It is common practice for ambulance companies to come in to talk to EMT classes on a regular scheduled basis. It's not always based on staffing needs.
Here is some information I got in one of my threads:
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=15824
I didn't interview with them after I found out that they only pay 14 hours out of 24.
They do have 30 vehicle running in city Los Angeles currently, so they must be donig something right.
I just didn't like the pay. If I am at work 24 hours, I want to get paid for 24 hours. I think we are underpaid anyways so I rather work for a company who pays me right.
Unless I'm mistaken, it is legal to do that. However, they'd have to pay for any time you're out on a call during "sleep time". IIRC, they've been doing that for years. They don't have to pay for "sleep time", and 1 hour for each of 3 meal periods... but you MUST be completely relieved of duty during each meal period. So, that means that under "ideal" circumstances, you'd not be paid for 11 hours out of 24 (13 paid out of 24 hours...)I totally agree with you, however with how bad the economy is they can afford to do anything they want as long as it's legal and i am not sure if it's.