I say this all the time and this is another great opportunity.
From my personal experience I highly recommend volunteering with a fire department if that's available near you (which it sometimes is not) you'll get experience and start learning the lay of the land so to speak. Generally departments will pay for classes and other things as well. (Just don't be the guy that takes their money and bolts) focus on your EMT. See if you like it and if you can cope with the job. Some people aren't cut out for the work and even worse some think they are when they aren't. Also, it's nice to watch other medics for a while so you can learn how and how not to do the job before you're in the hot seat
Typically EMTs don't have IV training unless specifically given outside by a physician and phlebotomy course.. It's very rare.
AEMT is great dont get me wrong. I did it myself even... But unless required, or working strictly as an AEMT for a fire department it's usually a good idea to skip it. There are exceptions of course.
Jobs can be scarce, Idaho especially, but with enough exposure and work at it you'll learn where to look. Private rural companies often find themselves short handed but don't give up after just 1-2 applications. Again this is an area where affiliating yourself with a department will only help. Connections and local advice go a long long way in EMS.
You don't need to be a firefighter to find a job. Not even a little. HOWEVER... It certainly doesn't hurt and firefighter/EMT or firefighter/Paramedics usually make more money than their private company counterparts. It is much more competitive of course as well and usually takes much longer to get hired.
In conclusion I recommend the following: research your area, volunteer with a department, get your EMT, get a job/experience (perhaps with a private company), get your paramedic, rinse and repeat from here. People change their minds in this job all the time so stay flexible and work hard.
Hope that helps!
