Why You Can't Get Into Public Safety ⎮Police, Fire, EMS⎮

[@shaqattac]

This might be my favorite video. I just crossed 1 year since I got certified and started working as an EMT. I definitely fit parts of the "obsessed" mold. And when I learned how (the private ambulance) field was, my opinions changed a lot. I went through a lot of hardship because I didn't get what I thought I would. At least for EMS/EMTs there's a whole lot to the career/field/industry that you never know about til you're in it, even after only 1 year. So like Sam said, don't put all your eggs in one basket.

[@MPD90]

Mind if I ask, what was your experience versus expectation?

[@shaqattac]

@@MPD90 I did 24 hour shifts for 5 months of private IFT after getting certified. I learned in my ride alongs for school very quickly that I did not want to do 911 in my area (long story short, very fire biased and you do not do anything as a private EMT). I expected to love working IFT, taking care of patients with an EMT/Medic partner. I experienced great mental and physical stress as a result of the 24 hour shifts, partners/coworkers not caring about the job as much as I did, and personal/family issues that related to me very sick patients I had. Eventually called it quits before I said I would. I was doing event medicine at the same time and I loved that and still love that when we have interesting shifts lol. I just started teaching skills at my EMT school as well. To my original point and Sam's as well, I had the expectation that this was the dream and I had focused my entire life on this field, and sometimes it doesn't pan out. But there's so much more to the field and I intend on going into a different career in the future but hopefully staying in EMS part time in some way.

[@MPD90]

@@shaqattac Makes a lot of sense. Good luck 👍

[@alliwantisfinancialstabili7414]

It really is important to be mature and cover your tracks and loose ends properly, even at shitty jobs. I have a friend who wanted to join the local fire department as an EMT. He had one job he worked that he hated and was telling me he was just going to quit without a two weeks notice. It took me a lot of hammering into him that it doesn't matter how much he doesn't like the job, it doesn't matter how common it is for people to quit without two weeks notice, he HAS to put in a proper two weeks notice and do it politely if he wants to stand a chance at getting hired. He ended up doing that properly and now works as a part time EMT and is on track to becoming full time with the department.

[@heythere4970]

This is huge. I came to this point in life where I had to start from scratch in my mid 30s. A friend of a friend had lawn mowing work as a side business, middle of Texas heat. I did the best I could pushing a mower every single day for months on end in 100+ heat. The owner did this as a side gig for tax reasons, and one day told me that if I worked this hard in his professional field that I'd make a ton. 6 months and a few licenses later I was making a little over 100k working with him, and a few years later it's been over 200k. All because of how I presented myself in the shittiest job I've had since I was a teenager.

[@PrepMedic]

I agree, although I’m not sure I would call it covering tracks or loose ends. More like making sure you are above reproach.

[@dr.oetqer]

​@@PrepMedic I'll agree. Although the terminology might not have been the best, I'll get were he was going to. In a certain way it is absolutely important, and part of the job, in the public safety sector, to always make sure there is nothing that can come back to you and can cause problems. Values like honesty, integrity, responsibility, and transparency are important, especially in this line of work. So, always be sure your paperwork is complete, and in case of possible complaints or whenever you've got a bad feeling about a situation, always write a good report. Making sure you have your paperwork/ reports ready, and have been in contact with your manager or business representative about it, can save your job and personal life.

[@drew8979]

I worked in the LE/Corrections career field for years and I left because I was burned out and ready for something new. I looked to transition to go the fire route, but I realized it’s all the same just with a different mission. I got tired of the good ole boy system and I have many friends who have left and are looking to leave but the job has become their whole identity, and this is across the law enforcement and fire career fields. Once I finished my master’s degree, I noticed that I was given more work to do because I was a pretty good writer, and people made condescending comments such as “When are you leaving” or “It must be nice”. The best part of the EMS/first responder community is the friends that you make and that’s the only part I miss. Also, I have seen great dudes who didn’t get in on their first try with a fire academy and one of them is a former PJ and he didn’t know why they didn’t pick him up. Also, I know a fire LT with a major department who was on the hiring board that didn’t hire a former MARSOC special operator, who was also an officer, and naval academy grad because the civil service thought he was “too aggressive” and that is beyond nuts to me on why you don’t want to hire a guy like that. I’ve also seen people go to these boards who are highly educated and want to make EMS a second career, but they can’t get their foot in the door, and I think it’s because some agencies don’t want to hire people who have other career options and don’t have the military preference points. I have seen agencies with a crabs-in-the-bucket mentality harp on people for having interests other than their job and that includes bettering themselves with education. Also, I think a lot of fire departments and police departments want robots and people who won't question anything. This is just my observation but I’m glad I got to do it when I did and I’m glad I moved onto something else with a better work-life balance.

