EMT--> Paramedic

[rescue99]

The vast "majority" of folks who do well in Medic class were Basics first. Even 6 months does a lot when it comes to putting it all together, differentials / critical thinking. Hands down, those with some time on the road do better in the critical thinking department.

I will say, an inexperienced EMT with a decent understanding of A/P usually does well in didactic work but, lacks a little in skills (including critical thinking) department compared to experienced Basic EMT's. If I had a choice between those with AP and no experience and those with experience and no A/P.....it's a toss up! Which group "gets it" easier?? Probably the former but, it depends on the instructor too. All that crap and it gets down to instruction....ghads.

 

[reaper]

Critical thinking is something that is hard to teach anyone. It is something that some have and know how to use. Some may never be able to do it well. That is why not all people are meant to be in medicine. Their brain just does not function the medical way!

 

[logankevin]

A little off subject

Hello new to forum and just looking for some advice , I am 29 and have worked construction my whole life and since being laid off am wanting to pursue a career as an EMT and eventually Paramedic . My concern is at 29 I will be 30 before I can even begin working as a EMT, is this too late to start a career in this field?

 

[wyoskibum]

Hello new to forum and just looking for some advice , I am 29 and have worked construction my whole life and since being laid off am wanting to pursue a career as an EMT and eventually Paramedic . My concern is at 29 I will be 30 before I can even begin working as a EMT, is this too late to start a career in this field?

Welcome! Its never too late to get into EMS. I did my EMT-B at 29, EMT-I at 35 and Paramedic at 42. Just realize that it isn't a very lucrative career and may not pay as well as construction.

 

[Dominion]

....Let's quit the b.s. of BLS before ALS propaganda........

R/r 911

This.

I will also say that those who 'in general' say EMT before paramedic went that route themselves. Everyone who attempts education has a different approach to it. You put up the example of a person who has SOME EMT experience have the 'street' smarts. Ok cool, street smarts tends to be a decent factor in working as a medic. You don't want a medic who goes through EMT and Medic class and passes out on their first call with blood.

BUT, say you have an EMT who works on the streets for 6 months (which in a busy urban environment this is PLENTY of time to get acclimated ) and someone who went straight into medic class. that inexperienced medic can now get the street experience and practice in his clinical hours. That's what they're there for.

Anyone putting up the "Well you can work and see if you like it". That response is ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. Why would ANYONE want to have someone working with their loved ones who's there "to see if they like it". There have been plenty of people in the world who have gone into fields blindly. Doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc. there is a high instance of doctors who get into third year med school, residency, whatever and realize "wow I don't like this" and they are hundreds of thousands in debt sometimes. I myself went into school for IT first, then pre-med and realized it wasn't what I want to do right now. So I'm in the hole with nothing to show for it (well I got some cool science classes to help me in medic school).

People coming into EMS need to reflect upon themselves first. If you want to get into it to be a hero, get in the papers, be thanked and appreciated, perform the cool IV sticks and intubate, push drugs, and just all around be superman. Get out, go be a police officer or fire fighter.

 

[rhan101277]

Our instructor hammered us on orientation about how we were going to be "educated" not "trained". You want to know why you are doing something. He made the comment, we are going to teach you more than just recognizing squiggly lines on a ECG.

I want to be educated instead of just going through the motions.

 

[rhan101277]

Welcome! Its never too late to get into EMS. I did my EMT-B at 29, EMT-I at 35 and Paramedic at 42. Just realize that it isn't a very lucrative career and may not pay as well as construction.

The place where I am wanting to work starts paramedics out at $12/hr. But you work a 120 hour (2 weeks) when you are on full-time. So that is $43K a year, still less than I make now. Money isn't everything though, you don't want to get older and wish you would have done this/that. I wanted to do some things in high school, now I wish I would have just done them.

I enjoy patient care and dealing with people, seeing the way different folks live. Some people get by on the simplest things, while others have the nicest things money can buy. Sooner or late both will need your help.

Anyhow you can always pick up a second job. I know several medics who work full-time at (2) agencies. They make around $80K, but thats alot of work. I am assuming a decent part-time job add on would get you around 60K.

Different areas pay different and different ambulance companies pay different. Plus you get raises etc. Even though now as a basic, I have been told thank you many times, people do appreciate us.