Emt-B(driver)?

[krave]

Hello Everyone I am currently trying to get registered in to a Emt-b program at Mt.Sac College in Walnut Ca.But I have a few questions if you could give me your thoughts on I would really appreicate it.

1.I heard form others that may or may not know what they are talking about that when you get out of school you are a Emt-B which is real standard care basically a ambulance driver/paramedic(medic) assitant..Which is fine with me but I am curious to a Emt-B dutys if they have a medic with them.Also if you have a 2 or 3 person crew would it be a Emt-B and a paramedic or 2 medics or how does that all work?

2.After you have experiance as a Emt-B you can move on to I think its Emt-I than on to a paramedic.

3.Are there jobs for us that are right out of school or is it like some other job markets were employers really dont want some one just out of school.
Also while I'm sure the pay isn't great is it good enough to live on?Are there fexiable shift options I fear ever having a 9-5 type job..

Also anything else that someone told you or you wish you knew about going to school for Emt-B before hand would also be great.

I'm just hoping to get as much info as possiable before I get started..

Thanks..Gary

 

[fast65]

1. It all depends where you work. If you work for a 911 agency that runs ALS units then you'll be paired up with a paramedic and you're sole duties will be to assist the paramedic and drive the ambulance. However, there are 911 agencies that run BLS units, in which case you would be partnered with another EMT-B and would be the provider in charge. However, out of school you would most likely be working for an interfacility transport agency and would be transferring people from the nursing home to dialysis or doctors appointments, or from the ER back home, etc. For an IFT agency you may be driving, or you may be in the back providing patient care.

2. Yes, after you get some experience you can move on to EMT-Intermediate or onto becoming a paramedic. However, you don't have to have experience before doing so.

3. There are jobs out there, however, the job market (especially in California) is extremely saturated at the moment and employers are not having very much difficulty filling vacant positions. That being said, there are jobs out there, you just have to find them.

As far as wages are concerned, it all depends on where you live. BLS providers here in Oregon seem to do alright, however, down in California you'll have a more difficult time living off of your EMT-B wages, at least to the best of my knowledge.

If you want to really become a competent provider, take the time to find out WHY you're doing things, not just when to do those things. Take some A&P classes, some chemistry and a medical terminology course.

 

[Handsome Robb]

To add on to what fast said, most places in CA do not recognize EMT-I although I'm not sure if that is changing with AEMT replacing EMT-I at the national level. Most paramedic schools in CA will require 6 months to a year experience as an EMT-B before you can apply.

Working as an EMT-I on a 911 ALS unit I make decent money, especially if i work FT with the required OT although it would be a stretch if not impossible to support a family on your salary alone. I support myself just fine, though. Side note: In my county EMT-Bs cannot work on an ambulance only Intermediates or Medics, except extreme circumstances such as a mass casualty incident.