[@jdog_rblx7449]

fully agree with this and I'm so happy I started super young and got out of it super young maybe one day but not now this industry is not what it used to be and the whole career field lives off the backs of TV's and movies hyping up the drama and action when the job is only 1% of all of that. I loved the fire department but the job purely sucks making 19 dollars an hour to work 72 hours a week is completely ridiculous that people at chick fla make the same hourly wage we do. The only reason we make more money than someone who works at the local fast food place is because we work way more than 72 hours a week and don't get a single ounce of overtime. Jobs dead. And to all you people who say "best Job in the world" your just lying to yourself to make yourself feel better about a job that actively abuses you and offers you no gain. I really do think there will be no change in this career and that is fine so I will have to change and move on with what is better for me in this world.

[@9770G]

Better work life balance? Cops have just as good of work life balance as any other job. Most corporate/private company jobs have horrible work life balance, so idk what u are talking about 😂

[@9770G]

@@jdog_rblx7449sounds like u worked in a really shitty area of just bad fire department because there are plenty of firemen who make great $ and have great work life balance. But if u wanna say that all of them have the same experience u had to justify your feelings, then by all means go ahead 😂.

[@rgamore]

Sam, good points for those wanting a career in public safety, but once you are on the inside things change and you are challenged everyday. There are personalities to deal with, ego's, me me's, social climbers, ass kissers and the list goes on. Not to mention testing and recertifications. It's not the same today! Accident chasers have caused all the services to be totally accountable to the most highest degree, which adds to the everyday stress. Remember---- you are and will be watched closely when you are on duty and even your personal life and rightfully so. You should set a positive example for other to look up to and follow.

[@jetson_]

Oh man this hit me good. I’m about to be done with EMS school and in so many instances I just want to burn my food service job. But it’s not right and it also wouldn’t be right to skate through my shifts and cause problems. Thanks for reinforcing these ideas of character and respect!

[@danmyers1080]

These are your opinions and I respect that for sure, my only issue with many of these points is that none of these matter if the organization doesn’t provide feedback, especially when the applicant asks for it. I know way back when I was applying to cop jobs the silence from departments was miserable. Now that I’m hiring people now for the same jobs, I always let them know at least some of the reasoning. You can’t change if no one tells you what’s wrong. I think that leads a lot of people to go collect training when their questions to unanswered and it leads to a lot of people giving up.

[@baptizedinblue]

We live in a day and age you can get sued for telling someone what they did wrong. Everyone should be adults. And anyone that chooses to look in the mirror should easily be able to figure out the problem if they stop and think.

[@BattlefieldSailor]

THANK YOU for dialing down the intro/outro, it was always jarring in contrast to the rest of the video. Also, if interviewing for a job, ask how it went after! Room to improve, and if you’re dismissed then why and if they have a better fit for you. Find a mentor, someone in the space to give you tips, see why you’re trying to apply, and to help you navigate.

[@tacticalministries3508]

Ive been pretty fortunate, my first job after finishing EMT school was for a transport company. Like so many others i thought this was the way it "had to be" , even thought i really hated doing transports. At that job i had a partner that also worked at a small 911 agency and he told me to apply. I was fortunate enough to get hired on there and i worked at that agency for over a year, it was small but we had a high call volume and it was a lot of serious type calls so i got experience really quick. When i left there i applied to my local hospital system and was lucky enough to get hired and im still there a year and a half later. Im hoping that ill be able to go to medic school through them. I may also be considered sort of a "cert collector" but I really do just like learning things

[@hd-mk8ds]

Cert collector = eager learner and intelligent (as long as you’re not pulling out your laundry list of credentials in the event someone questions your clinical decision making)

[@tacticalministries3508]

@@hd-mk8ds no, I just keep them in my "I love me" folder for job interviews

[@bebop_557]

@@hd-mk8ds 100% this. Nothing wrong with being eager to learn! In fact, that's one of the best qualities to have if you go into the instructor side of things. The best instructors are good students themselves. A "cert collector" is someone who has all the certs but none of the common sense or awareness, who sees certs as the be all end all, which is why they don't make the cut. Especially in the medical field, the first step to being even halfway decent as a line medic is to chill the fuck out and not act like such a blue falcon all the time... which definitely includes using a laundry list of credentials to tell other people how you're right and they're wrong.

[@connortracy7894]

Awesome video. I loved the point about the hobbies. I'm on a rural volunteer EMS and fire department (hopefully I'll start picking up some paid shifts with the ambulance service in the larger town we transport to and pick up paid wildland fire this summer since I'm a teacher and I have summers off). After rough calls or long fire assignments the thing that helps me de-stress and get my mind off of things is to cook a "fancy" or intricate meal. I wanted to be a chef for a long time and cooked in some fairly high end restaurants through college, so getting in the kitchen and just focusing on making a nice meal is a great way for me to deal with the initial post run/post fire stress.

[@Two_Bravo]

This will be my 27th year in public safety this year, and I am on the hiring board at my agency. Folks, Sam has put together a spot on video here and I couldn't have made one better if I tried. Good job Sam, and to the followers, if you're having trouble, rewind it, and watch this again. I've worked Corrections, LE, Fire, EMS (including air medical), and communications. Good luck to you, whatever avenue you are heading down.

