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Amanda Smith

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Hi guys! I am a newbie basic in Western North Carolina. I am still in school full time to get my Bachelor's in EMC but thought I would send out a few resumes to see if I could find some part time or prn work while in school. I didn't really expect to get a response so quickly, but I now have assessments at two services within the next few weeks. My questions are, 1. Does anyone have any advice on what to expect from the assessment and oral boards? I don't really feel confident in my knowelegde of the process. And 2. My first call back was from a my #3 choice, but I have an interview from my #1 choice two weeks later. Is there some ettiquite as to how to handle that situation. Eg. If I get the job offer from my #3 choice (almost certain) what do I do if I get a subsiquent offer from my #1 (slightly less likely)? I know this is a lot, I appreciate any advice!
 
Can I ask, did you truly research both jobs? When it comes down to it though, interview for both and take the better of the two. That's the way the employment game works. Some companies have a bigger name and do more, and that's the flashy thing that draws newbies, but you might find that the other company has better pay, benefits, leadership structure, static work environment, hours, etc.

For example, I applied with a company, that I knew to be one of the largest IFT companies in the state, and they additional provide primary 911 coverage. I saw their ambulances everywhere and they boast about the number of EMTs employees. When it came down to it, the pay was well below par, they treat employees like a dime a dozen, and raises are unheard of.
 
Thanks. They are both county gigs, and one does pay substantially more than the other...but the lower paying county has a heli-water rescue which is ultimately what I want to end up in. Thanks!
 
Honest answer? go with the higher paying one. Then go to paramedic school (which is free in NC once you are employed by a county EMS agency). Then become a paramedic, and either stay at your current agency, or transfer to another agency (possibly one with better protocols, better support, or more resources like a heli-water rescue program that you want). One of the good things about being a county EMS provider in NC, if you leave to go to another county agency, your vacation and sick time will transfer with you. You will still need to apply, and probably go through their academy, but at least you will have some time built up.

Also keep in mind, many of the better systems run their own academy monday to friday for several weeks, for both full time and part time. so unless you can do it over the summer, it might conflict with your school classes.

As for the process, it's pretty standard from what I hear. you start with an agility test, when they do a bunch of stuff to simulate ambulance work. once you pass that, the give you a written test, taken right out of the NREMT book. My buddy just took one of these for a different place than I applied, and he agreed that they suck. Difficult questions, some that if you didn't just graduate EMT class you wouldn't know the answer to, because you don't use them in routine operations. Then a simulated call, where they want to see how you think and act when dealing with a sick patient. And then a panel interview, where a bunch of white shirts will ask you questions, typical of any interview process.

Good luck!
 
Thanks, DrParasite! I contacted the first service and they have a 4 day training academy, which I think I could swing. I am in a 4 year paramedic program now which, unfortunately, isn't paid for but I am applying for grants to offset the cost next year. I really want to get involved with my local volley too, just can't afford to swing it with school right now. PAT is next Tuesday! Fingers crossed.
 
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