scott33

Aside from the work ethics being different, your argument suggests that you would need to be out sick for long periods merely to enjoy the full benefits of employment within the NHS. It suggests that there is little reward for being punctual and reliable in your workplace, and only those who want to milk the system, or those who are genuinely prone to recurrent illness or injury, could possibly benefit. My sickie time is there to be used, but I will use it when I need it. Other than that, there are short and long-term disability plans which don't cost the world. As for pensions, my 403b is not dissimilar to the one I already have festering in the UK.

Obviously, such a golden perk is open to abuse, which is perhaps one of the reasons they take moving and handling so seriously in the UK / EU. It could be argued that back injuries, strains and sprains etc, with subsequent lost man hours / sick pay (of one of the largest employers in the Country) were possibly the principle driving forces behind the implementation of the "no lift" policy of recent years.

Discussed in more detail here

I moved to the US at the "tender" age of 33, some 7 years ago. Basically I knew two things when I arrived here. 1) I could achieve almost any qualification I was willing to work for, and 2) I had to start at the bottom of the ladder. I wanted to go into either nursing or EMS when I lived in the UK, so basically I continued down that route. It is still work in progress, and I have spent most of the time balancing work, university, and home life, while the immigration paperwork was being dealt with over a time frame which would be best described in geological terms. However, as it stands, I have almost completed both of the basic qualifications I set out to get, so mustn't grumble. I hope to cease being a student if and when I get my NP (although the learning never ends) by which time I hope to still have control of my bladder and bowel. Can't make any promises though

The tech who sustained the injury could technically be out sick on full pay for the first 6 months, then half pay for a further 6 months if need be (correct me if I am wrong Zippy) They get a good deal with sick pay within the NHS, though it obviously costs the NHS many millions in lost hours per year. Not sure where I stand with this particular case, but they definitely take things like lifting and handling way more serious in the UK than over here. There is also the expectation from crews, that they are not going to be exposed to hazardous environments on calls, again in regards to moving and handling, and access to patients etc. This is possibly what some of these type of lawsuits may, I stress may, be trying to exploit. I wasn't there of course, but there may have been more to this event than what we have read, given that the story seems to have a bias towards the patient's viewpoint. Also, just to highlight the "don't believe everything you read in the papers" mantra, the EMS tech in question is NOT a Paramedic

Ago porro quod prospicio

Are you hoping to gain reciprocity of your NREMT-P in Oz? Or you willing to start at the bottom of the ladder? I know QAS (Queensland Ambulance Service) has an active recruitment campaign with the UK NHS ambulance trusts, which provides a work visa for successful applicants. I have yet to see a similar program for US medics however, so I suspect there will be a lot more hoops to jump through to make it happen. I suspect this is partly due to the similarities shared by the Australian and UK systems, which are in contrast to that of the US. Such as: autonomous practitioner model, lack of medical control, diploma / degree-level for entry level practice, guidelines not protocols, socialized healthcare systems, as well as (arguably) the "look after ones own British Commonwealth Countries first", which Australia remains. It would be nice to hear of some US Paramedics who have successfully made the move, but I suspect (just like if an Australian or a Brit were to try to live and work in the US) it may be a lot of hassle. Good luck!

Assuming the above is a genuine loophole in the law, marriage to a US citizen still does not provide nor guarantee citizenship. The requirement just to apply for naturalization is something which requires 3 - 5 years of permanent residency within the US, regardless of State. It is a multi step process which is dependant upon many factors, and yes, you do have to pass a test on the US English language, and US history. The INS (now USCIS) got wise to the border-hopping quickie-weddings years ago, and rightly so. Probably easier however, to apply for Cuban Citizenship then claim US asylum :roll: :wink:

Your safety, and that of your crew, should matter more than caring for your patient.

Sorry mate, I assume this was found in a google search. I would avoid those many web sites which have things such as "win a green card" ads on them, they are a rip off an no-one can process your application faster than anyone else, in spite of their claims. Its filling a gap in a market to rip off gullible wannabe immigrants to the US. Here is the official "dot-gov" US immigration website, and the only place you should be looking. It will usually take many years for a UK citizen to become a US citizen and you need to have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years before you can apply. I would look at what is required for that first.