[@alphakn1ghtwolf494]

Thank you for your service, and thank you for helping drive the points home. This will be my 2nd year going through the hiring process for Fire. I’ve always felt that my personality and effort wasn’t the problem. I’m not the greatest with my words, so the interview has been where I struggle the most. I have gotten very good advice, know how to answer questions better, and have a better understanding of what they are looking for.

[@hawkeye7527]

It's definitely good to be well rounded. I burned out after almost 6 years. The skills from fire&EMS really help with other careers, but they won't carry you on their own.

[@PrepMedic]

It’s a hard balance to find forsure.

[@turksheadbushcraftsurvival8717]

This is a great video! I think most if not all of these can be twisted to fit any career. Most of all the positivity and presenting yourself in a way that is professional. This is awesome advice that I think everybody can take away and learn from.

[@PrepMedic]

Agreed!

[@baptizedinblue]

@prepmedic don’t think you need to apologize because people can’t handle hearing the truth! What you said was spot on and easily understood! If they are too soft to hear it or are unwilling to take it to heart, they wouldn’t last long in the services anyway! Keep doing you!

[@eriksturdevant8589]

The answer is "moustache."

[@PrepMedic]

It always is

[@cej3940]

Not gonna lie, this video is a bit of a punch to the gut Gave me a lot to think about and work on to say the least haha I really needed a video like this coming from a person like you, like there isn't anything I can put on this comment to really drive exactly what I feel But in general, I appreciate the video and the insight you bring, its humbling to be told this and realize the utter amount of stuff I really should (and shouldn't) work on Keep up the good effort, thanks for your words

[@heythere4970]

We all look back at our younger years and cringe. The biggest thing that I've learned is skills and knowledge take a backseat to being a salesman, no matter what you do. You have to sell a product, sell your idea, sell those skills and that knowledge that you have. Be chill, honest, pleasant to be around, confident. The difficult thing is that most of this comes with age and experience. Some people are naturally more charismatic, but most have to work on it. The biggest thing I can say is read books about how to better present yourself, no joke, and really pay attention to personalities you're attracted to, and use that to dial in how you interact with people. You can't force things dmthat just don't fit you, but you can use that to help figure out what works for you.

[@PrepMedic]

If you look back at yourself from 5 years ago and like what you see there is a problem. Don’t beat yourself up about who you were, just focus on improving. Also, don’t take all advice to heart, including this video. Something’s will work for you, others won’t so 🤷‍♂️

[@a.c.2219]

Private EMS will hire anyone with a pulse. Took me a few years of trying to get into LE but anything is manageable as long as you keep trying.

[@flanagamer]

Seems like everybody is hiring cops these days though, especially big cities. It’s super easy to become a police officer.

[@a.c.2219]

@@flanagamer why don't you give it a try?

[@justinjohns7531]

​@@flanagamerthat's totally nonsense. The career field for LE is actually more competitive than ever. Many agencies are backed up in backgrounds because of the 100's of applications they get. The "they'll hire anyone in LE" is total BS.

[@DucatiGTS]

Apply that logic to M.D.'s, or any career where it's often called a "Calling". Or folks who have Ph.D.'s and their whole life is Science or Math and they do not have a social life or other things outside of their work. Should they not be hired? Not a criticism , just another perspective. Now I know this discussion is about a specific group. Great points and opinions either way.

[@PrepMedic]

My wife is a doctor and is currently in a highly competitive fellowship at Stanford. I can say with absolute certainty that you still need things outside of your career to be successful in the long run.

[@bluejedi723]

HR person here. I look for well rounded people. Do you have a life? Are you willing to learn? Can you play well with others? Do you play well with others? Are you going to boost morale or kill it? Are your coworkers going to look forward to the workday/shift with you, or are you going to make them cry and run? Thats stuff to consider when interviewing. Also- Be nice to the receptionist. Not over the top sugary sweet but at least be nice to him/her. Because oh boy they love to talk especially about possible new hires.

[@seanfarmer6571]

Great video and advise! Been on my FD for 25 years and helped with the interview process this year and saw every one of these mistakes.

[@PrepMedic]

Everyone doing the job that comments on this video get it. The ones that are not in it are the ones who take issue.

[@thomasarmstrong9327]

To your point about "Cert Collecting," a potential analogy would be the time I interviewed for a job as a mechanic, and admitted that I didn't possess what was then the precursor to the ASE certification. I got the job BECAUSE I didn't have the certification, because they didn't want the egos they had experienced with prior people who had certifications. They wanted to train me their way. I can see a department preferring someone with just-over-minimum requirements met and maybe some non-related education and experience so they could have that new worker train their way.

[@pontificusrex1501]

Thanks. This is what I needed to hear right now.

[@PrepMedic]

Good luck brother!

