was maybe the most eye-opening part for me. I had calls one the Delaware suburbs and I also had calls in downtown Mansfield. The difference in socioeconomic standing was stark. This will help me be more empathetic with patients both as an EMT and later in my career as a trauma surgeon or emergency medicine physician. I think empathy is an important trait of healthcare workers, but I think it is often overlooked by providers based on what I have seen shadowing. Having unique healthcare experience on both ends of the SES spectrum will allow me to be a better healthcare provider.
Hearing the “war stories” of various first responders, hearing about some of the disrespect/general unwelcomeness they see on calls, hanging out with them during their shifts. and seeing the tight bond they have with each other, and seeing how all emergency agencies play set roles on every call has made me realize that it is a much tougher job than people expect. They roll with all the punches, and do so with a smile on their face. They do not get paid very much and live stressful lives. They do it all because they like helping people. I had an idea of what being a first responder was like before I took the course, but little did I know! I think this helped me realize that it is important to “walk a mile in their shoes” before I pass any judgement. I think this is helpful in life in general, but also for my future career as well.
Overall, my STEP project was an extremely valuable experience. I think that this experience helped my gain a lot of medical experience and open doors for the future. I wanted to do this class in order to gain more medical experience for my medical school application, but it turned into that and so much more. I learned more about myself and the world around me. Hopefully I will be able to carry everything with me as I continue on my college career and to my future career as a trauma surgeon or emergency medicine physician! I also learned how much I enjoy EMS, my curiosity is peaked when I see a squad pass with lights and sirens! Hopefully I am able to get a job on a 911 truck in the next few weeks so I can get my adrenaline pumping again!