Get to Vs. Have to

Between my blog, Twitter and my EMT class, I have the opportunity to talk to a lot of new EMTs and EMT students. It’s fun to take part in the early energy of learning emergency services. Working with EMT students is an opportunity to vicariously relive the excitement and confusion of the first cardiac arrest or major accident scene.

One thing I’ve noticed as we porgress into our chosen field is what I call the “get to - have to” shift. New EMTs get to do things. “I get to ride along for 8 hours today.” “I got to hold c-spine on scene.” “I get to do all the patient assessments today.” “I get to be the attendant next shift.” “I get my first partner assignment at the end of the week.”

Somewhere along the way we shift. We’re still doing the same job. We’re still running the same calls but somehow, someone convinced us that we don’t have a choice. We may even chose to believe that these things aren’t fun anymore. Perhaps they’re not even worth doing.

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