Josh Hernandez
Paramedic
Advance
San Antonio, TX USA
“You can feel defeated but the best thing is to keep moving and try to stay on your feet. Get back up even when you’re knocked down.”
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By Roadtrip NationJosh Hernandez
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.
After high school, I considered joining the military but changed course after being inspired by a passing ambulance—with violence increasing in the world, I wanted to make a difference and save lives.
I went to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi for the EMT program but had to withdraw because I was struggling with the coursework.
A year later, I went back to school and completed the EMT program but didn’t pass the physical or written exam.
I was discouraged but took more classes, finally earned my EMT basic, and went on to paramedic school.
I made it through to the end of the paramedic program and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
I persevered through the pandemic, completed my coursework, passed all of my exams, and graduated as a paramedic.
I’m now looking to continue gaining experience as a paramedic with goals of eventually going back to school to ultimately become a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).
Education
High School
Associate's Degree
Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic
Del Mar College
Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic
Del Mar College
Career
Paramedic
I perform medical care while transferring patients as a critical care paramedic.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Science
Helping People
Day to Day
I start by going through my check-offs for medications, supplies, and equipment. Throughout the day, I do basic transfers. I get to know the patient and learn about their diagnosis. I also do critical care transports. For example, I may take someone on a ventilator from one hospital to another, making sure their breath and heart rates are normal while keeping them hooked up to monitors. I also get emergency calls from people who have fallen, had a stroke or seizure, or taken too much medication.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
You don't need any prerequisites before enrolling in an EMT program. Start by applying for the EMT program at the school you're interested in. You'll need to complete a certain amount of class hours across a variety of medical subjects, perform skills in class that the instructor will check off, and complete exams. Then you'll do 96 hours of clinical work. You have to be an EMT-Basic before becoming a paramedic. I recommend spending time working as an EMT-Basic before going to paramedic school.
Hurdles
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
School Stress
