I should clarify that I'm referring to paramedics in the US, where the pay is (generally) pretty terrible, in comparison to other medical professionals (<$20/hr

I should clarify that I'm referring to paramedics in the US, where the pay is (generally) pretty terrible, in comparison to other medical professionals (<$20/hr isn't uncommon, especially for private, for-profit ambulance companies). As far as the job... it's high stress, often variable hours (which results in poor sleep), it can be physically and emotionally difficult, the erratic schedule makes relationships hard, etc...