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There will always be differences of opinions regarding Fire-based EMS. Using the FDNY as one example, EMS, against the wishes of both EMSers and Fire Fighters, were made by then Mayor Rudy Giuliani, into "one big happy" family, as EMS was removed from NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation management, and placed under FDNY's management. FDNY's own literature calls becoming a Fire Fighter, from being a department EMT or Paramedic, a "promotion". On some FDNY "rant boards", they objected to FDNY Paramedics Carlos Lillo and (Phostumously promoted to Lieutenant)Ricardo Quinn being included in the "343" from the World Trade Center disaster. It is also my understanding that in other jurisdictions where EMS is run by the FD, a Fire Fighter going to EMT or Paramedic is considered the promotion, with higher pay and more benefits. I kind of wish FDNY had done this. There are also some FDs that routinely rotate personnel, as in one week, a crewman or crewwoman is on the Truck, the next week on an Engine, and the next week on the Ambulance. All are trained to at least EMT, with a few trained to Paramedic. Sadly, there are still "combined" departments, where EMS is used as the disciplinning area. "You messed up, Joe, so you're going to the EMS for the next week". I view these departments as being the knuckledraggers of the "combined" departments. Whichever of these combined FDs, I can only hope that in whatever capacity the personnel are used, they perform to the best of their training and abilities in all areas the departmet is responsible for.

Best of luck. A lot of solid advice so far. Just expect firm answers from potential employers, and don't leave any details (travel costs, day rates, duration) out. Assuming something is the fastest way to get caught. For example, I ran into a medic who was going out west to work. Somehow he seemed convinced that he didn't have to get registered in Alberta to do this, nor did he seem to believe me when this was pointed out. The company had a special 'deal' with ACoP to deal with this. LOL. He even paid for his flights out west, just to find out as you guessed, that he couldn't work. A week or so later he was back in town. The last I heard he was trying to do international work for free to 'break in.' That is not the way to do it. Needless to say, if you approach this line of work with a direct goal then you should be ok. Be it for academic reasons, to fund your endless summer, or whatever. Just keep in mind no money is free, so it might be ok now. You might not miss the night shifts, but long rotations in/out have their own unique issues. Just keep asking around, and making those contacts. Soon enough you will get a feel for who is good, and who to stay away from. Personally, I deal with a few key companies that I have a relationship with. If I do consider trying something new, I am very critical of their operations. If I have any concerns I just walk away.