Question about EMT Practice

[EMTFL]

Hello everyone!

I am new to the forums and just got my Florida EMT Certification a few months ago. Unfortunately, I am running into the issue of needing to have experience before being able to work as an EMT, yet there doesn't seem to be many companies that will hire me.

Nonetheless, I have a question I was hoping you all could answer. Would there by chance be a way for me to be a "volunteer EMT" for local places such as the school, working sporting events? I was considering "volunteering" at Ripley's, and the manager agreed to it, but I'm curious if that's legal. Would it not be possible since I am not under the supervision of a medical director?

This is something I'd like to do, but I need to verify before I continue.

Thanks!

 

[Tincanfireman]

While I'm sure a few of our resident Floridians will be able to help you, usually the legality-type questions are best directed to the state agency that certified you. Have you tried applying to some of the local convalescent transfer services? They are good way to gain field experience and confidence. Many new EMTs pay their dues, so to speak, by doing the transport job for awhile, or by being active members of their local rescue squad/FD. Either way, best of luck and welcome to EMTLife!

 

[marineman]

Nonetheless, I have a question I was hoping you all could answer. Would there by chance be a way for me to be a "volunteer EMT" for local places such as the school, working sporting events? I was considering "volunteering" at Ripley's, and the manager agreed to it, but I'm curious if that's legal. Would it not be possible since I am not under the supervision of a medical director?

The simple answer is no. There are volunteer EMT's out there but that's not what they do (please don't start the volunteer vs paid argument) Other than that like tincan said we have several members from florida that will be around eventually to point you in the right direction of companies that will hire new EMT's. You probably won't get a real "glory" job running 911 for a busy service right out of school but there are companies that will hire new EMT's.

 

[medicdan]

Consider working at a local ER as an "ER-Tech" to get patient care experience, if not field experience. Do a search on this site for more information.

 

[aidan]

Hello everyone!

I am new to the forums and just got my Florida EMT Certification a few months ago. Unfortunately, I am running into the issue of needing to have experience before being able to work as an EMT, yet there doesn't seem to be many companies that will hire me.

Nonetheless, I have a question I was hoping you all could answer. Would there by chance be a way for me to be a "volunteer EMT" for local places such as the school, working sporting events? I was considering "volunteering" at Ripley's, and the manager agreed to it, but I'm curious if that's legal. Would it not be possible since I am not under the supervision of a medical director?

This is something I'd like to do, but I need to verify before I continue.

Thanks!

Hello~ actually there are such positions that you are describing to volunteer at (i.e., sporting events, Ripley's). You are allowed to perform duties based on established EMT-B protocols that either your state or county has in place. You'll need to check with your local EMS authority, but most (if not all) states have regulations where EMTs can volunteer/work in the manner you are describing.

As long as there is a written protocol, or "off-line order" (an order that doesn't need to be explicity cleared with a physican, because it's already been approved by a physician in the past, and it is now a standing order), you are legally allowed to perform such tasks. You can volunteer or work in places like sporting events, concerts (people seem to get hurt at concerts, lol..especially mosh pits!), things like Ripley's, etc.

To answer your question in short: yes, you can volunteer with Ripley's..but you have to be aware of your exact scope of practice, and everything you can legally perform under your licensure in your county. You'll need to contact your local or state EMS authority.

Edit: I googled "Florida Emergency Medical Services" - it seems that the place you are looking for is called the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. There is a link on this site called "Legislation and Rules", it'll probably have your answers somewhere in it, but you might have to dig..

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/demo/EMS/

 

[EMTFL]

Thank you so much guys.

And the reason I want to gain some experience doing it volunteer wise, is also because my driving record is pretty much shot :sad: The other company I want to get on with is on-site, similar to what I'm referring to, but paid. Unfortunately you need at least six months minimum experience. So essentially I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

[Code 3]

Thank you so much guys.

And the reason I want to gain some experience doing it volunteer wise, is also because my driving record is pretty much shot :sad:

To what extent? You might want to contact the HR department of local agencies and see what their requirements are in terms of driving records. Most agencies will allow a certain number of minor infractions or accidents within a given period of time. They usually confirm this information with a 10-year DMV record that you must submit. In addition, you can check state laws to see how long the DMV will keep records of certain violations. In California, a simple infraction, such as speeding, is only kept on your record for 3 years. I know accidents are a little different, because my 10-year printout still shows one from back in 2002.

 

[JPINFV]

For the sake of all that is good and holy, please do not do full time standby or first aid style jobs fresh out of EMT-B school. EMT-B training is focused on the end point of every patient being the ER. Certain wide spread practices such as c-spining virtually every trauma or giving almost every patient high flow oxygen is NOT an option in these employment situations.

 

[aidan]

For the sake of all that is good and holy, please do not do full time standby or first aid style jobs fresh out of EMT-B school. EMT-B training is focused on the end point of every patient being the ER. Certain wide spread practices such as c-spining virtually every trauma or giving almost every patient high flow oxygen is NOT an option in these employment situations.

But..you get ice packs and band-aids!

I want to look at your mdapps and the link's not working :sad:!!

 

[firecoins]

why can't you see if you can work as an EMT non-driver?

 

[JPINFV]

I want to look at your mdapps and the link's not working :sad:!!

MDApps has been really finicky this year for some reason.