[@jonwooddell3966]

As a retired LEO, and having done numerous sworn/non-sworn/FD backgrounds for several agencies, the biggest issue, bar none, is honesty. Too many people come into the background process and think they are going to hide something they have done in their past. If asked, own it. Nobody expects every applicant to be perfect or a saint, but they do demand you be honest about it. Agencies want to hire applicants with life experience, both good and bad, as it makes them a more grounded employee. Some things in your past, an agency may be able/willing to work with but other things are immediately disqualifying. IF you know you've done something which will disqualify you, look into a different field of work. You lie, your chances are zero.

[@MastiffTactical]

Being able to talk to people and not being completely socially inept is a big one that I see people struggle with here as well

[@PrepMedic]

Exactly. A resume gets you the interview but your personality gets you the job. Being great at starting an IV is meaningless if you can’t get the patient to trust you enough to let you do it.

[@gregorysweat6244]

So I actually just got bumped after my board interview I did with my local police department. I really do appreciate the video. I didn’t think of stuff like that.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Corruption in law enforcement is staggering. The lowest of lows are employed by many law enforcement officers. Politics are a factor as well. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Typos in my comment. The corruption in law enforcement agencies and fire departments is staggering. If the truth was known about the NY police officers and firefighters who cursed each other out during the 911 recovery efforts. NY firefighters refusing to wear breathing protection during the recovery efforts. Public would be shocked. There's great people in law enforcement agencies but it's a slim margin. We know this first hand 👌. God bless 🙏

[@9770G]

@@lizzapaolia959ya sure pal u keep telling yourself that. Sounds like u couldn’t get into the academy and now u all butt hurt about it.

[@ninjagaming2036]

A great video as always man, I'm definitely sharing this one with my friends. Been following since 2017 brotha man!

[@PrepMedic]

Thank you!!

[@curtiswinkelman6902]

From what I've seen. 1) Don't apply too many times. been told it looks desperate and to give up. 2) Don't piss off an ex spouse. Apparently ex spouses get the final say in the background.

[@curtiswinkelman6902]

welcome to Oregon

[@bobnike7788]

for the interview part i'm gonna give some helpful advice, "be human" one thing a lot not all but a lot of people look for in a interview is if you have a basic understanding of what your doing, can you talk normally and fluently and if your a normal human outside of work. obviously theres more to it but in all just be human, talk to them like your friends (in a professional manner). the second you start sounding like a robot or start sounding like your whole life wraps around this job you become nine times outta ten almost instantly bottom of a list at least in these jobs. EMS you need communication to talk to your patients if you can't talk well and fluently in a interview then what makes them think your EMS ready. in fire again good communication, what i'm getting at is an interview isn't about certificates or how well you can perform a pushup its about discipline, can you actively listen and communicate as well as just being present and again a normal human being.

[@blitzkrieg459]

As someone’s who’s did all three (ems/fire,LE), and currently an EMS supervisor. Word does spread quick about how individuals conduct themselves at certain agencies. If you’re in public safety for a while, literally everyone knows someone. I get a lot of calls asking about people I worked with and how they are all the time. One person that I worked with (ems), never got along with her partners or team and was always super toxic. Word spread quickly and it followed her to every agency. It didn’t help her situation and she always went to social media and bashed every agency she worked for. She was always nice to me, (maybe because I was a supervisor) but I kinda felt bad for her because it made it hard for her to get hired anywhere.

[@RKOboring9]

I feel like ive been set up for failure and ended up being a cert collector. I'm still to early in my career as a medic to apply to any flight services but in paramedic school, my instructor (who was a flight medic) told me to get almost every card from NAEMT and AHA and become an instructor in them and put on classes, get a 4 year degree, get CCP and FP before I even apply for flight. Im already working critical care IFT and high call volume 911 and adding all this extra stuff to give myself a chanceI think its taking too much of my time when you put it like that. It was eating up my hobbies and time I gave other people.

[@PrepMedic]

It’s all about balance. I have a BS and teach pretty much all the AHA courses as well and it definitely helped me in interviews but you can’t just devote everything you do to work. Nothing you are doing is wrong, just make sure you don’t lose yourself in it.

[@parapatty13]

@@PrepMedicout of curiosity, what is your BS in? I’ve been considering going for a BS in paramedicine.

[@PrepMedic]

@parapatty4968 Emergency Management and Homeland Security

[@morotetsuke]

I think it would be best if you got a background investigator on your channel for a part 2 of this video. The hard truth of this lies there.

[@Cerakote123]

I agree with what you said about being balanced. However, theres a big difference between obsession and drive. Also, between mediocre and outstanding. You also can’t compare FIRE/EMS with law enforcement. Completely different mission sets.

[@PrepMedic]

But very similar hiring processes and very similar personalities who apply.

[@PrepMedic]

And I agree, you need drive and you need to sacrifice in measured doses if you truly want to rise to the top

[@Miaow69]

Can you do a video over dressing and bandaging wounds in different locations on the body such as the face or awkward areas

[@myalopez7273]

This video popped up at the perfect time. I’m an EMT student and mock interviews start soon because we’re having Morongo basin, San Diego, as well as a couple other stations picking up students on the spot.

