Get Medic Ready

Welcome to the community where EMS professionals and aspiring EMTs come together to share stories, inspire each other, and grow in their emergency medical service journey.

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Your EMS Journey Matters

Every EMT, paramedic, and EMS professional has a unique story. Whether you're just starting out, considering a career change, or are a seasoned veteran, your experiences can inspire and guide others in the EMS community.

Share your inspiring moments

Connect with fellow EMS professionals

Get answers to your EMS questions

Professional ambulance parked outside emergency bay, representing the EMS community and emergency medical services

Featured Stories From Our Community

EMT responding to emergency call, showing dedication and professionalism in emergency medical services

From Student to Life-Saver

"My first save happened just 3 months after certification. The training kicked in, and we successfully resuscitated a cardiac arrest patient..."

Career change story showing person transitioning from office job to EMT uniform, representing new beginnings in EMS

Career Change at 35

"I left my corporate job to become an EMT. Best decision I ever made. Every day I get to make a real difference in people's lives..."

Young EMT cadet in training, showing the next generation joining emergency medical services

From Cadet to Leader

"Started as a 16-year-old cadet, now I'm training the next generation. EMS became my calling and my passion..."

Ready to Share Your EMS Story?

Your experience could be the inspiration someone needs to start their EMS journey. Whether it's a challenging call, a life-saving moment, or advice for newcomers - we want to hear from you.

Share Your EMS Story

Every Story Inspires

Your journey in EMS is unique and valuable. Whether you're sharing a memorable call, offering advice to newcomers, or reflecting on your career path, your story can inspire and guide others in the EMS community.

"The best way to inspire others is to share the moments that inspired you."

Tell Your Story

Your Name *

Your Role in EMS *

Years in EMS

Location (Optional)

Story Category *

Story Title *

Your Story *

Key Takeaway or Advice

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We may contact you for follow-up or to feature your story

I want to share this story anonymously

Story Guidelines

What Makes a Great Story:

• Personal experiences and reflections
• Lessons learned on the job
• Challenges overcome
• Moments of pride or growth
• Advice for newcomers

Please Remember:

• Protect patient privacy (no identifying details)
• Keep it appropriate and professional
• Focus on the human element
• Be honest and authentic
• Inspire others to join or continue in EMS

EMS Stories That Inspire

Featured Story of the Month

EMT veteran sharing wisdom and experience with newcomers in emergency medical services

Maria Santos, Paramedic

15 years in EMS • Chicago Fire Department

"The call came in at 2 AM - pediatric arrest. As we rushed to the scene, my mind raced through every protocol, every training scenario. When we arrived, I saw the fear in the parents' eyes. That's when 15 years of experience kicked in. We worked for 20 minutes, and when that little boy took his first breath again, I remembered why I became a paramedic."

First Call Stories

"My Hands Were Shaking"

Jake M., EMT - 2 years

"First cardiac arrest call as a new EMT. Here's what I learned..."

"Nothing Prepared Me For This"

Lisa K., EMT - 3 years

"My first trauma call taught me more than any textbook ever could..."

"When Training Becomes Real"

David R., Paramedic - 1 year

"The moment everything clicked and I knew I was meant for this job..."

Career Change Success

"From Teacher to EMT"

Sarah T., EMT - 4 years

"How I transitioned from education to emergency medicine at age 45..."

"Corporate to Ambulance"

Mike C., Paramedic - 6 years

"Left my six-figure job to save lives. Here's why it was worth it..."

"Military to EMS"

Alex J., Flight Medic - 8 years

"How my military medical training translated to civilian EMS..."

Recently Shared Stories

"The Call That Changed Everything"

2 days ago

By Jennifer L., EMT - 3 years experience

"It was a routine medical call until it wasn't. Here's how one patient taught me the true meaning of compassion..."

"From Shy Student to Confident EMT"

1 week ago

By Carlos M., EMT - 1 year experience

"I was terrified of talking to patients during school. Here's how I overcame my fears and found my voice..."

"Advice I Wish I Had as a New EMT"

2 weeks ago

By Robert K., Paramedic - 12 years experience

"After over a decade in EMS, here are the things I wish someone had told me when I started..."

Ask the EMS Community

No Question is Too Small

Whether you're curious about starting an EMS career, need advice on a challenging situation, or want to know what it's really like to be an EMT - our community is here to help.

Ask Your Question

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We'll only use this to follow up if you want personal responses

Recently Asked Questions

"Is it normal to feel overwhelmed during your first month as an EMT?"

Asked by: New EMT, 3 weeks on the job

"I just started working as an EMT and I feel like I don't know anything despite passing all my tests. Is this imposter syndrome normal? When does it get easier?"

5 Community Responses - Click to read answers from experienced EMTs

"How do you deal with emotionally difficult calls?"

Asked by: EMT Student, starting clinicals

"I'm about to start my clinical rotations and I'm worried about how I'll handle seeing people in pain or traumatic situations. Any advice?"

12 Community Responses - Mental health and coping strategies

"What's the biggest misconception about being an EMT?"

Asked by: High school student considering EMS

"I'm thinking about becoming an EMT after graduation. What do people get wrong about this job?"

