Hey, I'm a junior interested in training as an EMT and I thought about joining the military after high school to get that training. Would anyone be able to suggest the best military branch for EMT training?
From the standpoint of emergency medical training, you might want to consider the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard. Here's why:
1. The U.S. Army: The Army offers the 68W Health Care Specialist, often referred to as the combat medic. This is an extremely valuable role where you'll receive emergency medical training to provide first aid and immediate trauma care on the battlefield. In this role, you're taught various medical procedures including, but not limited to, CPR, wound management, and medication administration — skills that will translate directly to a civilian EMT role.
2. The U.S. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard operates similarly to an EMT in many ways because of its search and rescue missions. As part of the Coast Guard, you might serve as a Health Services Technician, who receive EMT-level training and are responsible for providing healthcare to crew members and others. In emergency situations, their duties are almost identical to those of civilian EMTs.
It is important to consider other aspects before making your decision, such as the overall mission and lifestyle of each branch, and where you see yourself fitting best. Make sure to speak to recruiters from both the Army and Coast Guard about these opportunities, so that you can get a more personalized and comprehensive understanding.
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