Advice

[phish]

Hi everybody....I've been lurking around this place for a while and gleaned some really good information here. I figured somebody might be able to help me out a bit...


I just finished my time in the Army a couple months ago as a medic. I loved it. At the moment, I'm at VCU in Richmond, Va taking classes and I wanted to also volunteer with a local rescue squad.

So I filled out applications and mailed them to the local squads. And I've heard nothing back. Which I don't get at all. I went over and gave my application at one station, and they showed me around and said they'd call in a few days, and still I've heard nothing. I don't get it. I have my emt-b, and I have references, and no background problems, good driving record, etc. At this point, all my references have begun moving away, deploying, and generally becoming unreachable. I have no idea what else I could possibly do....


I feel like I'm totally missing something here about how to get my foot in the door. Any input is very much appreciated.

 

[titmouse]

Have you done any clinicals while taking EMT class? Thst is if you have taken it in a school. I think that your best bet would be contacting the station and shifts thst you did the rides with.

 

[abckidsmom]

Which squads did you apply with? WEVRS has been fading away for a long time. I would recommend FVVRS, and just keep calling until you get someone.

I have some friends who volunteer in Hanover, that system is very vibrant and has a lot of volunteer activity- it's only 20 minutes up the road, you might want to check it out.

Good luck to you!

 

[Tigger]

Don't wait any longer than a few days for someone to call you. It's not considered nagging to call someone and get the ball rolling. Many EMS administrators are highly overworked and it's easy for applicants to slip through the cracks.

Now if only I could get my girlfriend to realize that biology researchers are likely the same way...

 

[EpiEMS]

Agreed. Give them some time, say, 24 hours, then call back. Volley services are usually glad to have extra people who are already "ready to go" as far as training is concerned.

 

[Engineered]

I know in my "other life" outside of EMS, when I am hiring people I enjoy people who stay on the ball and stay on me as far as hiring goes. The old saying, the nail that sticks out gets hammered also means you get attention. The worse they can tell you is no, and its better to get a no and a reason why then to just fall through the cracks. That being said, make sure you do it tastefully.

 

[phish]

Thanks everybody.

Its been about 2 weeks or so since I mailed the materials to Forest View and West End, but I'll still call and see what happens. I applied and visited the Manchester squad last week, so I'll call them today.

I'll look into the Hanover sqaud.