Hey all, I was wondering if anyone on this forum has any comments in regards to various EMS companies or departments operating in St. Louis, Missouri. I've been looking into the potential of working there (I'm originally from St. Louis) and there seems to be a good mixture of groups--Abbott EMS, Gateway, various fire departments and hospitals. I can't see the harm asking people who have been in the field their opinions, so anything would be appreciated.
Perceptions of EMS in St. Louis
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mikie
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Not too familiar with the private sector but know a few things about the STL County departments. I do know that Abbott does respond to some smaller STL county FDs that do not have their own ambulance (contracted out).
The rest of the (for the most part) county FD's are ALS. Medic (2 paramedics) unit & engine response to most calls. So if you're wanting to ride STL EMS, you're most likely going to have to be a FF (FF1 & 2, through STL County Fire academy (stupid politics require all county members to go through it REGARDLESS of previous training!)). So if you're looking for strictly EMS, private is probably the way to go.
The city however does run their own medic units, a medic & basic usually. Being apart of the STL City FD, it's mostly FFs but NOT all, so that's another option.
The county has some very nice depts (equipment wise); great interoperability; great pay (some, not all).
I know there is another member that is around the STL area so hopefully he'll pop up and give some more insight.
I would hopefully in the future like to be on one of the STL county dept's.
Hope that helps!
The rest of the (for the most part) county FD's are ALS. Medic (2 paramedics) unit & engine response to most calls. So if you're wanting to ride STL EMS, you're most likely going to have to be a FF (FF1 & 2, through STL County Fire academy (stupid politics require all county members to go through it REGARDLESS of previous training!)). So if you're looking for strictly EMS, private is probably the way to go.
The city however does run their own medic units, a medic & basic usually. Being apart of the STL City FD, it's mostly FFs but NOT all, so that's another option.
The county has some very nice depts (equipment wise); great interoperability; great pay (some, not all).
I know there is another member that is around the STL area so hopefully he'll pop up and give some more insight.
I would hopefully in the future like to be on one of the STL county dept's.
Hope that helps!
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St. Louis County and St. Charles County Fire Districts have some of the highest pay structures in the U.S. There is a very powerful IAFF local here that has been very aggressive with their tactics in getting higher than average salaries.
St. Charles County Ambulance District is located just outside St. Louis County and currently employs about 155 paramedics (no EMT's) with 4 paramedic supervisors per 24 hour shift. They too belong to the same IAFF local as St. Louis County. Starting pay for transfer truck paramedics is nearly $50,000 and top out is nearly $80,000. Some paramedic supervisors hover near the $100,000 mark; more with overtime. Medical insurance is 100% paid including dependent coverage. This is pretty similar to what fire / paramedics make at the St. Louis County Districts, with some higher than others.
Turnover is nearly zero, so you will have to wait your turn!
Ray
St. Charles County Ambulance District is located just outside St. Louis County and currently employs about 155 paramedics (no EMT's) with 4 paramedic supervisors per 24 hour shift. They too belong to the same IAFF local as St. Louis County. Starting pay for transfer truck paramedics is nearly $50,000 and top out is nearly $80,000. Some paramedic supervisors hover near the $100,000 mark; more with overtime. Medical insurance is 100% paid including dependent coverage. This is pretty similar to what fire / paramedics make at the St. Louis County Districts, with some higher than others.
Turnover is nearly zero, so you will have to wait your turn!
Ray
I couldn't imagine why turnover would be so low...who'd want to work at a place like that?