8 Community Responses - Real talk about EMS careers

Getting Started

Questions about training, prerequisites, and first steps

Career Advice

Job hunting, interviews, and career progression

Mental Health

Coping strategies and emotional wellness

Join Our EMS Community

Welcome to the Family

Get Medic Ready isn't just a platform - it's a community of EMS professionals supporting each other

5,247

Active Members

1,203

Stories Shared

3,891

Questions Answered

24/7

Community Support

What Our Community Offers

Open Discussions

Share experiences, ask questions, and connect with EMS professionals

Peer Support

Get support from those who understand the unique challenges of EMS work

Knowledge Sharing

Learn from experienced professionals and share your own insights

Professional Networking

Connect with EMS professionals across different services and regions

Member Spotlights

Emma K. - Paramedic

Most helpful member this month

Answered 23 questions, shared 3 stories

New EMT student celebrating first certification milestone

Tyler M. - EMT Student

Just passed NREMT exam!

Inspired by community stories

EMS instructor sharing knowledge with community members

Dr. Patricia L. - EMS Instructor

Sharing 20 years of wisdom

Education specialist

Join Our Community

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What brings you to Get Medic Ready?

EMS Resources & Study Materials

Official Study Guides

Access official NREMT and state certification study materials

NREMT Practice Questions National EMS Resources NAEMSE Education Resources

Day in the Life Videos

Watch real EMTs and paramedics share their daily experiences

Day in Life: EMT Paramedic Daily Routine EMT School Experience

Medical References

Essential medical references and drug guides for EMS professionals

Merck Manual Professional Medscape Drug Reference UpToDate Medical Database

Training Videos & Tutorials

EMT Skills Lab Series Watch

Patient Assessment Training Watch

Airway Management Demo Watch

CPR & AED Training Watch

Free Study Tools

EMT Flashcards Study

NREMT Practice Tests Practice

Medical Terminology Quiz Quiz

Anatomy Study Guide Learn

Professional Development

Continuing Education

CECity - Online CE Courses Limmer Education EMS Media Group

News & Updates

EMS World Magazine JEMS - Journal of EMS EMS1 News

Podcasts

FlightBridgeED Podcast EMSCape Podcast NHTSA EMS Podcast

This Week's Inspiration

Ambulance with emergency lights on, representing the dedication and 24-7 commitment of EMS professionals

Quote of the Week

"Being an EMT taught me that heroes don't wear capes - they wear uniforms, carry medical bags, and show up when others need them most."

- Submitted by Rachel P., EMT

New Member Highlight

"Just joined after being inspired by the story about career changes. I'm 42 and starting EMT school next month!"

- Janet S., New Member

Success Story Update

"Update: Passed my NREMT exam! Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and encouraged me."

- Marcus L., New EMT

Helpful Resources This Week

EMT Student Study Tips NREMT Exam Strategy

About the Founder

Mark Peña

Founder & Nationally Certified EMT

"Medicine is not just a career but a calling—one rooted in service, kindness, and the courage to step forward when others cannot."

The Journey Begins

Get Medic Ready was founded by Mark Peña, a nationally certified EMT, student leader, and advocate for the next generation of first responders. Mark's journey into emergency medicine began early, balancing rigorous academics as an IB Diploma candidate with real-world service on the frontlines.

From responding to 911 calls with his local rescue squad to serving patients in a Level II trauma center, he has seen firsthand the resilience, compassion, and courage it takes to serve in EMS.

Early Achievements:

• IB Diploma candidate
• Nationally certified EMT
• 911 emergency response experience
• Level II trauma center service

Beyond the Ambulance

Beyond the ambulance, Mark has dedicated himself to building pathways for others. He has mentored new EMT recruits, created global health literacy curricula for underserved communities, and served as a patient liaison to help families navigate the hardest moments of their lives.

Education & Advocacy

Created global health literacy curricula for underserved communities

Mentorship

Mentored new EMT recruits entering the field

Patient Care

Served as patient liaison helping families in crisis

Recognition & Awards

Mark's commitment to both medicine and education has been recognized through several prestigious awards and fellowships.

Scholastic Gold Key for Critical Writing

National Youth Fellowships in Advocacy

Student Leadership Recognition

Vision for Get Medic Ready

With Get Medic Ready, Mark's goal is to empower students, future EMTs, and healthcare leaders with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to thrive.

"He believes that medicine is not just a career but a calling—one rooted in service, kindness, and the courage to step forward when others cannot."

Connect with Mark

Have a question about EMS, want to share your story, or interested in collaborating? Mark would love to hear from you.

Connect With Get Medic Ready

Let's Talk

General Inquiries

hello@getmedicready.com

Share Stories

stories@getmedicready.com

Questions & Support

support@getmedicready.com

Connect with Founder

mark@getmedicready.com

Follow Our Community

Community Guidelines

• Respect patient privacy and HIPAA guidelines
• Be supportive and encouraging to all members
• Share authentic, helpful experiences
• Keep discussions professional and constructive
• Remember we're all here to help each other grow

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Community Impact

Growing Network

5,000+ EMS professionals supporting each other

Inspired Careers

200+ people started EMS training after reading our stories

Lives Touched

Countless patients helped by EMTs we've inspired