Welcome to the 1st Aid Site!
Everything First Aid Related...

What should I do to become a medic that goes to disaster and war zones?

I know this is in the wrong category, but this is the best I could find.

Note: I'm still in school.

I want to be the kind of medic that goes to disaster and war-zones. Like when there's a war, someone there always says 'our hospitals can't handle all the injuries'.

So, I'm thinking, I can either go with a charity that sends disaster relief aid, or I sign up with the army and be an army medic.

Whatever I do, I want to get some experience in a hospital first. It's one thing to be thrown out of the ER in disgrace to be replaced by whoever's on call, but another thing entirely to mess up in an emergency ER miles from any re-enforcements.

So what do you think? How should I get my career plans rolling? How do I get into the business? What should I do?

I'm home-schooled, so I don't have a careers advisor anymore :(

Also, what are your experiences?

Thank you.

Public Comments

1. You might look at the requirements for Doctors-Without-Borders. Not all of their people are doctors.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/work/field/?ref=main-menu

2. Volunteer with the American Red Cross. Get all of the training they offer. That's the best place to get started with learning about emergency services.

Volunteering In Pursuit of a
Medical, Veterinary or Social Work Degree / Career
http://www.coyotecommunications.com/stuff/medical_social.shtml