IBStacy2U

I don't mind answering your questions at all. Maybe you might have some better insight/advice for me. 1. My company does not have any emergency work because it is just strictly BLS Transport. We are prohibitied by county protocol from running code:3 2. I have been out of school since April 2007. 3. As far as respect goes you get the other companies like AMR who look at ya like you don't count in the EMS field, The nurse only likes you because you are taking a pt. out of her care and off to someone else, other than that she looks at you like ya ya we got this just give me a quick report and be on your way. You just really get the impression that your a peon, and people look down on you. I was really nieve when I joined this industry, I had no clue as to how things worked and didn't have anyone in the field to talk to. I just thought an ambulance co is a ambulance co and they all do the same thing, some more than others but that's it. I am considering putting in my app. for another agencie but wonder if it would be better to have at least 6mon of experience, right now I only have 4mon. :?

I work for a private ambulance co. in CA and am strictly doing it to try and gain experience and pt. contact. It's the first job right out of EMT school and having no experience I thought it would be a good stepping stone. There are ups and downs working with private ambulance co. UPS-Transfor granny to and from Dialysis or from Hosp. to Con home, 99% of pts. are stable, Get to network, learn working with all sorts of different personalities, if you don't know the area you can pick it up at a slower pace. Downs- No respect from anyone, Feel like a glorified taxie, Can't run code 3 at all, FTO training consists of 3-4 days, Manager in my case has little experience in the field, Don't really get to see trauma or use your skills as much. This is just my opinion. Thanks for listening.

That really helps a lot because I am also 5'2. I go to the gym every day but I'm still on the heavy side and it takes quite some time to lose it. Thanks for the response

Your right I should have put more thought into this before diving in head first.

Do you have to work the streets before you can work in the hospital setting first? Is this based on seniority, experience or can you just apply? Any advice thoughts or personal experience?? Thanks.

:?: What happens if you don't pass the lift test? Do you not get hired on? Also what does the skills test consist of..... Thanks for any advice you can provide.

The computer test is not that bad at all... I thought it was going to be harder than it actually was. Just study from your book/any notes you have and you should do just fine. The test is based on your individual knowledge.. The test can tell if your knowledgeable in an area and will move on to another area if you answer correctly. If you don't answer correctly it goes into more depth on that subject and you will have more questions. You get plenty of time to answer your questions (2hrs and 15min) so just take your time and read the questions through. You can get your PASS/FAIL answer on the NREMT web site with in 2 business days then you will also get a letter in the mail about 2-weeks later saying the same thing. Good Luck to your friends!

I live between the Bay Area, and the Central Valley. The pay range doesn't match the cost of living for the area. I thought EMS would make a little more then fast food. After all EMS workers are very important. Do most companies offer shift differental? It seems by peoples postings the pay may be getting better. Is that true?

I live in California, and I recently got my NREMT, and I have a 2 yr degree in Computer Office. My question is... What is the ave. pay scale for an EMT-B? I am confused. I used to work as a Secretary and it seems I could make more. I want to work in this field to help people but what I am finding now is the pay seems really low. Is this true? I love to help people, and money is not what I am after. At the same time I need to be able to live. Thanks