Hello everyone, I’m moving to Austin and looking for more information about atcems from current employees or surrounding departments. How is it working at atcems currently? What would you say is the best service to work for in the Austin area? From what I’ve seen Austin is the only service that runs 24/72 with 42 hr work weeks and everyone else is working 56 jr weeks. Which service has the best work/life balance or best retirement? I’ve always wanted to work for atcems and would appreciate if I could ask a current employee a few questions. Thanks
Atcems and surrounding area
- Thread starter gravypit
- Start date
Rano Pano
Forum Lieutenant
- 240
- 89
- 28
ATCEMS is understaffed by 25%.
One on call shift a month.
Retirement is 30 years & collect at 62.
Crews are busy as staffing is not there for a lot of different reasons. This is not a problem unique to the area, but that doesn’t change the fatigue it brings.
There’s no perfect EMS department.
One on call shift a month.
Retirement is 30 years & collect at 62.
Crews are busy as staffing is not there for a lot of different reasons. This is not a problem unique to the area, but that doesn’t change the fatigue it brings.
There’s no perfect EMS department.
FiremanMike
Just a dude
- 1,195
- 759
- 113
Isn’t ATCEMS one of those depawtments where you start as an EMT-Basic regardless of your prior experience or verification level, and can only be considered a paramedic with them when they have openings?
Rano Pano
Forum Lieutenant
- 240
- 89
- 28
It’s historically been you are hired into the BLS role and promote into the ALS position. Over the last 5 years that set amount of time has shrunk to you are eligible to take the promotion exam as soon as you are independent in the BLS role.
A recent change is hiring directly into the ALS role.
A recent change is hiring directly into the ALS role.
RocketMedic
Californian, Lost in Texas
- 4,997
- 1,462
- 113
As of October, they’ll be able to hire directly from the academy and FTO process into the “clinical specialist” / lead medic role. They also got a bit of a pay raise. Not a bad place, but busy, understaffed and the mandatory overtime looms.
TXmed
Forum Captain
- 308
- 132
- 43
How long does it take to go from their lvl-5 to say their lvl-6? I know they started a CCT program how does it work for that?
Rano Pano
Forum Lieutenant
- 240
- 89
- 28
There’s no set time.
It all depends when the medical directors office sets up a class. The class has been averaging once year.
Definitely a push and heading toward a more critical care capabilities. Besides the expanded scope they sometimes handle vent calls the hospitals.
aquabear
World's Okayest Paramedic
- 128
- 80
- 28
Check out Williamson County, way lover call volume, but a 56 hour work week. Arguably one of the best scopes of practice in central Texas. VL, DSI, vents and pumps on every truck.