RocketMedic
Californian, Lost in Texas
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Fire departments are civil service as well, and still start paramedics as paramedics...
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I feel like a lot kf places do that. AMR has a person ride for about 14-16 shifts while they learn the protocols then take a protocol test at the end of their last field training shift. you have three chances to pass it and each time you take it your score has to be higher to pass. and we dont even do anything it feels like
It's more like AEMT-lite if you're a medic and riding in the Medic 1 position. And I have been told by some friends that work at ATC, that they are looking at ways of fast tracking experienced paramedics through to Medic 2 or just hiring them as Medic 2 from the get-goan ATCEMS HR rep told me, it is due to them being civil service. You can be the best paramedic in north america but you still HAVE to start as an emt-b.
Would seriously consider moving if that happened. Didn't invest in myself to go to paramedic school to not actually work as a paramedic.It's more like AEMT-lite if you're a medic and riding in the Medic 1 position. And I have been told by some friends that work at ATC, that they are looking at ways of fast tracking experienced paramedics through to Medic 2 or just hiring them as Medic 2 from the get-go
Would seriously consider moving if that happened. Didn't invest in myself to go to paramedic school to not actually work as a paramedic.
I think that's why a lot of us keep an eye out for WilCo to hire. They're a great all paramedic service right next door to ATCI would think of it more in the long term. Is it worth struggling through a year of practicing below your skill level in order to work for a company that takes care of their employees?
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Wilco will hire in January to fill open and newly created positions. If you're interested, start studying AMLS and reviewing our SOC.I think that's why a lot of us keep an eye out for WilCo to hire. They're a great all paramedic service right next door to ATC
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Well and good. I'd seriously love to work there. But egotistical? Ok. I put a lot of my life into being a good paramedic. The whole investment in myself thing. Why won't ATC recognize that?I chose employment with ATCEMS for several reasons, and I'll explain my rationale of how I came to my decision in case it helps anyone else.
ATCEMS is an established third-party system with civil service protection. There is a defined rank structure providing many opportunities and avenues for advancement: Medic I > Medic II > Captain > Commander > Chief. They work a 42 hour work week, which is a modified 24/72 hour schedule. There are reverse 24's, standard 24's, and 12-hour shifts, something for everyone. There are opportunities to transfer to other divisions working in Continued Education, Special Events, Academy, Special Operations, Tactical Medicine, Communications, and Designated Medical Officer. This is a huge plus because you do not have to be on a medic unit for the rest of your career. They also have motorcycle medics, bike medics, etc. Plus, they have a defined pension - you get to retire!
The common 'negative' I hear people gripe about is the Medic I designation. Personally, I find that to be egotistical. It is only for one year, and then you can promote to Medic II, which comes with a hefty pay increase. You get the opportunity to learn the city, operations and clinical side with less stress. Which is beneficial if you are new to Austin. Not to mention, after you complete your 10-week academy and credential as a Medic I you're about 5-6 months into your one year, so in reality, you're working as a Medic I for <6 months in some cases. The dept. does recognize this as a problem for some and they are working on a way to allow paramedics to operate at some capacity at the Medic I level. The Medic I and Medic II levels came about after the dept. was voted to become civil service.
I chose not to apply to WilCo. because they work a 56-hour week, there are less advancement opportunity and few options to work off the ambulance. Plus, you don't get the City.
Well and good. I'd seriously love to work there. But egotistical? Ok. I put a lot of my life into being a good paramedic. The whole investment in myself thing. Why won't ATC recognize that?
Map reading takes a few hours. You should be intuitive enough to pick up on that.
Civil Service law in Texas requires that you be in your rank/position for 3 years before your promote. The Meet and Confer contract changed that to 1 year. Now the department is working on allowing paramedics to perform their skills at a Medic I level.
For me, being 3rd party and civil service is worth the short period where I don't get to start an IV.