This is for medic4-2
Which region in VA are u in? I work in Western Virginia EMS region, I volunteer in ODEMSA, and work part time for another squad in ODEMSA. I used to be a member of a squad in BREMS. I would suggest to you that you take time to get aquainted with EMT-b before you move up. I have met quite a few providers who have gone zero to hero in 2 years and they are clueless in the back of the truck. As far as getting into EMS for a career, I would suggest that you find a Transport service. That is a great place to start. Get used to that, put a couple years in, move up to ALS and go for a squad. Most Squads want nice resume's. Get your Firefighter 1 also, alot of areas are starting to combine it. Chesterfield County pays pretty well, and the want you to have both certs. You deffinatly need your EVOC and why not go for the highest EVOC you can get, that way there are no limits in what you can drive. That is more bargining power for a good job. Another thing too, I don't know how close you are to North Carolina, but thier Paramedic is much cheeper than VA, and you can still get your regestry and cert in VA. That is what I am doing. I am taking Paramedic in NC. I stayed BLS for 8 years before I moved up to ALS, I have been ALS since May of this year.
As for what the diference between EMT-I and Paramedic is... in ODEMSA in Virginia, there are none... except for RSI and surg. crychs (spelling). I's can do everything a Paramedic can do.. they even needle crych. I's give all drugs in the box except for paralytics/RSI drugs. Our OMD is pretty cool. He let's us do alot at each level. In Western Virginia EMS councel, I's have to call for alot of orders. They are limited in which drugs they can use for what.
BREMS, EMT-B's can open the drug box and give glucagon, ASA, and a few others. They have an EPI pen they can use in the box too.
Just in VA, there are many differences in what each level can do, and not far apart on the map. I live almost on the line between 2 EMS councels or regions. I still can't get used to the difference in protocols. I work in both regions.