Career firefighter/paramedic here. I think my career is one of the most rewarding things you can do but it can take a toll on you and your family if you’re not careful. The terrible things you see combined with lack of sleep sometimes turns you into someone you don’t want to be. My advice is to make sure you find what works to decompress before you come home. For some that is sharing a few cups of coffee with the oncoming shift just bullshitting and laughing, others go to the gym and pump out an intense workout. Strangely enough, what bothers me most is things that should disturb me don’t anymore. Desensitization is real in this profession. My son graduates from the 40 acres in a few weeks and is waiting for his MCAT scores to come in. He is also finishing up an EMT course so that he can do that in a potential gap year. I’d be proud if that’s what he chose but also want him going in with eyes wide open.