Beginning Your Career In EMS
You succeeded in your interview and were offered the position you have been waiting for in Emergency Medical Services. It is easy to know that in order to get into the EMS field you need to get a post-secondary education and interview for the position. But what happens after that?
Getting Your Feet Wet In Emergency Medical Services
First things first – you want to get settled in your EMS career before you start jumping. Get yourself comfortable, learn the ropes, get close with other EMS workers, and find out how to work your way up the ladder.
During that time is when you decide whether or not you want to stay where you are, search for a different EMS position, and/or further your EMS education. While it is never a bad idea to go back to school, you might want to wait on those other ideas, if you are having thoughts of going to a different department. It is advised that you stay in your current EMS position until you have some experience under your belt. This will make it easier for you to move around if you decide to.
Have A Plan For Your Emergency Medical Services Career
Going into a career, including EMS, without some sort of plan is like jumping out of a plane and learning how to build a parachute on the way down. Whether you own a business or you’re working for someone, it is always good to have your plan written down.
Your EMS career plan should include dates and deadlines. Where do you want to be in a year? What are your goals within that year? This will help you take notice if you are stuck in the same spot for a prolonged period of time.
It will also help light a fire under you to get you to take charge of your career, talk to people who can get you where you want to be, and do it all within the timeframe you set for your career. This is not to say your EMS career must follow your written plan, but you do not want to be in a dead end.
If you want a higher position and you see you’re being looked over, it might be time to request a meeting. You are in charge of your own future.
