Benefits of working PT AMR

Mjk716

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A little background on me…received my NREMT/EMT-B in CT this past July. Applied at a couple of commercial companies Nelson/AMR but decided I wanted to volunteer first. So for the last 4 months, I’ve been getting some really good BLS experience with my local service that averages about 6000 call p/year. With that said, I recently revisited applying at Nelson/AMR with better experience and the recent significant pay increase across the board. I’ve decided to go with part time AMR in Bridgeport because I think it will be a better mix of 911/IFT vs Nelson which is primarily IFT. Anyway, pros vs cons of part time vs full time AMR? From what I know so far, it’s really the luxury of picking and choosing what shifts I can work, but what is the difference between part time and per diem? Just want to make sure I’m making the right decision. Thanks for any feedback.
 

EpiEMS

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My understanding of AMR Bridgeport is that they are extremely busy with a mix of IFT and 911 - often getting pulled to do 911 mutual aid for some of the surrounding municipalities. I am not sure how the quality of providers is, on average - seems pretty mixed to me and I see quite a few burned out folks when I encounter AMR staff (not surprising). It'll probably give you a good opportunity to practice top of license as an EMT compared to many of the volunteer services around.

What are they paying these days at AMR for PT EMTs? I had last heard something like $21?
 
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Mjk716

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23.30 to start for PT and 24.00 for FT. I do like the flexibility of PT though as I can’t do overnights and that was a requirement for FT right now. 2 shift a month minimum with no max on hours for PT. As far as burn out, I figured 2 shifts per week should be a happy a medium to hopefully avoid what seems like the inevitable burn out that a lot of people have told me about. And yes, there is a good mix of 911/IFT as well. I’ve been told it’s about 50/50. There are also dedicated IFT or 911 trucks if I chose to just do those shifts.
 

EpiEMS

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23.30 to start for PT and 24.00 for FT. I do like the flexibility of PT though as I can’t do overnights and that was a requirement for FT right now. 2 shift a month minimum with no max on hours for PT. As far as burn out, I figured 2 shifts per week should be a happy a medium to hopefully avoid what seems like the inevitable burn out that a lot of people have told me about. And yes, there is a good mix of 911/IFT as well. I’ve been told it’s about 50/50. There are also dedicated IFT or 911 trucks if I chose to just do those shifts.

Sounds like part time is reasonable! Definitely want to carefully watch yourself for burnout, like in any job.
 

fm_emt

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I can already tell you that it depends on which operation you're going for. I'm PT at one and I have to put in 6 shifts of availability every month, but if I work 3, they're usually pretty happy.

Although we're short staffed, so they've really been bugging us to work at least the 6.

Otherwise, it's the same. Just none of the full time benefits, retirement contributions, (I think they match 3%) and stuff like that. I have health coverage from my wife's employer anyway.
 

EpiEMS

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so they've really been bugging us to work at least the 6.
I'm sure it's not ideal to have to put up with the nagging from management, but I doubt they would be in the position to refuse people who are working less since they are having so much trouble filling shifts.
 

DrParasite

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Anyway, pros vs cons of part time vs full time AMR? From what I know so far, it’s really the luxury of picking and choosing what shifts I can work, but what is the difference between part time and per diem? Just want to make sure I’m making the right decision. Thanks for any feedback.
without knowing the specifics, part-time is usually a commitment of 1 or 2 shifts a week, every week, with prorated benefits. per diem is 6 shifts of availability per month, and you go where needed, no benefits, and they put you where they can. You might also be able to get cross trained on a CCT unit (which I was only sent to when I pissed someone off), or another specialty unit (idk if they have them). or even communications. and once you are cleared, you can pick up more shifts, and get moved around even more (been there, done that).

Do you have a full-time job? non-EMS, that provides you benefits and such? or will this be your only source of income?

btw, 6000 calls a year at your local agency isn't anything to sneeze at. Some agencies (not saying AMR) have full-time units that don't come anywhere near that type of call volume.
 
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Mjk716

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I do have a full time job with benefits now but I’m burnt out in it. I’ve been in the towing industry for years now and I’m just looking to do something different. Ideally I’d like to do the Emt full time and keep the towing part time on the side.
On a side note, I did receive another offer today from a different commercial company. Full time with benefits and no overnights. Majority IFT but they do run dedicated 911 trucks that I’ll have the option to go on after 6 months. Might have come at the perfect time to be honest!
 
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Mjk716

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I can already tell you that it depends on which operation you're going for. I'm PT at one and I have to put in 6 shifts of availability every month, but if I work 3, they're usually pretty happy.

Although we're short staffed, so they've really been bugging us to work at least the 6.

Otherwise, it's the same. Just none of the full time benefits, retirement contributions, (I think they match 3%) and stuff like that. I have health coverage from my wife's employer anyway.
No benefits is the biggest drawback for me. Essentially I want to switch my current job to pt and do the ems ft just for change of pace but also don’t want to lose my benefits. I did get a full time offer from a different commercial company that might actually allow me accomplish the switch!
 

DrParasite

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I do have a full time job with benefits now but I’m burnt out in it. I’ve been in the towing industry for years now and I’m just looking to do something different. Ideally I’d like to do the Emt full time and keep the towing part time on the side.
good plan, and doable
On a side note, I did receive another offer today from a different commercial company. Full time with benefits and no overnights. Majority IFT but they do run dedicated 911 trucks that I’ll have the option to go on after 6 months. Might have come at the perfect time to be honest!
be wary of this... if they are majority IFT with a few 911 trucks, you might be eligible to move over after 6 months, however that doesn't mean you will be able to. Truck assignments are often decided by seniority, so if you are the new guy, you will be at the bottom of the list of people who are trying to get a full time spot. Some people like doing IFTs, while others find it mind numbingly boring; YMMV.

Do what makes you happy.
 
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