Finding Employment as EMT-B

OreoThief

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Hi all,

Now that I am licensed as an EMT-B, now what? I have written to several fire stations and hospitals, and haven't heard back. I have not had any luck finding employment ads for EMT's, other than some nursing jobs that want an EMT as a pre-requisite. I don't mean to sound childish, but I want to get to work! Am I missing something obvious here? How do I get on the truck? Any suggestions?

:wacko:
 

firecoins

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Hi all,

Now that I am licensed as an EMT-B, now what? I have written to several fire stations and hospitals, and haven't heard back. I have not had any luck finding employment ads for EMT's, other than some nursing jobs that want an EMT as a pre-requisite. I don't mean to sound childish, but I want to get to work! Am I missing something obvious here? How do I get on the truck? Any suggestions?

:wacko:

Do an internet search of private ambulance companies in your area and contact them directly via telephone. I find private companies need people to do transport. Obviously its not the most exciting aspect of EMS but youll gain the necessary experience for 911 employment.

Call up the fire stations as well. Do they have a separate EMS division or must you be a FF/EMT? You may have to take a civil service exam and get on a "list" before being hired. Find out from them directly.

As far as hopsitals, do they have ambulances or are you looking for an ER Tech position?
 
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OreoThief

OreoThief

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Response

I am not looking to work in the ER, I truly enjoyed the ambulance during my clinicals, and that's what I would like to do. Is there such thing as "ambulance only", or are you required to wear a couple of different hats?

I will try to contact some more local companies, and see where it goes from there. :eek:)
 

firecoins

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I am not looking to work in the ER, I truly enjoyed the ambulance during my clinicals, and that's what I would like to do. Is there such thing as "ambulance only", or are you required to wear a couple of different hats?

I will try to contact some more local companies, and see where it goes from there. :eek:)

It depends what they hire you for. If they have an ambulance division, than you'll work as an EMT.

Call up the fire depts, hospitals and private companies. Find out if they hire EMT-Bs and for what. I said FDs may hire EMTs but you could be working mainly as a Firefighter/EMT without transporting patients to the hospital. Hospitals may only have ALS service. If your BLS, you may only do transports while ALS do 911 fly car service. Private ambulance may do tranfers or 911 if they are contracted to do so. Call, find out about the company, what they do and their requirements for hiring new EMTs.

Fire Depts tend to train you in addition to EMT class. I would look into them first honestly.

Private will probably have the shortest hiring process. If you want some work and to build an EMS resume, this might be a good entry level position, especially if the FD has a wait list.
 

Hubbie

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Do an internet search of private ambulance companies in your area and contact them directly via telephone. I find private companies need people to do transport. Obviously its not the most exciting aspect of EMS but youll gain the necessary experience for 911 employment.

Call up the fire stations as well. Do they have a separate EMS division or must you be a FF/EMT? You may have to take a civil service exam and get on a "list" before being hired. Find out from them directly.

As far as hopsitals, do they have ambulances or are you looking for an ER Tech position?

I work for a private company and in order to run the 911 calls you mut first do 4 months of transfer time to get used to the protocals and service area. My point is that you may not be able to just jump into the 911 scene and that you may be requied to do some transport time first. Either way, best of luck to you!
 
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OreoThief

OreoThief

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Thank you....

Thanks, guys. It's not what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate your honesty. I'll continue in my search! :rolleyes:
 

captainbeatty

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I was an EMT from 1978 to 1991. I just (two weeks ago) got recertified. I went to two private services that were not advertising for help last Monday and applied. I was interviewed on the spot by both of them,and was hired on the spot by one of them ( the other one called me two days later and offered me a job). So my advice is to apply toas many services as you can, and hope for the best. Good luck.
 
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OreoThief

OreoThief

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looks like spouse was right after all. he told me to quit being a chicken, knock off the online application game, and just get in!

was pay even negotiated when you went in?
 

medicdan

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looks like spouse was right after all. he told me to quit being a chicken, knock off the online application game, and just get in!

was pay even negotiated when you went in?

I firmly believe the best way to look for a job, especially in EMS is through personal connections. I think you should stop by the fire station or headquarters, talk to EMTs, ask to speak to a supervisor. If that company doesnt work out, ask them for other reccomendations. Ask your EMT-B instructor for their ideas, ask for a letter of recc, or a call into possible employers.
 

medic417

The Truth Provider
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Go to the services you want to work for and apply in person. If they say they are currently not hiring still express interest. Ask questions. Then check back. Make friends with some of the people at the services you want to work for. How, watch as they leave. Follow them to the bar, buy them a beer. Just be careful not to become a stalker. ;)
 

captainbeatty

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As far as pay, I didn't try to negotiate about it.They both made what I consider to be a fair offer for the area I live in (we are in an employment slump around here, and many major employers are cutting back on their staff), so I accepted their first offer. I went to my company orientation yesterday, and think I have found a good company to work for. My first day in the truck is Monday.
 
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OreoThief

OreoThief

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Well the best of luck to you! :p
 

jakobsmommy2004

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Hi all,

Now that I am licensed as an EMT-B, now what? I have written to several fire stations and hospitals, and haven't heard back. I have not had any luck finding employment ads for EMT's, other than some nursing jobs that want an EMT as a pre-requisite. I don't mean to sound childish, but I want to get to work! Am I missing something obvious here? How do I get on the truck? Any suggestions?

:wacko:

Try AMR American Medical Response they are all over the country or even do an online search in the yellow pages for private ambulance services in your area. starting out working for a private ambulance is your best shot at getting on a truck. Granted all you will do is basic non emergency runs with maybe an emergency mixed in there but you can get the experience and further you career in the ems field. Like for example here in Michigan you have to have a Paramedic and a Specialist on a rig to do 911 calls. Specialist or intermediate is only like 3 more months of training. hope this helps:)
 

Ridryder911

EMS Guru
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Be sure to examine work or employers history. i.e private companies. Many may such a bad reputation, that other services assume you are a lousy medic or just as bad too.

Good luck,
R/r 911
 

WLSC2008

Forum Crew Member
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Private Company

Hey,
I am affiliated with a private company that runs all over the city and mutual aid calls in the tri-state area. We also do a lot of transports.
At my squad once you are hired you have to be the 3rd on so many transports and then the 3rd on so many e-calls and then you can be by yourself once the director feels comfortable with you.


Hope this helps!
 
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