New EMT looking for info on Western Washington....

[Madclown]

I recently received my NREMT and state cert here in Washington.

I have applied to a few private ambulance company's in the area and I have some interviews coming up next week. I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has worked in Washington and knows about pay, moral etc. I understand that the pay is pretty low, but can I make a living if I am willing to work my tail off (ie: 40-45,000 a year).

I have a great job now, excellent pay, benefits etc. but I am bored to death. I need something to get me back into moving around and the occasional adrenaline dump.

I am especially interested in Tri-Med, Rural Metro (Tacoma), Mason County Medic One, or Olympic.

Anything you can tell me about pay, shifts, OT, work environment would be incredibly helpful. I am interested in a place that can give me lots of experience, has good moral and a good reputation.

Thanks

 

[PotatoMedic]

Trimed pay is minimal. You will get a lot of medic dumps so that can be fun if you like having an unstable patient that you cant do anything for except drive. Rural metro tacoma may or may not hire soon. they lost the multicare contract to falck. falck is hiring like crazy because they just got a new contract that is big. MCMO good luck getting hired by them because they usually hire semi senior olympic employees (they are owned by olympic). And olympic is ok. All of the services will pay around 30-35 starting a year. Trimeds benifits suck where the larger services are better. All will have OT available. AMR seattle pays the best.

 

[Madclown]

Thanks.

I know the pay sucks but does the 30-35 a year not include ot? I can't believe the **** wages these companies pay. But then again every community college is pumping out new emt's here like crazy.

What are the possibilities of working a 24-hour shift? Is that something more experienced EMT's get or could I get that shift right away?

 

[PotatoMedic]

That pay is if you work only your scheduled shifts which usually include some overtime. I know trimed it took me 3 months of working on 12 hour shifts to get a 24.