<p>Since I don't have anything lined up for the summer, I've recently become interested in taking EMT training classes (I'm currently a freshman in college). I have a friend who was able to take the training classes and also volunteer on-site with our local fire department, so I'd probably try doing something similar. What I'm wondering is: if I'm a fairly small girl who doesn't know exactly how squeamish she is or how well she works under pressure (since I've never done something this intense before), would this be a bad idea? It seems like it could be a really, really valuable experience and obviously very practical; and I'm willing to give it my best effort, even if it turns out to be personally difficult. Anyone out there who's done this kind of thing, and is willing to give some advice/insight? Thanks!</p>
<p>Well, if you haven’t already, get CPR/first aid certified, first. Some info is at [the</a> Red Cross site](<a href=“http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=aea70c45f663b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD]the”>American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters).</p>
<p>Depending on who instructs your EMT class, it can be easy or extremely intense. Mine was the latter, but it is honestly the best class I’ve ever taken and I have gained tons of insight from it. There’s lots of studying and reading and lectures and simulations involved, and if you have a good class they’ll give you small quizzes that will prep you for the state/national exams. It’s good to do it over the summer so you don’t have to deal with extra college work. Ask a few people in your area how their experience was, and if it sounds interesting, then go for it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! I guess I’m not as worried about the class, since it would still be somewhat structured and theoretical, and therefore an environment I can most likely adapt to. But what about doing actual on-site volunteering? I’m not sure that this would be possible, but my friend did it (he had actual shifts where he rode in the ambulance, for example), so I guess it’s a potential option if I want real-life experience. Is it extremely intense (aka terrifying? haha…)?</p>
<p>I think you’ll be fine as long as there’s not another 9/11 when you’re riding in the ambulance (but Osama bin Laden is dead, so I doubt that will happen).</p>