EMS Employment

C

CTL

Forum Ride Along
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hi everyone,

I am a certified EMT-B and a paramedic student. I am a little confused how some private companys are operating. I live in Florida and besides rescue, there are about 3 private companys that dominate the area. I had an interview with two of them (I will not list the names), both of which would not hire me due to the fact that I am nineteen. The HR dept. stated you must be twenty one in order to be hired. As I recall, it was for insurance purposes. How is it that at the age of eighteen one can become a paramedic if one wanted (florida state certified and nationally) but can not work until he/she is twenty one? Seems a little out there in my eyes. Is this not the purpose of background and drug test, to filter out those who are not responsible enough to be driving an emergency vehicle. Also, forgot to mention, I also have EVOC (which certifys that you have taken an emergency vehicle operations course). I am not sure how these companys are doing this...

Thanks
 
They're doing it because their insurance stipulates one must be 21 to drive an emergency vehicle. I got hired when I was 20 because I was hired as an attend only, but unless you're a medic, that's a pretty rare thing. They like both crew members being able to drive.

It's pretty common nation wide.
 
Interesting, thank you for the reply. I guess it makes sense, I just think if you are under 21 you should still be able to work taking into account you pass a drug test - background check - have EVOC - and do well in the interview.

Thanks
 
CTL said:
Interesting, thank you for the reply. I guess it makes sense, I just think if you are under 21 you should still be able to work taking into account you pass a drug test - background check - have EVOC - and do well in the interview.

Thanks
Click to expand...

But if you are a basic and can't drive, especially in a medic heavy area like FL, there's not really a use for you. You could always try applying for dispatcher, I had one classmate that worked as a dispatcher from 18-21 while he was in medic school.
 
I went into this field because I enjoy being out in the field. Dispatcher is not my cup of tea. I currently work for a building contractor for on staff medical, very boring and I get no experience from it, but it gets me by while I am in medic school. After I finish medic school I will have a few months to go before I am 21. Ill eventually reapply for the private companys post medic school and when I am 21.
 
Also remember, that EVOC is a joke and no one really cares about it.

Do you think that driving around some cones, in a parking lot. Makes a person able to drive a heavy vehicle at high speeds? Especially someone with only 2 years of driving experience?

That is how the insurance companies look at it!
 
So does being 19/20 really hinder your ability to get hired with just an EMT-B?

Where else could one go to seek employment with that certification if not private ambulance companies? :unsure:
 
Hospital, water parks, amusement parks, dispatcher (if properly certified in EMD/ECO/FCO), join a county FR as a Reservist, there are a multitude of options before you.
You can pretty much forget about working in the field, in Fla before 21 though. Not many places will hire, especially just an EMT.
 
EMD/ECO/FCO ?

And I live in Northern Virginia
 
xgpt said:
EMD/ECO/FCO ?

And I live in Northern Virginia
Click to expand...

Emergency Medical Dispatcher/Emergency Communications Officer/Fire Communications Officer.

For you, try the same, if you have them in your area.
 
I'll have to ask about those trainings
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top