[@ryyys370z]

The last agency I worked for was full with a crew of toxic EMS. All of them! Everyone they would hire would quit within a few months. They always had staffing issues and I was like hmm I wonder why? They never spoke to anyone thought they were too good to help with other tasks around the office. They were dicks to our coworkers who wanted to get their EMT certification. So whenever someone asked me hey you want your EMT cert I responded with a no thank you 😂 In my mind I was like I’ll get it somewhere else!!

[@bigd2829]

Wow I just had a mock interview yesterday for school and I learned a lot about my interviewing skills. I just turned 20 and not even considering public safety but this video was very eye opening and helpful even to someone who may go into a different field. Thanks so much for the knowledge!

[@brianbishoptv]

He said they're looking for somebody who Is a lifeguard before this. So I guess I should start out at focusing to become a lifeguard. Thank you my good sir.

[@mtnairpilot]

Could it also be that applicants are trying to get on in cities that everyone wants to live in? Charleston, Nashville, etc.? In our part of the country (south Louisiana), Acadian Ambulance Service is paying for EMT training in exchange for an agreed term of service. Maybe try applying where EMTs are in higher demand.

[@alexmalm6406]

Hay all. I tried to get onto a volunteer fire department when I was younger. The excuse they told me was that I was a new father and separated from the mother. Looking back maybe it was because of focus based off that reason? I’m not sure. I will admit I was the obsessed guy wanting into first responder community. Military didn’t work out for me. Law enforcement was a goal since I was a kid. It was frustrating to hear. I didn’t take it so well. But I got over it. Thx for reading my story. Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated.

[@PrepMedic]

Excuse or not that pretty illegal to disqualify someone based on family/marital status.

[@alexmalm6406]

@@PrepMedic thx

[@ElJefeDeTexas]

If anyone else trying to get into Public Safety go and work at your local Jail. Depending on what state they'll hire someone at age 19 with high school diploma. Example like me who once graduated went directly for Corrections, every benefits, retirements, medical insurance, and in rare cases have these "First Responders Appreciation" were we get special offers like Law Enforcement discount, mega discounts on tickets like Sport Games, Shows, Concert, etc etc etc you name it is the same thing Sheriff Deputies who work in the streets have. Only difference will be the pay, hours, week schedule, and while Deputies deal with criminals for like what 4 hours max? We deal with them till they bond out, sentence finished, or sent to prison. Jails are desperate for Corrections/Detention Officers. The only problem: How LONG can you stay? 1 week? 1 month? 2? Yeah no some people even after completing the training and keep on saying "This is my dream" amd are part of the "Blue lives matter" movement (which is nothing wrong with that) its like they realize how fucked up it is. They are scared to patrol the hallways with inmates running around believing they are next to be stabbed, and I tell them "Hey buddy check this out: Streets have Guns. We Have Guts." but yet after that they'll bail out ti even go as far as to say "Im done with Public Safety ill go work at McDonald's" If you are a Correction/Detention Officer how many of us wanted to go for the streets real badly and went for Corrections to get a small taste plus get experience and have a bigger resume? If you work in a State/Federal Prison: How do you guys do your job???

[@dakotareynolds3049]

I can attest to this. Great way to get your foot in the door and (hopefully) build a good name for yourself. Good practice for the stress side too, if you can handle situations in a jail and stay calm and professional, it's a much easier transition to working as a police officer/sheriff's deputy or whatever part of public safety you wanna get into

[@pinarppanrapir9489]

Hiring for "personality" instead of skill is many a reason why the job market and the quality of those jobs is so rubbish. This applies everywhere.

[@PrepMedic]

“Skill” in EMS is way more then being the best IV starter or best at intubating or having fast scene times. Personality matters because those skills don’t mean shit if the patient hates you because you are abrasive or if partner agencies won’t work with you. Everyone that gets an interview should have the basic “skills”, it’s an even playing field at that point and the ACLS class you took as an EMT isn’t going to get you the job, having a personality will. Furthermore skills can be taught and trained, being a good person can’t be.

[@jamesa7506]

@@PrepMedic cold hard truth. 👍

[@pinarppanrapir9489]

@@PrepMedic Just don't start hiring your family members because they're "nice". We have enough nepotism.

[@PrepMedic]

@pinarppanrapir9489 I rely on my coworkers too much to hire someone who isn’t up to par.

[@evanandersen64]

I feel like this can translate to any career (Construction, education, etc)

[@PrepMedic]

Absolutely.

[@slender169101]

I miss EMS I really do, but it's not my whole thing I branched out and began doing Security work for an Indian tribe. I am doing something in the mean time while I wait for EMS companies to open up

[@carrot6286]

Are earbuds necessary on the ambulance? Ive heard the sirens can damage hearing in ems

[@CatDaddySteve]

To become a Navy Seal / special forces,or top MMA fighter you need to be 100% OBSESSED. To be a paramedic, speak Spanish and be black and your in

[@boom7713]

ill take the competent black spanish speaking paramedic over anyone OBSESSED

[@ElCheebo]

How many languages do you speak? A new hire with Spanish skills is way more valuable then a monolingual candidate.

