70 Insights for Future EMS Providers
May 6, 2025 | Category: Article
Entering the field of Emergency Medical Services is more than a career choice—it’s a calling. As we celebrate 70 years of service at Cetronia Ambulance Corps, we’ve reflected on what makes EMS so rewarding and what future providers should know before stepping into the back of the ambulance for the first time.
Whether you’re considering joining EMS, just starting out, or reflecting on your journey, here are 70 reasons and tips to inspire, guide, and motivate.
Reasons to Be in EMS
1. You make a difference every single day.
2. No two days are ever the same.
3. You’re the calm in someone’s worst moment.
4. You gain a second family in your team.
5. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush.
6. People remember your kindness.
7. You become a master problem solver.
8. You work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
9. You build resilience that transfers to every area of life.
10.EMS is a career that keeps you moving.
11. You’ll witness the strength of the human spirit.
12. Every shift is an opportunity to learn.
13. You’re trained to be prepared for anything.
14. You can specialize or grow into leadership roles.
15. You’ll develop communication skills like no other.16. It’s a field built on trust and teamwork.
17. You’ll make lifelong friendships.
18. You’re often someone’s first line of hope.
19. You’ll always have stories to tell.
20. You’re part of a proud history—like Cetronia’s 70 years.
21. Your training is always evolving.
22. You’re not stuck behind a desk.
23. You help bring calm to chaos.
24. You’ll gain deep empathy.
25. You become part of your community’s backbone.
26. You’re a teacher in the field.
27. You advocate for your patients.
28. You get to be the “good guys.”
29. The uniform symbolizes trust and integrity.
30. You play a critical role in public health.
31. You see the results of your actions in real time.
32. You have the power to comfort even when you can’t cure.
33. You’ll learn how to lead in high-pressure moments.
34. There’s pride in being dependable.
35. You inspire others by example.
Tips for Aspiring EMS Providers
36. Always listen first. Patients will tell you what’s wrong if you pay attention.
37. Be humble. There’s always more to learn.
38. Take care of your body—hydration, rest, and nutrition matter.
39. Master your basics. Strong fundamentals are your best friend.
40. Document everything. If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.
41. Ask questions. No one expects you to know everything right away.
42. Don’t let one bad call define you.
43. Practice empathy. It’s as critical as your protocols.
44. Support your partners. You succeed together.
45. Stay calm. Your demeanor sets the tone for everyone else.
46. Be professional, even when no one is watching.
47. Take mental health seriously. Use resources. Talk. Unwind.
48. Never fake what you don’t know. Ask or look it up.
49. Learn from your mistakes. They’ll make you better.
50. Keep your gear organized. Time counts.
51. Respect your patients, always.
52. Keep your certifications up to date. Stay current.
53. Know your local protocols inside and out.
54. Be flexible. Adaptation is survival.
55. Build strong communication habits. With patients and with your team.
56. Don’t burn bridges. EMS is a small world.
57. Remember the ‘why.’ Reconnect with your purpose regularly.
58. Keep learning. Every run is a new lesson.
59. Practice lifting techniques. Save your back.
60. Know your equipment. Blindfold test yourself.
61. Prepare for the unexpected.
62. Debrief after difficult calls. It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
63. Stay curious. Medicine evolves—so should you.
64. Learn your area’s geography. Fast navigation can save lives.
65. Dress appropriately. Comfort and function matter on a 12-hour shift.
66. Be patient with yourself. Confidence takes time.
67. Embrace teamwork. It’s not a solo sport.
68. Teach others when you can. Giving back strengthens the whole field.
69. Know when to speak up. And when to listen.
70. Celebrate the wins—big or small. They matter.
Final Thoughts
As Cetronia Ambulance Corps marks 70 years of service, we recognize that EMS is more than lights, sirens, and calls—it’s a commitment to excellence, compassion, and growth. If you’re considering EMS, take the leap. If you’re already in it, thank you for being part of something bigger than yourself.
Here’s to the next 70 years—and the next generation of lifesavers.