Communication
On scene, communication is key. Practice calm, clear explanations to build trust; coordinate tightly with your partner.
Volunteer EMT: Study Tips and My Experience
My name is Skyla and I’m a 17-year-old volunteer EMT. I built this portfolio to share what I do, what I’m learning, and to provide some resources to help others pass their EMT courses. Balancing school with a challenging EMT course was a lot but I'm so grateful that I now get to work in emergency medicine. I hope to help others achieve the same fulfillment however I can.
- Role: Volunteer EMT & High School Student
- Location: Connecticut
- Focus: NREMT success & emergency medicine experience
About
About My EMT Work
I volunteer with a local EMS organization, focusing on patient assessment, basic life support, and community education. I absolutely love the work I do and the department I volunteer with, and recommend EMS to anyone interested in the field or anyone looking to make an impact bigger than themselves. This site is both a personal record of my experiences and a guide for students preparing for their EMT classes. I hope it can inspire confidence and offer some helpful tools for success.
Role: Emergency Medical Technician (volunteer)
Focus areas: scene safety, airway, bleeding control, patient comfort and advocacy
Values: compassion, competency, teamwork, practice and training, privacy
What I Value
Teamwork
Train together to ensure safe, efficient care. Weekly drills build bonds and make your role second nature on scene.
Curiosity & Learning
EMS evolves—review protocols, debrief, and welcome feedback from experienced members to sharpen judgment.
Calm Under Pressure
Your response sets the tone. Think clearly, work the plan, keep the patient centered, and know your limits.
EMT Class Tips
Quick, practical ideas for EMT class and NREMT prep.
Managing Stress
- Focus on breathing to stay calm
- Remember the patient is looking to you
- Break tasks into small steps
- Debrief with peers afterward
Effective EMT Studying expanded below
- Practice with NREMT-style questions
- Use flashcards for memorization
- Teach concepts out loud to others
Staying Organized in Class
- Keep a dedicated EMT binder or notes app
- Review daily—frequent review speeds recall
- Balance coursework with rest and self-care
- Make a study group—everyone wants to succeed
Reflections
First Call Nerves
My first 911 call was intimidating, but also incredibly exciting. The training really does kick in and you know a lot more than you think you do. Confidence comes from practice and teamwork; the more calls you go on the more natural it feels. Everyone around you is there to help and wants you to succeed.
Balancing School and EMT Class
Juggling high school and EMT coursework taught me time management. Late nights studying were tough, but so worth it. My advice to anyone who is debating doing an EMT course as a student is go for it - it won't be an easy few months but it is so fulfilling and impactful. I genuinely love all the time I spend at my department: all the friendships I have made and all the patient encounters I have had.
Why I Chose to Volunteer
I wanted to give back to my community and explore medicine early. Volunteering as an EMT gave me both purpose and perspective. No matter what I do, I know I will continue dedicating time to being a first responder because there is nothing quite like emergency medicine.
Helpful Resources to Pass EMT Class
Links, guides, and notes that can make studying easier and more effective.
NREMT Practice Tests
A collection of online practice exams that mimic the NREMT test style. I personally used all of these websites and found repeated practice to be the best way to study and it allowed me to be confident in the NREMT question format on test day.
Flashcards & Study Guides
Digital or printable flashcards covering vital signs, airway management, and medical terms. I personally used the EMT flashcard book (linked below) and went through every question during my course.
YouTube EMT Tutorials
Curated video lessons breaking down EMT skills and protocols step by step. I personally found videos incredibly helpful during my EMT course and when studying for the NREMT exam. Seeing the skills being done in real time can be much more helpful than reading about them in a book! Here are some of the videos that helped me.
Scope & Disclaimer: This website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a source of professional medical advice. In case of an emergency, always call 911 or your local emergency number.
Contact
Have questions about your EMT course, the NREMT, or my experiences as a student in EMS? I’d be happy to connect!
Prefer email? skyla.warren1@gmail.com