[@ElCheebo]

That’s because being a Medic has a low bar to entry in terms of physical fitness and ability to use the correct form of “you’re”

[@superduckybro]

Sounds like a bilingual black man got a job you applied for instead of you and are upset about it. I suggest therapy.

[@PrepMedic]

The whole “obsessed” culture rises from a select few social media personalities and really doesn’t speak to their respective communities. You need drive, you need to sacrifice for professional goals, you need to be a go getter but you don’t need to be obsessed. I work with/am friends with a pretty large group of Green Berets, PJs, Seals etc… and they are not obsessed, they have hobbies, interests outside of work and families. David Goggins is a bad ass and I think what he does is super cool but he’s obsessed and still isn’t winning the big ultra marathons. The people actually standing on the podium of Leadville and Western states don’t have near the mentality of him but they are still winning (Just an example).

[@EnglishLanguageLessons101]

You may be an amateur video producer but your damn good at it.

[@medicolt2535]

100% agree. I've seen amazing medics not get jobs because they can't have a good attitude or station etiquette.

[@PrepMedic]

Happens all the time.

[@zenja42]

I work in Critical Infrasructure - Power/Networks/Datacenter and I can only agree. I refuse to take so many ppl that has a degree in computer science or whatnot, just to hire someone with a good job exam and some work expiriance. (Job Training/Ausbindlung is a German/Central Europen thing). Especially in the DC Techs that do service inside of customer colo areas, I like the untrained but motivated person way more then the person who "has all the cisco certs" etc.

[@fredcolon2341]

Passion for the job you do is a good thing, and you have to take care of yourself and not let yourself get burnout, and if you are going to get choose on people who have not all the certifications, you loose a good amount of people for the jobs, that's what comes with the agencies and departments that hire them..

[@fredcolon2341]

On further training them wend they get hired, continuing from my last comment..

[@1903tx]

I didn't think PDs could afford to turn applicants away anymore

[@slappy8941]

They don't want anyone who's too smart or not psychotic.

[@Sharpshooda777]

The department I want to work for is desperate for officers but they make an effort to make sure they are getting qualified candidates. They do an extensive process to see if the person is qualified and requires an associates degree to start the process.

[@9770G]

@@slappy8941ya sure 😂, u keep telling yourself that. Sounds like u couldn’t get into the academy and now u big mad 🤣🤡

[@9770G]

@@Sharpshooda777yup that’s how they all are. Losers who say otherwise are just straight up naive.

[@JasonSmith-ee7zq]

I knew two individuals who made law enforcement their entire personality. Needless to say, both got let go from multiple agencies and ended up pursuing different careers.

[@jefffields9527]

Thank you, that was pretty insightful

[@scoutkids614]

Can you do a video on your SWAT Bearcat Ambulance please. Anyway great videos keep it up.

[@PrepMedic]

We do not have a MedCat. The police department has 2 Bearcats and the sheriffs office has 1 and we use those if we need.

[@blueninja115]

I think I might have some of those traits as a civ. I'm actually embarrassed now after hearing this. It's not my life, but sometimes I use the phonetic alphabet, especially on the phone when there are similar sounding letters involved. Occasionally I'll use 24hr time if I'm writing up an incident or signing paper to make a time clear. I'll stand in a resting position if I want to appear more respectful (situation dependent). I was a scout many moons ago in a troop led by former military that took things seriously, so that could play a part in it. However, I NEVER claim or imply that I'm in any of those professions. Ever. It's unlikely that I could get a public safety job for a few reasons, but I'd love to given the opportunity.

[@mycatsballs8195]

In south florida FD are not hiring you if you’re not a medic.

[@PrepMedic]

Yeah but that goes back to having the minimum requirements

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Thank you for sharing this with us

[@stefa4013]

Looks at my entire collection of guns, airsoft replicas, airguns and police/SWAT equipment, games and books... yeah I guess I know which class I fall into and why I didn't get hired :( RIP but hey at least I know now

[@PrepMedic]

It’s not a death sentence and it’s ok to be passionate but you realize when you get into it as a career it is just a job like everything else. Figure out what makes you happy outside of it and you will be better for it. If you want to be a cop, go for it and don’t get discouraged.

[@MPD90]

Hey Sam. Have you heard of CellAED? It's something I've just come across, a very compact AED design and it's much cheaper than alternatives, although it is one-time-use and requires replacement after 2 years which I guess is why it's affordable. Of course not what you'd pick in a professional setting, but I'm very tempted given the size makes it genuinely EDC'able in a work bag. Seems to have the right certifications, would be interested in your take on it? Great or gimmick? Thanks!

[@Unlockedbat1729]

Are you going to do a follow up video on how to fix these issues/qualities?

