any EMT/paramedics?

[OceanCityGirl]

My son who has been taking the long road toward a teaching degree/english has decided he wants to get his emt cert and get into a paramedic program. He has been a lifeguard for 7 years where he is considered one of the best and has very good relationships with his superiors. His captain is also captain of the fire department. i have a few questions if you have knowledge. Is it always the case that you get your emt cert first and then apply for the paramedic program? What is the typical pay scale for paramedics? We have been told but i want to confirm it. Are they in demand? Do you like your job? he has been told that if he gets his emt cert the company he works for will pay for his paramedic training. It it expensive and takes two years. Is this true and is it always the best way to go? Where is the best place to get advice? He will go see his captain and maybe some firemen. He's an adult and can make his own decisions, however his time to get support from mom and dad for school is rapidly dwindling so if he makes a decision it needs to be a valid and workable one. In order to stay here while he does it he needs to show me proof that this is a good choice that leads to a reasonable way to support himself.

[springparrot]

I think we have have at least 3 BNers that are/were EMTs....hope they can help you.

[OceanCityGirl]

From what I understand emt pay is low but paramedics do ok. I know there are at least dome health care workers.

[springparrot]

From what I understand emt pay is low but paramedics do ok. I know there are at least dome health care workers.

I hope the pay will be what your son is expecting...
Oh wait, I thought of one more

[pema]

i can't tell you much in the way of specifics, but i know someone that went through the EMT program and got their certification. she did a few ride alongs, and discovered she wasn't in good enough shape to do the paramedic program. she ended up working in the ER for a while and then jumped at the opportunity to become admin so that she wasn't on her feet all the time. but the EMT Cert was the beginning of a stable career with the hospital.

i'm sure getting into it when you are young would be much different, and i've heard that most people who do it really love it. and it's not a job that can be sent overseas. i don't know the answer to this, but i would wonder how many people are able to do it until they are ready to retire?

it can be a bit dangerous responding to crime victims in bad neighborhoods, especially crimes that are gang related because the 'fun' might not be over

but once you get your foot in the door at a hospital, there are all sorts of programs that you can get into to further your education or head in a new direction

good luck to your son

[ragtopW]

let me get up with my lil sis..

[Elrod]

I was an EMT for two years, before and while I was going to Paramedic school. I was certified to teach EMT and Paramedic classes as well as ACLS, BTLS and a slough of other classes identified by their initials. I was certified as a Paramedic by the state of Missouri and evaluated the practical portion of the state exam. I was a preceptor for EMT and Paramedic students during the field portion of their training.

I ended up divorced but I can't credit that to the profession, I just got lucky.

Is it always the case that you get your emt cert first and then apply for the paramedic program?

Yes. All Paramedics started as EMTs. Most Paramedic programs will not admit a student without an EMT license and work experience in the field.

What is the typical pay scale for paramedics?

It varies by locale. In metro areas that rely on paid departments the pay will be higher, rural areas not so much.

We have been told but i want to confirm it. Are they in demand?

There are not enough sick people in this country to keep all of the doctors, nurses, EMTs and Paramedics employed. But there are enough stupid people to keep them ALL working overtime. It's one job that can't be outsourced overseas, the Paramedics that protect your neighborhood are based in your neighborhood.

Do you like your job?

I loved it! 2nd best job that I ever had, Marine being the best.

I moved back to Oklahoma in '98 and flew to St. Louis every weekend for a year to work the night shift at Abbott Ambulance. I worked 2 or 3 night shifts every weekend in addition to a 40+ hour a week job.

he has been told that if he gets his emt cert the company he works for will pay for his paramedic training. It it expensive and takes two years. Is this true and is it always the best way to go?

Training can be expensive. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit. If your son likes working for the company and they offer it, he should take advantage of it. As with any promise, get it in writing.

Where is the best place to get advice?

He should go to the nearest station of the department that he wants to work for and speak to the Paramedic(s) on duty. Ask to speak to the most disgruntled medic in the house. If he is unable to talk your son out of it, nobody will be able to.

He will go see his captain and maybe some firemen. He's an adult and can make his own decisions, however his time to get support from mom and dad for school is rapidly dwindling so if he makes a decision it needs to be a valid and workable one. In order to stay here while he does it he needs to show me proof that this is a good choice that leads to a reasonable way to support himself.

Proof? Gosh, I wish I could offer some. You'll never see it, but your son will know at the end of every shift and at the end of his career if he made a good choice.

I still remember my first, best, worst and last ambulance calls as if they were yesterday. I remember a lot of the calls in between too. I'm not sure what my parents think, but I'm convinced that it was worth my time and effort.

When a child that is just learning to talk looks at your son and says "Tanks," or he has to call the coroner for a friend that has been shot on Thanksgiving morning in front of her children, he'll know if he made the right choice or not.

I did.

[springparrot]

Thanks E---I was hoping you would reply

Heck, you almost made me want to sign up!

[OceanCityGirl]

Wow. Thanks so much. When I said valid choice I meant that if he worked hard barring unseen disasters he can earn a living and find work. He largely pays his own way but lives in a small apartment like part of our place at a cheap price for a college kid and we help with some expenses. We plan to downsize and would like to know he's following a path that's a start in the right direction. He really wanted to teach but none of his friends who went that way have found work. He loves his beach patrol job and works the toughest zone. Do you continue with college courses while you get the emt cert. What about chopper paramedics. A family friend has offered to show him this end of things.

[rogue2974]

I worked as a volunteer EMT in a rural area. There are levels to being an EMT that he will have to work thru before he can apply for paramedic training and also a residency that may or may not be part of the training. The best advice I can give is to do several ride alongs to really get an idea if he is interested. It is a hard job, physically and emotionally. It can also be very rewarding.

[ragtopW]

let me get up with my lil sis..

I worked as a volunteer EMT in a rural area. There are levels to being an EMT that he will have to work thru before he can apply for paramedic training and also a residency that may or may not be part of the training. The best advice I can give is to do several ride alongs to really get an idea if he is interested. It is a hard job, physically and emotionally. It can also be very rewarding.

BTW.. you missed a show.. the count is 6