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Since EMTs receive such low pay, why would anyone voluntarily choose to go into the field of EMS? The most prevalent reasons that can explain this are quite simple: a passion to serve and help others, an interest in medicine and the human body, or because it appears to be a better job than living a low wage life working at McDonalds. The most common response from EMTs in regards to their life choice in becoming an EMT is the self-fulfillment one feels from saving lives. As one writer commented, "There's nothing in the world better than saving someone's life, and see the smile on their face after" [7]. It takes courage and a strong character in order to be a successful EMT regardless of how interested you are in the medical aspect of the career. Without compassion, there is no reason to be an EMT. Without compassion, without allowing yourself to feel emotions, you will never be able to get out the experience that you crave from saving a life. When you allow yourself to feel real, raw emotions and to break down and cry, you know you are in the right career, even if it pays hardly enough to make ends meet.

Personal as well as job satisfaction is among the most importants reasons for going into EMS. People conciously choose to apply for a low-wage job as an EMT because they are seeking personal satisfaction and the ability to heal those who need it most [3]. As cliche as it is, EMTs get out whatever they put into their job; in most cases, that is a lot since they are following their passions to serve their communities.