Reasons I didn't become an EMT, ranked

A software engineer who finally completed an EMT certification after years of procrastination lays out 21 reasons he delayed, ranked from sensible to absurd. Practical barriers dominate early on: an accelerated NOLS Wilderness EMT can demand 28 consecutive days away, typical courses cost $2k-$5k plus travel, continuing-education and finding volunteer ambulance shifts are nontrivial, and scope-of-practice limits what EMTs can do on serious calls. Culture worries - burnout, fratty attitudes, and poor fit - loom large, as do softer concerns like not wanting to work on an ambulance, preferring search-and-rescue, or thinking self-study and basic first-aid are sufficient. He shares concrete class experiences (simulations, wilderness improvisation, AED and oxygen training) and notes how some fears proved unfounded.

The central claim is that most reasons to delay are excuses: formal EMT training teaches durable, practical skills, opens pathways into paramedicine, SAR, and disaster response, and connects learners to institutional knowledge that isn’t available online. The work itself is often tedium - cleaning, paperwork, waiting - but also meaningful and uniquely rewarding when it matters. Culture and logistics vary by service and are real tradeoffs, yet the biggest barrier was fear. Having done the course, he urges others ready for a serious commitment to just take the training.