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I've only had one shift, and used a combo of vinyl and Nitrile gloves. I noticed a rash of small red dots on the back of my hands during the day. It never itched, nor did I feel any breathing difficulty, but it worried me. I noticed it first after using the nitrile, which is what my company...

This isn't a training program, its my first week of work as an EMT-B. My company, and I assume others, has new folks do ride alongs as a third crew member with experienced crews to give experience and to gauge where you are at in the learning curve. Fyi, When Seconds Count is a EMT-B training...

Yesterday I had my first shift; 16 hours as a third rider with a bls crew. We had 7 patients and 3 were emergency calls. I had numerous opportunities to practice my skills during the day and everyone was supportive and encouraging. The capper was a call an hour before I was to leave. My crew...

I start actual EMT work in 2 weeks. I will be working for NorthShore Ambulance, a private company that does transfers as well as 911 for 3 small cities in Massachusetts. Orientation next Tuesday and once my notice time to my current job is over I begin ride time. Nervous? Yes! But more than...

That truly does suck. It must have been a long shift. What was with the back compressions? I feel for you in that situation, must have been tough to know what to do but realizing it was too late when you were able to start. You painted such a vibrant picture of the chaos at the trailer park. One...

Here in MA we can't either

Sure thing! I understand how you feel. I'm nervous about starting because class seems along time ago. I plan on just remembering to breathe and realize they don't expect me to know everything.

Great word...

35-50 (by a few months) A only if they asked if it's ok. B if they haven't asked for A. C makes me feel old. To comment further: A and B make me feel like I am an individual to them, whereas C seems cold.

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement! The interview went great and it looks like I have my first position in EMS. I need to jump through a few hoops first, physical/drug tests etc, but should start in a few weeks!

My pleasure and good luck!

Well done!

Welcome to EMTLife! Armstrong Ambulance has a base in Wilmington, and does lots of work in Woburn as well. They are fairly large, starting pay for newbie Basic is around $13/hr. My friend has worked there about a month and he says its mostly good. He has had some troubles with the whole big...

Hey folks, I haven't been around for a bit. I got my Basic certification in mid November and have been looking for a job ever since. Today I have an interview that looks promising. I feel I can actively participate on this board when I actually work in EMS :P

I took my state test, Massachusetts. I have no plans to leave the state so I doubt if I will take the national Basic exam. As for nerves with a higher cert, I'm giving myself a good deal of time with this cert before I commit time and money to a higher one :) Thank you for the kind words.

I passed the state and I now have my EMT-B license! By now though I have learned that the true test lies ahead of me and I am terrified and excited all at once. This week I shall begin the job search. I plan to post and be involved more once in the field, as I feel I will have more to...

Hey there! While not from western MA, I went to Umass/Amherst and lived for 6 years in Greenfield. I also lived about a year in Shutesbury. I say that to people now and they say "Shrewsbury"?

I'm from Gloucester, a small city on the ocean, north of Boston Massachusetts. See the movie The Perfect Storm? Yep, they made it here...

Thanks for all the info and advice! The best thing I can do is just stay away when they are lighting up. Better safe then sorry...

I hang out with friends who occasionally smoke marijuana. Those days are behind me, yet I wonder about upcoming drug tests when I apply for an EMT-B position. What's the possibility of failing a drug test from being in a room where folks are smoking pot?