[@MichaelTV44]

Unzipped boots and messy clothes is one thing I hate. I have only ever worked private 911 services but You're still at work. Also cleaning your rig.... That's your office. Take pride in it. But I get it. Running all night and not getting paid well sucks. But it's hopefully a stepping stone.

[@jaxonyates2973]

Sam your mustache makes you look like Ron Swanson.. and it’s inspiring.

[@PrepMedic]

The older I get, the more I relate to him

[@kyleknight8267]

I think the main thing that would hold me back is ableism which I feel like I have been subjected to. I feel like I need to hide a good percentage of my personality to find my place just in the adult world

[@killacamfoo]

Why would anyone want to be a police officer after 2020?

[@PrepMedic]

Because now more then ever an individual can make the change they want to see in public safety. There are huge drawbacks but ultimately the pendulum swings and now it the time of opportunity. Just my thoughts.

[@gasmask7064]

They probably aren’t obsessed with social media.

[@PingooProducts]

I’ve got it on my radar because my community and friends know nothing about what an officers life is like. If I join I can learn and teach everyone struggles of it and tell them what it’s really like. Obviously I’d also want to protect my community, knowing the decline of people going into then force. But only time will tell if I really go into the job zone.

[@Sharpshooda777]

That’s a stupid question. People want to be a cop to serve and protect. Most cops want to do good and serve and protect the community they live in.

[@joshc1394]

The occasional free sandwich or coffee!

[@NationlessNative]

That’s a dumb ass reason to not hire someone who’s passionate, regardless if they wanted to do that their entire life, they develop anything from the job that’s on them. Ie; ptsd, injuries etc as you mentioned that’s their learning curve. Opinions

[@PrepMedic]

Passion and obsession are two very different things. You need passion but you also need to be well rounded. Maybe thing about it this way, if all you do is “the job” what unique qualities do you bring to your agency? Everyone that works there is already a firefighter, police office or paramedic and does the job so what does your obsession bring? From an employers perspective, if your employee burns out, gets PTSD or gets injured you are now paying disability, and at the very least paying to train a new hire.

[@bentonhousand4187]

You would think the wannabes would be the best candidates. They would be the most motivated to do the job. I understand what you’re saying about if they lose the job somehow then they probably will lose their minds. However, that’s working under the assumption that something bad is going to happen.

[@nyagudinyagudi2743]

Look at it differently Sam, someone can raise resources and become a public EMS volunteer on pro bono publico basis - they need not seek employment

[@PrepMedic]

I’m not really sure what this means. I’m making an assumption you are not from the US? We don’t really have a program like you are talking about.

[@nyagudinyagudi2743]

@@PrepMedic Sam heard of Hatzalah, Hatsalah or Hatzolah....Probably the biggest EMS movement after Red Cross....most of them don't charge

[@e1m137]

How likely is it an agency overlooks a candidate not having a bachelors if they fit every other requirement?

[@PrepMedic]

If it’s a requirement then they will not overlook it. If it is a “preferred” item then there is a good chance they will overlook it if you are strong in every other aspect

[@firstimeshooter6590]

I got into EMS to be around like minded ppl. It’s not cuz it’s cool not because of the medical aspect entirely. I like that I go to work and know ima have a good day because I’m with a good group of ppl. Knowing I can trust my coworkers when things go sideways. With an exception of a very few. There’s always that one person 😅.

[@jodyfinley9122]

This is a critique not necessarily a criticism. And it comes from a constructive pov, don't discredit or dismiss the facts.

[@sandman0127]

Im beginning to wonder if I'm getting too deep. Im in college for firefighting and leadership, but I also nabbed a job that required me to be fire and hazmat tech certified

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

I've been a subscriber for awhile now. After looking through at least 80% of the comments,it appears you've shaken the Hornets nest with this vid. I know that for a fact, because I've recommended your channel to 8 of my friends,and 6 of them have gone to the trouble of telling me they unsubbed. No skin off my nose, but they had to go to the trouble to let me know how pissed they were.

[@PrepMedic]

Well I appreciate you recommending my channel, unfortunately if they are mad my guess is that they took offense to the first point and probably fall into that “bucket” of not having a lot outside of the job. While it might not make sense to those trying to get into the profession now it will when they finally make it into whatever department they are trying for and get a bit of experience. Ultimately my analytics put me at a net loss of 5 subscribers while watching the video and an overall gain of ~250 subscribers since I posted it on Sunday so at least for now the hornets nest is contained. I would welcome their feedback and debate with them on the merits of the video but it certainly is not intended to offend.

[@jamesa7506]

Great points my friend!

[@drstevenbrule4406]

Cop w 2 years in here, i agree with you

[@MichaelOfficer274]

@PrepMedic, you should do a podcast.

[@matthewwest7906]

Well what my old football coach always said if you want it bad show up every single day and work your ass during the hiring process during the academy show up and put in the work

[@DawidKellerman]

So in short don't be s shitty person and you will get the job (P.S. Goes for a lot of other niche industries)

[@markhuber8345]

Good advice..

