Texas EMS

fast65

Doogie Howser FP-C
2,664
2
38
Alright, this is a very broad question, but I just want a little bit of insight.

Recently a buddy of mine has been promoted with his company and is transferring to Texas, he's trying to get me to move with him. Now, things at my company aren't the greatest, and so I'm considering a change of pace.

Can anybody tell me which systems to stay away from in Texas, and which areas would be the most preferable. I realize I won't find a place like Oregon, but something with a forested area or mountainous region would be nice.

What is more prevalent down there? FD based? Third party? County run?

Again, I know this is very broad, but I'm trying to find a good starting point to form more questions around. Thanks all.
 

Wheel

Forum Asst. Chief
738
2
18
Any idea what part of Texas?
 
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fast65

fast65

Doogie Howser FP-C
2,664
2
38

Wheel

Forum Asst. Chief
738
2
18
Right now, I'm thinking around Austin

Williamson county is hiring, I think. From what I hear they're outstanding. Then I guess look into Austin/Travis county. Anything more specific will have to come from someone more familiar with the area. Good luck. I love Texas. Maybe I'll make it back some day.
 
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fast65

fast65

Doogie Howser FP-C
2,664
2
38
Williamson county is hiring, I think. From what I hear they're outstanding. Then I guess look into Austin/Travis county. Anything more specific will have to come from someone more familiar with the area. Good luck. I love Texas. Maybe I'll make it back some day.


Yeah, I heard about Williamson, I definitely like what I'm reading about them. I'll check out Austin-Travis as well, thank you.
 

Wheel

Forum Asst. Chief
738
2
18
Yeah, I heard about Williamson, I definitely like what I'm reading about them. I'll check out Austin-Travis as well, thank you.

There has been a lot of talk about both here. A search should pull up some valuable info. I've done a bit of looking into moving to Texas. Due to the fiancé's job search it looks like I may be trying to head to orlando, aka the place where there are no medic jobs...at all.
 
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RocketMedic

Californian, Lost in Texas
4,997
1,461
113
Oklahoma is basically Texas.
Dont bother with anything in West Texas that isnt El Paso (fire based transporting, good department) / Private Contractor on Fort Bliss. Fort Stockton runs a well paid third service. Amarillo is AMR. Lubbock is UMC, a hospital-based service for Texas Tech. Wichita Falls and Arlington are AMR. Fort Worth is MedStar. San Antonio, Dallas and Houston are fire based. Lots of privates and third services around there. A few big privates out there are Acadian, ETMC, Champion, Guardian and a few others. Abilene is a private. San Angelo is fire based. Ardmore OK is a nonprofit private.
 

Handsome Robb

Youngin'
Premium Member
9,736
1,173
113
Yeah, I heard about Williamson, I definitely like what I'm reading about them. I'll check out Austin-Travis as well, thank you.

ATCEMS would be rad but from what I understand you have to be hired as an EMT then promote from within when a Medic spot opens up since they did all their restructuring.

No offense to the EMTs on here, but I've worked too long and too hard to work as a Basic.

Still think the fast65 and Robb truck would be the dynamic duo.
 

RocketMedic

Californian, Lost in Texas
4,997
1,461
113
same here. im hoping EMSA goes county myself.
 
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fast65

fast65

Doogie Howser FP-C
2,664
2
38
ATCEMS would be rad but from what I understand you have to be hired as an EMT then promote from within when a Medic spot opens up since they did all their restructuring.

No offense to the EMTs on here, but I've worked too long and too hard to work as a Basic.

Still think the fast65 and Robb truck would be the dynamic duo.

No, I hear ya man, I would have a hard time operating as a basic after working as a medic.

Haha, I know, that's probably something we should pursue more thoroughly :p

Thanks for the info so far everyone!
 

STXmedic

Forum Burnout
Premium Member
5,018
1,356
113
I think Williamson Co is taking applications right now. If you get hired, I'll be the first down here to buy you a beer ;) I'd personally stay away from ATc until they figure out what the heck they're doing. There's even more talk now about them merging with AFD.

The Austin/Roundrock area is one of my favorite areas in Texas. Very active outdoor and social scene. If you're familiar with Denver, Austin has a similar feel (minus the mountains...)
 
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fast65

fast65

Doogie Howser FP-C
2,664
2
38
Well now I really like what I'm hearing...I think I'll be applying for Wilco
 

j80

Forum Ride Along
3
0
0
Stay away from Guardian. Shady management and it is only time before the feds catch up with them
 

usalsfyre

You have my stapler
4,319
108
63
Stay away from Guardian. Shady management and it is only time before the feds catch up with them

Interesting....got info to back up your accusations?
 
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Fish

Forum Deputy Chief
1,172
1
38
Williamson County is currently accepting apps, the application period closes on May 1st.
 

iftmedic

Forum Lieutenant
177
4
18
ATCEMS would be rad but from what I understand you have to be hired as an EMT then promote from within when a Medic spot opens up since they did all their restructuring.

No offense to the EMTs on here, but I've worked too long and too hard to work as a Basic.

Still think the fast65 and Robb truck would be the dynamic duo.

The good thing is that you get your foot in the door. I've Been a Medic for 12 years but I'm really considering ATCEMS. Can't beat working for a County Agency versus private. I currently work in SoCal and this area is deseased with shady low paying companies. And a few that offer gurney jockey services to the Fire depts AKA 911 companies
 

TransportJockey

Forum Chief
8,623
1,675
113
The good thing is that you get your foot in the door. I've Been a Medic for 12 years but I'm really considering ATCEMS. Can't beat working for a County Agency versus private. I currently work in SoCal and this area is deseased with shady low paying companies. And a few that offer gurney jockey services to the Fire depts AKA 911 companies

The good thing about Texas, is that county and city EMS services are not uncommon, including all paramedic or agencies who DON'T require you to promote up to your cert level.
 

iftmedic

Forum Lieutenant
177
4
18
The good thing about Texas, is that county and city EMS services are not uncommon, including all paramedic or agencies who DON'T require you to promote up to your cert level.

I can see that... I'm considering Austin area. It seems like Texas is where its at if your a Paramedic. What good Agencies are in the area . I will be out there for ATCEMS test very soon here ...I just applied for AMR in Austin. What's Average pay for Companies in the area for Medics and do they compensate you for experience. Also I just spoke to Texas EMS and I just have to retake NREMT written again since I let it lapse ...also since I don't have a Degree I'm not considered Licensed I will be Certified although that has no relevance to scope. Can anyone elaborate on that I'm a little confused ...
 

TransportJockey

Forum Chief
8,623
1,675
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I can see that... I'm considering Austin area. It seems like Texas is where its at if your a Paramedic. What good Agencies are in the area . I will be out there for ATCEMS test very soon here ...I just applied for AMR in Austin. What's Average pay for Companies in the area for Medics and do they compensate you for experience. Also I just spoke to Texas EMS and I just have to retake NREMT written again since I let it lapse ...also since I don't have a Degree I'm not considered Licensed I will be Certified although that has no relevance to scope. Can anyone elaborate on that I'm a little confused ...
Near Austin? Williamson County EMS. Acadian isn't bad either, for all that they're a private company.
No idea on pay in that area, but even if it was the same salary you're making in CA, you'd get a pay raise since there's no income tax from the state coming out of your paycheck, just federal.
Licensed is just a way TX differentiates the medics who want to pay a little more and have a degree. In all EMS jobs in TX that I've seen, LPs and EMT-Ps are paid the same amount.
 
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