Returning to EMS after long absence?
Hello everyone, I worked in EMS from the time I was 18 till I was 31, first as an EMT then a paramedic. Mix of busy 911 and ER experience. I left to start a construction business, partly due to stress but also young children at home, wife in school and needing more flexibility in life. I never intended to leave for good but COVID happened a year later and life has been insane since and recently I have been thinking seriously about making a return. I miss the antics and nature of EMS coupled with clinical decision making and taking care of people.
Curious if anyone has experience leaving the field and then returning and what that learning curve was like? I have been away from the field for about 7 years and it's been nearly 11 since I worked regular "street" EMS. I felt competent and enjoyed the work at the time, I think getting older and having kids has made me think longer and not jump to decisions as quick.
I did a ride along at my former service and some aspects felt like stepping into old shoes and others felt completely foreign. The protocols are much more advanced now, they do RSI, give blood, carry a slew of pressers along with IV pumps, etc. Part of coming back feels conflicting because it's not coming back into the role I left, coming back looks like learning new skills and information in a system that looks completely different than it did a decade ago.
Appreciate any thoughts or advice,