One gentleman recieved a shirt because he currently had the most job at the time, it was five. Of course this is a generalization, but that is how I see it. What I see what we EMTs, students and veterans alike, have in common is a drive to be the best. We want to outdo the other person, we want a story to top our partners and we enjoy being put to the test. Throughout their careers EMTs develop a need for adrenaline much like an extreme sports athelete.
Inherent risk is in our pursuits, like wise with extreme atheletes.
There is little better way to get this than to work as much as you can. The opportunity to utilize more skills becomes bigger. The chance to meet a wide variety of people expands. Some do more than simply take more shifts and they become instructors. Some may choose to teach future EMTs and paramedics while others opt for instructing the community in first aid, CPR or prevention.