NYC IFT companies: Who's good to work for? (ALS)

[Miz Black Crow]

So. I'm currently in the back stretch of my Paramedic program, that will certify me both as a NYS EMT-P and as a REMAC medic. I'm planning on working 911 in the NYC system, but, here's my question.

I'm also considering taking a position per diem at one of the (numerous) transport agencies. Not because I think they're better or worse than working in the 911 system--I'm looking at it as a completely different school of thought in paramedicine (stabilize and run to the nearest 911/trauma/STEMI center vs manage this patient for 2-3 hours between facilities, work with IV pumps and vents, etc).

Can anyone provide any relevant information on who's good to work for as a medic in transport? Who carries what drugs, who has more lenient/intelligent/medic-oriented protocols (REMAC vs NYS ALS protocols: who uses what?), who pays well, who actually respects their employees? I spent some time working for one of the above as an EMT, which, I have to say, made me want to shoot myself, but...

For the purposes of the poll I removed Presbyterian/New York Hospital as a candidate, since from what I've heard you either have to know someone or blow someone to get in. If there's anyone who knows that *not* to be the case, please, let me know.

Oh, and guys? I'm NOT looking to trash-talk transport EMS as a whole. The question is, is it worth my time to work transport instead of 911 overtime? How does it look on resumes in the future? I want to hear from anyone who's worked *as a medic* in txp here in NYC... the good, the bad, the ugly. Wage estimation for brand-spanking-new medics would also be *massively* appreciated.

Thanks! ~Miz Black Crow

Edited November 27, 2009 by Miz Black Crow

[devilduckie]

Volunteer for Hatzolah. They'll take anyone.

[Richard B the EMT]

I think the reference request is for gainful employment. Volunteer ambulances in NYC are charity affairs, as in they pay in experience, but nothing to actively put food on the table.

I am removed from the private services from June of 1985, so I don't have any current information. I worked for 5 of them prior to my employ in the municipal sector, and only one of them still exists, but now in the hands of the adult "kids" of my former and late boss.

Edited November 27, 2009 by Richard B the EMT

[scott33]

North Shore LIJ EMS have a fairly decent IFT division.

[46Young]

I got my start at Hunter in '02. It was okay, 19-20/hr for medics. They break your balls to clear jobs fast, and tell you to grab a 10-100 "on the way". Wayne was shady, Dominic was a good guy. It's poorly funded, and there's always someone ready to replace you when you refuse to take any more BS. You do the math on that. Same for Transcare.

I worked for NSLIJ from 3/03 to 10/07, 2 1/2 years BLS, 2 years ALS. Their hiring process has changed from the favoritism practices of past. I had no problem working there. If you're one who has a good work ethic and will do what the employer wants without whining, NSLIJ will work for you. In IFT they want no more than 20 mins from marking onscene to leaving the facility, the same at the 10-81 (receiving facility). If any admin delays, dispatch is to be called immediately. They want your checkout done in 20 mins tops. The PCR nazis will pore over your ppw, and ignorance to protocols, policy & procedures, competent documentation methods and proper billing will be dealt with swiftly. I would never complain about late jobs, and would often volunteer to stay late on OT to clear the board, or to be reassigned to another unit next tour without complaint. They like that.

In 911, it's follow the cookbook. It's like that for the whole NYC 911 system. If you wish to deviate from protocol to follow best practices and evidence based Tx, you need to convince OLMC telemetry and get their blessing.

I've heard that Transcare sucks, but their 911 isn't as tightly regulated as others, and their IFT is busy. None of the privates IMO are any place to make a career. Go hospital based for $$$ and advancement opportunities, go FDNY EMS (they are hiring medics from what I've heard) for benefits, pension, full medical coverage via GHI.

NSLIJ and Presby go as far as I've seen EMS go with IFT, compared with most other areas of the country regarding scope and autonomy. If you desire to do "real" IFT, not just convalescent txp, you'll have to become an RN or RRT first.

Edited December 1, 2009 by 46Young

[scott33]

I got my start at Hunter in '02. Dominic was a good guy.

If it is the same guy with "the accent", yeah he is a decent bloke.

I worked for NSLIJ from 3/03 to 10/07, 2 1/2 years BLS, 2 years ALS. Their hiring process has changed from the favoritism practices of past. I had no problem working there. If you're one who has a good work ethic and will do what the employer wants without whining, NSLIJ will work for you. In IFT they want no more than 20 mins from marking onscene to leaving the facility, the same at the 10-81 (receiving facility). If any admin delays, dispatch is to be called immediately. They want your checkout done in 20 mins tops. The PCR nazis will pore over your ppw, and ignorance to protocols, policy & procedures, competent documentation methods and proper billing will be dealt with swiftly.

They do run a tight ship. Not having enough shine on your boots, or having too much stubble will have you falling out of favor in no time. I actually like their attention to detail though, and wish more depts (including the vollies in the area) would follow their example.

NSLIJ and Presby go as far as I've seen EMS go with IFT, compared with most other areas of the country regarding scope and autonomy. If you desire to do "real" IFT, not just convalescent txp, you'll have to become an RN or RRT first.

Presby have a few medics on the pediatric CCT bus. I am not sure of their level of autonomy, or whether they are used more in the supporting role for the peds RN / Doc.

[46Young]

If it is the same guy with "the accent", yeah he is a decent bloke.

They do run a tight ship. Not having enough shine on your boots, or having too much stubble will have you falling out of favor in no time. I actually like their attention to detail though, and wish more depts (including the vollies in the area) would follow their example.

Presby have a few medics on the pediatric CCT bus. I am not sure of their level of autonomy, or whether they are used more in the supporting role for the peds RN / Doc.

Yeah, he's the dude with the brogue.

I know what you mean, too many EMT's look discheveled, take no pride in their appearance, and some look like mutants.

I know that Presby medics can run more PICU's without escorts than NSLIJ. Really, though, one needs to advance past paramedic to really do anything truly significant.

Edited December 1, 2009 by 46Young

[Richard B the EMT]

Trans-Scare?