I'm currently about 45 minutes from Red Earth Creek working for a company called IPS. There are a few dozen of these private EMS companies, and they do projects ranging from sporting events (rodeos, hockey tournaments) to university beer garden standby. Mostly, though, it's oil-field related stanby, like where I am right now.
The work is on a contractual basis, so usually once you're oriented with the company they'll offer you a job and give you the details (length, location, etc).
For the most part, companies will pay for a single MTC (the truck with the module on the back), a single EMR or EMT, and they can pick and choose certain equipment. I prefer not to accept contracts that do not include an AED. They're rare, but still some companies would rather save that $25 per day.
Many contracts will see you in quite remote locations, as that is where most industrial sites are. So far, I have done several jobs where I would stay in a hotel (paid for by EMS company) and drive to and from the worksite each day. I often take the company's shorter contracts, since I have lots of stuff on the go at home like Search & Rescue and sports. But contracts can range from 1 day all the way up to a couple months at a time. Let them know what your schedule is, and how long you're willing to work for. Be flexible, and you'll get more offers.
There aren't any "calls" per se; you are simply there keeping busy (studying, reading, watching movies, playing DS, etc). If anything does happen, you are responsible for its treatment/management, and someone else is usually picked beforehand to help drive, maybe somebody else to help you in the back of the unit. You are also there to advocate for safety and health issues. Some clients prefer you just keep to yourself, others will actively ask about safety issues you've seen, etc.
I don't want to make it out to be a slack job or paint anybody with the wrong brush, but sometimes it is a lot of sitting and occupying yourself. Earning experience can be hard if nothing happens on your contracts. However, injuries can be as varied as they are in urban settings. I have treated (or managed as best I could) anything from gout, to sprained ankles, cuts and scrapes, and even an impaled nail from a nail gun. Always keep in mind that based on where you are/what the work is, things could blow up, leak, start on fire, or somebody could simply have a heart attack.
Pay varies with experience and certification. I'm an EMT, with H2S (minimum standard for any company), PST, ITLS, WHMIS, TDG, several First Aid/CPRs, Wilderness first aid, NAPD, and a few other urban certificates. The pay is often quite reasonable, with additions such as meal subs (often $25-50 per day untaxed which is given when you're buying your own groceries), travel allowances for getting around, and paid driving time (usually something like $8-12 per hour) while you drive from base to the assignment a zillion miles away.
I prefer not to share pay scales that much, but I believe the pay is fair, and I have student loans to pay off, so for now, industrial contracts are a good thing.
I hope this has shed some light on the job, any other questions, lemme know.
