CARE vs. LifeLine in Orange County, CA

[AVALANCHE]

Hello all, I just submitted applications for both CARE and LifeLine today and received a call back at the same time for them both (a good thing, I hope). I have an interview with LifeLine first followed by CARE next week. The process for the former seems super simplified compared to the latter.

I've researched and I have two friend that work for Lifeline that seem to like it enough but have a big commute. I did my ride-alongs with CARE and enjoyed them for the most part. I've just been hearing rumors that LifeLine will be getting a 911 contract soon and that CARE has been bought out and will not be renewing their 911.

There's been negative stories about both places (albeit possibly outdated), I was hoping all of you could pitch in with some CURRENT information about which company I should consider.

Thank you!

 

[slewy]

It's like driving a Ferrari vs. a Honda. Care is definitely not downsizing, they are only going to get more contracts and expand. They're a huge company that primarily has 911 contracts. Lifeline does IFT's, they are a LOT smaller than Care. The way I see it is, go wherever you get hired first though. Do both interviews and see where it goes from there.

 

[Anonymous]

If you are fortunate enough to get hired at both CARE all the way.

 

[energystar]

Slewy nailed it. Lifeline is essentially a dialysis derby no idea what 911 contract they are talking about. They will hire anyone with a pulse from people I spoke with who worked there. For CARE, I have never heard anything about not renewing 911 contracts since being bought out by Falck. I know they are expanding like crazy and looking to seek more 911 contracts in other counties, which is the exact opposite of what you're saying. h34r:

 

[Always BSI]

CARE all the way. Not only will you get BLS experience but you will get some 911 experience as well. My friend has been working there for more than a year already he does 24's at Anaheim fire stations he actually stays at the station with the firefighters. When they get a call they follow fire. Now if thats not some good experience I dont know what is but he loves his shift.

 

[Mufasa556]

Orange County 911 contracts are not up for renewal until 2014. Go with CARE.

 

[Rykielz]

You know who runs Lifeline right? The people who got fired from Pacific Ambulance when Rural/Metro took over.

 

[ITBITB13]

Hello all, I just submitted applications for both CARE and LifeLine today and received a call back at the same time for them both (a good thing, I hope). I have an interview with LifeLine first followed by CARE next week. The process for the former seems super simplified compared to the latter.

I've researched and I have two friend that work for Lifeline that seem to like it enough but have a big commute. I did my ride-alongs with CARE and enjoyed them for the most part. I've just been hearing rumors that LifeLine will be getting a 911 contract soon and that CARE has been bought out and will not be renewing their 911.

There's been negative stories about both places (albeit possibly outdated), I was hoping all of you could pitch in with some CURRENT information about which company I should consider.

Thank you!

I always laugh at the rumors that IFT companies make up about the 911 companies, and other IFT companies as well. :rofl:

Care is an amazing place to work. I did my time at other IFT companies, and I feel like I just got out of an abusive relationship. ^_^

Lifeline is getting A 911 contract? Oh yay! Good for them. However, have fun getting to work that ONE 911 area as a new hire.

Care on the other hand, has bus loads of 911 contracts. Look it up for yourself.
Www.careambulance.net

Pm me if you'd like.

 

[FoleyArtist]

You know who runs Lifeline right? The people who got fired from Pacific Ambulance when Rural/Metro took over.

wish you could like a comment like fb lol.

go with CARE if you can.
or doctors, or mccormick... only the big dogs i feel you'll be happy at.

pacific aint a great place to work for after the RM takeover though. everyone thought it would. at least pacific oc and bowers la. dont know about SD

 

[Mufasa556]

You know who runs Lifeline right? The people who got fired from Pacific Ambulance when Rural/Metro took over.

This is all anyone needs to know about Lifeline.

 

[Rykielz]

If you're going nursing or something in-hospital, then Pacific or another IFT company might be the way to go. But otherwise you wanna be doing 9-1-1.

 

[Danno]

I frequently run into CARE guys in the field and they have nothing but good things to say about the company.

When i went to interview with them i also really liked the general feel of the company.

 

[slewy]

I work for Care, it's a great company to work for. With over 900 employees in California everyone is super nice, and it's very professional. Care has plenty of IFT's and 911.

 

[AVALANCHE]

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread while I lurked on it. I was offered a position with Lifeline, and have just confirmed a job offer from Care as well. I think I'm going to go for the latter based on my experience and everyone's input. I feel bad about Lifeline and would like to help them expand but Care is huge and feels more secure.

I work for Care, it's a great company to work for. With over 900 employees in California everyone is super nice, and it's very professional. Care has plenty of IFT's and 911.

Lifeline offers $10.50, how much is Care and how does the overtime work?

 

[slewy]

You made a good choice. Once you start the orientation part in class, you will realize what a great company Care is. You start out on day cars which pays $10.50/hr. If you work on a 24 hr rig then you get paid 9/hr. Overtime is very easy to pick up, there are always OT shifts available everyday. The majority of guys work anywhere from 40-72 hrs a week.

 

[FoleyArtist]

Don't let the higher hourly distract you. Simply put, all the good money you ever earn in EMS is OT pay. I know friends making less hourly that me but working paid straight 24s taking home more than me.