18 year old EMT in Northern California. How do i get a job?

[premedemt]

Hi,

So I just got my California State certification through Alameda County in Northern California after recently passing my NREMT (which I could not believe). I really want a job ANYWHERE in the area, but so does everyone else right? I know it's not likely for me to luck out on one since I'm only 18 and have no experience. Can anyone give me any advice or direction on how I can approach this problem? Maybe even suggestions of where to apply? How can I build experience volunteering, working, etc. Working would be very ideal.

 

[Zeroo]

I am not from california so I can't say to much. However I have been lurking on these forums/reading most of the threads. Anyways from what I have read I hear that california has a saturated amount of emts and medics. Finding work there is really hard. Especially with no experience. My suggestion is start looking up all the private ambulance companies within reasonable driving distance and apply to them. Try and see if you can go for any volunteer positions with them just to get experience.

 

[MedicBrew]

Hi,

So I just got my California State certification through Alameda County in Northern California after recently passing my NREMT (which I could not believe). I really want a job ANYWHERE in the area, but so does everyone else right? I know it's not likely for me to luck out on one since I'm only 18 and have no experience. Can anyone give me any advice or direction on how I can approach this problem? Maybe even suggestions of where to apply? How can I build experience volunteering, working, etc. Working would be very ideal.

Don't know much about the west coast, but even here in the flyover states, it's very difficult to get a starting gig. The market is saturated with Basic level medics.

I got my start at 19 with a county service, whose insurance allowed me to drive their units. That may be an issue for you; several services have an age minimum of 21 for that very reason.

Maybe tech in a local ER? That will give you good exposure to multiple patients and you can observe the dynamics in-hospital. Volunteering may also be a good option. Not many, if any at all, volunteer opportunities around these parts, your situation may be different.

Then when you grow up (meaning turning 21), you’re ready to rock n roll.

Good Luck and stay positive!

 

[crispymedic]

...I really want a job ANYWHERE in the area, but so does everyone else right?...

Hello premed,

You are too young for an EMT job in the Bay Area. If you were up in a rural area and they were hard up...maybe.

In the mean time apply to Paramedics Plus for a job as a Logistics Specialist. You'll be stocking rigs and get your foot in the door. If you work out, and a few years go by, and you show what a star worker you are maybe you'll slot right in to an EMT position.

Good luck/skill, you'll need it.

Respectfully,
crispymedic

 

[Aprz]

It's unlikely you'd get on with a private ambulance service as an EMT, and I think you just missed your chance to work at Great America as an EMT. In April, Rock Medicine (volunteer) will have their orientation and you can at least get some experience through them. I believe the Fire Department in Twain Harte also accepts a lot of volunteers; I see their t-shirts and jackets everywhere!

Good luck.

 

[crispymedic]

...In April, Rock Medicine (volunteer) will have their orientation and you can at least get some experience through them...

Hey, that's right. I forgot all about Rock Medicine:
http://www.rockmed.org/

Remember when Dr. Patrick Connell, (God rest his soul) worked there? He was awesome!

Respectfully,
crispymedic

 

[Tigger]

I don't live in NorCal, but I was also in your boat in Boston, with the added caveat of only being able to work four months of the year. I did eventually get a job at a private company, likely because I told anyone and everyone that I would work any shift at any time with little notice. If you're willing to do that, you'll have a much better shot of getting hired since they can hire you to fill vacation spots rather than pay OT.

 

[premedemt]

Thanks a lot all of you. This is really helping me get a good sense of what I'm trying to get myself into as well as a more definite sense of direction. We'll see how climbing the ranks and volunteering goes from here!