After 8 years as a National Guard Medic assigned to an Infantry BN, 12 years ER experience, and 4 years as a civilian EMT, I have found that pre- and post-hospital emergency medicine experience is priceless. You know what to do almost instinctively, and you usually don't get rattled (unless it's close family).
I have always thought first-aid needs to be a requirement in High School, and most jobs should offer first-responder training.
Self-aid and buddy-aid in basic training helped, but with the advances in combat medicine in the last few years, I think more and more people should have a deeper medical training. If more people were trained better, it may save more lives.
Sadly, EMTs in this area make 7-8 dollars an hour, and paramedics make 10-12 dollars an hour. I did the civilian EMT thing a few years ago for extra income, but I always felt sorry for the guys and gals that did it for a living.
JMO,
Steve
Make your enemies by choice, not by chance - Alfred Bester
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