My Story

Thank you for giving me your time and attention. If you are considering a career in EMS, are an EMT student, or are new to EMS, this site is for you. When I was curious about what EMS had to offer and wanted to know how to become an EMT, I checked out everything that I could. But I'm a Web junkie who discovered there wasn't much available online.

In 2000, I was in my 12th year of a public relations career and beginning to lose interest in it. Managing communications projects just didn't give me the personal satisfaction it once did. Then I had the opportunity to work on a project with a paramedic. He wore a cool flight suit with interesting gadgets in its many pockets. I started asking questions about his line of work. It was clear that after 25 years in the field, he was still blessed with the personal satisfaction of helping others under extraordinary conditions. When he suggested that I go on a ride-along, I was stunned. I can do that?

Obviously, the ride-along got me hooked. Driving home from that ride-along in October 2000, I decided my goal was to become an EMT with Ada County Paramedics. Unfortunately, when I shared my enthusiasm with my family, they were a little apprehensive. Mostly, they were concerned about my ability to withstand the emotional strain—let's face it, I'm a pansy when it comes to tragic news or sad movies. I wasn't sure myself that it wouldn't be too much to bear, but asked for their support to at least try.

Then I had to figure out how to get from here to there. Luckily, the paramedic I met became my friend and mentor. Thanks, Joe! He helped me get started and even made a call or two while I hunted for an EMT course. I quit my entry-level management position in January 2001 and started taking an EMT course in February.

I created a very non-traditional career path that helped me get to where I am, including working at a hospital to make ends meet while serving as a volunteer and working toward a job offer. In March 2003, I achieved my goal of becoming an employed Ada County EMT.

Well, enough about me ... I tend to get carried away about my passions! Do you have a story to share? Tell me about it and I'll post it here.

Thanks for "listening,"

Karen Powers, NREMT-I

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Updated 11.05.06

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
—Thomas A. Edison