[@jamesburns2724]

We called them “Ricky Rescues” many years ago..

[@PrepMedic]

That’s still a term. Farkle was the name in the Midwest.

[@ericlancaster2889]

Window lickers 😂

[@Ph4r4oh_444g]

The obsessed part is most likely me but I just wanna continue to do armed private security if I can find a job in security making 23 plus an hour with benefits and 401k shiiiiii I won’t even do law enforcement but sadly in order to get that you have to be prior law enforcement 🙄🤷🏾‍♂️

[@PrepMedic]

Just an FYI the two LE agencies around us start their officers at around 35-45/hour with pensions.

[@77icky]

Going through most of this now

[@WeAllWeGot333]

Public safety is the easy route go join the marines do infantry or army infantry most cops Are so under trained it’s insane

[@landon6742]

don’t be obsessed, proceeds to make a youtube channel about it.

[@PrepMedic]

*see this weeks video*

[@dukebrandongarcia1870]

very helpful!

[@lorknozzel11]

not too sure if creative writing as a hobby is a good thing or not.

[@PrepMedic]

Creative writing is great. Many people find a lot of stress release from writing.

[@MtbEMS]

Creative writing is enjoyable 👌

[@GunnyD]

Can Anyone speak to age issues for entry level paramedics? Will a 35+ in shape person have a hard time getting in somewhere?

[@PrepMedic]

You will be fine. Companies are looking for people that at the very least look like they have experience.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Obviously your experience with public employment was different than mine but it was the sorriest excuse for a job I have ever seen . The level of waste as well as the yellow bellied backstabbing was unbelievable . It's as though they all hate each other and will make up crap to nark on each other for . I tried to be cool about it when I quit ( worked there 10 days ) but they were very immature about it .

[@Because4545]

Due to the massive shortage, l don’t think anyone is having issues finding work.

[@MtbEMS]

You mean in public safety or other fields? Been away from the states for a few years and out of the loop you could say.

[@oldmate484]

Fire is still extremely competitive to get into, especially in my area. 1000 applicants for 10 spots.

[@revatronprime4120]

I want to transition from EMS to Fire & in my EMS agency grouchy & slightly slobby is acceptable if you are skilled. Seems like Fire isn't like that

[@PrepMedic]

That is true at a lot of places. It’s on you to not let the low standards of your service effect you and to rise above them.

[@kevingottoohardmiles]

I did Coke when I was 15 if I admit that on the polygraph test do you think that a will disqualify me for the fire department?

[@PrepMedic]

No, be truthful, that’s what matters.

[@9770G]

@@PrepMediccan anything fail u on the poly test? Like what questions do they even ask u that would fail u?

[@FakeAmerican]

Everything you mentioned seems pretty commonsensical. But I suppose it's not that obvious to some people. I always found those tryhards with Crown Vics, lights and other gear pretty cringe. I'm not in the field myself but even I can look at that and go, "yeah that's not someone I want in law enforcement". Good intentions, sure, but a liability because of their mindset imo.

[@anonymoususer13666]

Am I the only one who assumed all of this was just common sense?

[@boldlygo3469]

Tried 4 times to get into law enforcement during the mid 80s. Lost out to "diversity" each and every time even though I was more qualified. Gave up when I realized that racism was the name of the game. Signed: straight white dude.

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

You'll never get a reply for speaking the truth!

[@F32_PDX]

When police kick in your door nobody happy to see them, when firefighters do it you're their best friend 😊 I made the right choice ⚕️

[@meidamx]

Get some.

[@mitch3448]

Ill say it because i know you cant. Ricky rescues are weird/strange individuals and no one on the fire or police side wants to be stuck with them for 20 to 30 years

[@Rjisawake]

An old felony should be waived that's all I know lol

[@brianr6457]

Second biggest good ole boy network on planet earth. Don't waste your time.

[@PrepMedic]

Or learn to play the game and dismantle it from the inside.

[@remotetrekker-dg3re]

@@PrepMedic That's one way to look at it. Good luck, I hope everything works out for you.

[@mediaistheenemy]

If you really wanted to be a (insert discipline) nothing would stop you, just dont be a weirdo.

[@deesminutemansupplywarhamm6078]

IQ is too high....

[@kodipauley4076]

You pointed it huge flaws that everyone speaks about, and you dont even know it. Its a big problem that highley qualified people "wont make the cut" just because your not friends, guess what thats the problem! Especially in police its a buddy buddy system that has showed over and over again it dont work. You don't have to like someone as long as they are good at their job.

[@PrepMedic]

Nope, you took what I said way out of context. Having on-paper qualifications doesn’t mean anything if you can’t talk to your patient to get a history or deescalate a situation or work effectively with your teammates. These are soft skills that can easily make someone more qualified to do the job over someone who has the best resume. Similarly if you lack a foundation of support outside of work (not completely obsessed with your job) you have no longevity and the department would have been better off hiring someone with the tools to make it to retirement.