Hi from LI, NY !

[Gin121]

Hey All! Just joined to gain some insight on the Emergency Med Field. I am a former PE Teacher and Air Traffic Controller. I need a challenging carrer that is ever changing and exciting. I'm looking to join a local department as an EMS Volunteer while taking the EMT B course load to get certified. Eventually I want to be a Paramedic and also do Emergency Response perhaps, in the Military or with a local FD on a rescue boat. Any suggestions/guidance would be much appreciated. Glad to be a part of the community!

[Richard B the EMT]

You're going to find that most volunteer squads/companies/corps/agencies will ask you to spend a period of time volunteering with them, before they'll sponsor anyone for a seat in an EMT class, and unfortunately, it is with reason. Too many times in the past, someone gets into a partially or fully funded class, but on completion, when asked about that individual going onto the duty roster, the individual says, "Who? What volly organization?" They get the training on someone else's coin, and then don't pay it either back or forward.

After many volly groups got burned like this, they have potential members give time first, sponsorship later.

If you go this way, first, earn your spurs as an EMT, then, if the department takes you in for the specialty, go for the boat rescue.

As for the military, you'll go where they send you, and go military medical if THEY want you to go military medical. Have an ex girlfriend, was a Candy Striper, a NYS EMT, and even was a Combat Medic in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) during the 1973 War, but when she joined the US Navy, they made her (Drum roll and dramatic pause) a SIGNALMAN!

[Gin121]

You're going to find that most volunteer squads/companies/corps/agencies will ask you to spend a period of time volunteering with them, before they'll sponsor anyone for a seat in an EMT class, and unfortunately, it is with reason. Too many times in the past, someone gets into a partially or fully funded class, but on completion, when asked about that individual going onto the duty roster, the individual says, "Who? What volly organization?" They get the training on someone else's coin, and then don't pay it either back or forward.

After many volly groups got burned like this, they have potential members give time first, sponsorship later.

If you go this way, first, earn your spurs as an EMT, then, if the department takes you in for the specialty, go for the boat rescue.

As for the military, you'll go where they send you, and go military medical if THEY want you to go military medical. Have an ex girlfriend, was a Candy Striper, a NYS EMT, and even was a Combat Medic in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) during the 1973 War, but when she joined the US Navy, they made her (Drum roll and dramatic pause) a SIGNALMAN!

Signalman? Holy smokes! Although I would love to serve and think Military experience is a great way to train, I would miss the heck out of my wife and kids. Though it is still a possibility at this point. I read that bc I have my Bachelors Degree I can't take place in the EMT Scholorship Program. I read elsewhere though that my county offers EMT B certification for only $75 for current EMS. Can I volunteer w my local Department as EMS and qualify for the $75 tuition? If not they charge $850.00 for non EMS. Ouch .....