I don't think anyone is going to hang you out to dry over this. Your post brought out some interesting opinions from "both sides". You state you are going to medic school soon. This may let you see the other side of the coin, and see where some of the more experienced providers are coming from. Nuff said. I think this is an overgeneralization. As you have said, there are many paramedics here (your Welsh buddy for one :wink:) who are also RN's. There are probably many more RNs who are also EMT-Bs, not to mention the numerous "seasoned paramedics" who are, as we speak, in nursing school. The two jobs have their similarities and differences, and a combination of both should make for a well-rounded provider. I have said something to similar effect in the past and I am a nurse. It has to be said, those pushy RNs with no prehospital / acute care experience, who often find themselves at the scene of MVCs (in spite of the 15 fire trucks, and 4 ambulances already on scene) and who feel the need to lay down the law, are just a nuisance. Those with relevant experience, who know the roles they can undertake on scene, and who would not throw Dolly from the pram if they were asked to hold c-spine, can be a great asset however. You can usually spot the on scene CEN / CCRN-types from the... I dunno, "lactation consultants" a mile away.

Duration: Just shy of 1,320 hours over 11 months, which is around 30 hours a weeks between lecture, skills, and clinical rotations. Cost: Approximately $8,300 not including books. Location: NYC

Read the replies thus far which can put all of the original posters concerns into perspective. Note also the hugely patronizing thread title. Look over the recent post which illustrate the lack of education the average EMT-B course provides, or the lack of continuation training or education involved to re-certify. The fact remains that every three years you will be tested out on the same old stuff. Nothing new learned, nothing more added with each subsequent EMT card. That's just the way it is.

So why have you not done the decent thing and become a Paramedic? Then you would be in no doubt that the interventions your medic is performing is the correct one. Being an EMT-B for 15 years is like saying I have not advanced or increased my prehospital knowledge in 15 years. . The only way to learn is to move up the ladder (and I don't mean Lieutenant or Captain), not by observing paramedics and drawing your own conclusions. Welcome.

I agree, though I have yet to see an example of this system in the US.

He is probably referring to the UK model of "professional" EMS (the one he does not belong to) which DOES NOT have a medical control-based system. NHS Paramedics have their own license and can assess and manage (which includes what they have in their drug bag) as they deem fit. Doctors are not involved. They do not operate under a physician's license like they do here. Doesn't detract from the fact that almost everything he posts here is made up, grossly exaggerated, or just plain fantasizing. Glad you have done your own research into SJA. Unfortunately, they just don't have a system in place to train volly EMS like they do here (whether good, bad, or indifferent :roll: ). Look online all you want, you will be hard pushed to find any county-specific training guidelines, expected competencies, and (most importantly), expected time frame for training their new recruits, from fresh newby to seasoned event provider. This is why it will take years (6 in Zippy's case) to be trained to ambulance "attendant" level, (that's still less than an EMT-B, as far as what you can bring to the party). Other members have commented on the disillusionment they face, due to this and other factors (elitism among the HCPs), on the UK forum. Zippy will always say otherwise, but he obviously doesn't realize the damage he is causing his own organization, by painting such a one-sided picture of it by denying much of what SJA represents (VAS does not stand for "voluntary ambulance service" BTW). But as has already been proven, not only have no other RNs backed his claims, no other SJA members have either.

Perhaps these guys can help.

Yup, Hypoglycaemia, paediatric, oesophagus, anaemia etc are all using "proper" English spelling. As are arse, colour, aluminium, programme, etc Many a book has been written on the differences of the "American" and "English" language.

Sounds very familiar. Though over here in "Rightpondia" we would call you a Holding Nurse! All the "not-really-an-emergency" emergencies, referrals for admission from PMDs, and crap you cannot fast track and D/C in under an hour. Call me Mr Picky, but I think I would rather stick to emergency nursing

To be fair though, Dust needs the public recognition more than you :twisted: :wink:

A very good article, even if he did nick it off DD.

Forgive me Zippy, but I would much rather educate myself on a more credible reference on SJA, such as their own website. I have nowt against you, but you are one of the most opinionated, and ill-advised posters I have ever known. You have zero first hand knowlege of US EMS, and think nothing of bringing it down at every opportunity. I will be the fist to say it is far from perfect. Even taking Dust Devil's take on US vollies (which is very valid) the US system is head and shoulders above anything SJA have produced thus far as a stand alone emergency medical service. If you were to stop trying to hoodwink people that SJA are a frontline service you would maybe paint a better picture of what is indeed a remarkable UK institution. See it for what it is (a historical voluntary aid society, and charity based upon Christian values [as mentioned on the webpage]) and stop trying to discredit the professional NHS ambulance staff by putting yourself among their ranks.

I know. I can't help thinking at times though, that there has to be a wormhole and parallel universe involved, if many of his posts are anything to go by.

Same old stuff all the youth squads have to do, such as the UK "Badgers". That, and standing in the pissing rain with a collection tin, or sneaking in little group chit-chats about Christ. What's up with teaching them more skills applicable to prehospital care instead?

Oh I take it all back Zippy :roll: