Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
A software engineer lists the excuses that delayed his EMT certification for years.
The author, a software engineer, took a 28-day NOLS Wilderness EMT course after years of delay. Reasons included concerns about time, culture, cost ($5,000+), and fear of enjoying the work. He found volunteer positions exist, class culture varied, and the certificate opens a universe of learning. His biggest excuse was fear of a new and scary world.
What commenters are saying
Commenters resonated with the story, sharing their own part-time first responder or trade school experiences alongside tech careers. Many noted EMS culture's frattiness stems from coping with trauma and black humor. A few highlighted PTSD risks: one medic quit after a minor call became his breaking point, and a paramedic left the field after a traumatic event he won't discuss.