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My response was not directed at the cheap cheap I want it cheap part, I thought his attitude of coming here after he said he had already done all his searching and that he knew it all already but just hadn't found the right stuff attitude. He struck me as a zero to hero type of person that didn't want to spend the effort in a class that would teach him anything, he just wanted a class that he could get in and out of to get on to his next phase. While that might be good for his particular career path, I don't really feel comfortable telling someone who is off the street that Hey you know what, there's this quick 6 week emt class that you can take, it will teach you the basics (just barely enough for you to pass the class but NOT A GOSH DANG BIT MORE) and you too can be among the ranks of EMT's. Do you really want an emt like that taking care of your family or you? Not me. I have always been against having to be an EMT first and then getting your medic as I don't know of really any other profession that requires you to be a basic and then go to school to become a professional. Do you have to be a LPN in order to be a RN? Do you have to be a RN in order to be a MD or DO or DDS? We are the only healthcare profession that requires our people to get their basic license prior to the next advanced level. Sure the MD needs to get a bachelors degree but don't we scream about getting a bachelors degree or Associates degree based medic here?

I think the quality of program sometimes has nothing to do with cost... and the caliber of provider that comes out has a lot to do with that person, not necessarily with the type of class they take... That being said, most folks looking for the "fastest, cheapest, easiest" option aren't necessarily setting themselves up for success unless there's some background experience or drive that would facilitate them doing well. Wendy CO EMT-B RN-ADN

I think what others are suggesting is that there isn't often much room for ambulance dispatchers in Ontario to actually make decisions when it comes to how calls are prioritized. Certainly there can be some decision making when it comes to overall vehicle movement (although even this will likely be based on a written deployment strategy), but this isn't the case in terms of how the information is obtained from the caller and how the call is prioritized. As much as I admire your determination to get back out there, it would seem prudent to consider where your career is going to take you. Even without considering this injury, ask yourself whether you will be working on an ambulance at 64. If not, you need an exit strategy (we all do!). Now seems like as good a time as any to start thinking seriously about what that is, even if you don't need to use it for another 20 years. Having an exit strategy for future use shouldn't impact on your determination to get back out there now. Best of luck with your recovery! I hope that your employer has been supportive through this.