Question on Certification levels.

[ARNGSoldier]

First off, I'm sorry if these questions have been addressed before.

I am currently deployed to Afghanistan, and I plan upon returning home to take an EMT-B course as soon as I can start one. I hope to start working for Louisville KY EMS, one of the surrounding counties or a private company. Then when I get the opportunity taking a combat medic (68w) MOS in the guard.

The big questions are: Does anyone know of a good EMT-B program in Louisville, KY? After receiving EMT-B what is the process to move up to another level (EMT-I85/I99/A)? Are those the next levels after EMT-B? Do you take them sequentially to paramedic if you so choose to continue your education? How long does each take? Do new certifications come with pay raises usually?

I'm not trying to be greedy or over ambitious, I like school, and training, and if I am hopefully saving lives, I want to improve my ability to do so as quickly as I can.
Thank you in advance!

 

[wanderingmedic]

I am currently deployed to Afghanistan,

Thank You for serving. We appreciate the sacrifice you make for us.

Does anyone know of a good EMT-B program in Louisville, KY?

I do not. However I can recommend PERCOM Training. The have a distance education format that allows you to complete the classroom portion of EMT training online, and then complete the clinical rotations at their facility in Texas.

After receiving EMT-B what is the process to move up to another level (EMT-I85/I99/A)? Are those the next levels after EMT-B? Do you take them sequentially to paramedic if you so choose to continue your education? How long does each take? Do new certifications come with pay raises usually?

Most people will take and EMT-B course, and then just enter a Paramedic program. Paramedic Programs are usually around 1-2 years. Not many people will move up the chain sequentially, and I would NOT recommend it.

Paramedics make more than EMT's. AEMT's usually make more than EMT's. There is some difference in pay, however how much varies from place to place.

PERCOM has an "A-Z" program that can take you through your EMT-B - Paramedic for about $6,000.

 

[ARNGSoldier]

The percom program would be great except for the whole having to travel to Texas for the clinical, and then the ambiguity about transferring to another state. If I could find one like that in KY it would be perfect, because I could complete the didactic portion while deployed.

Are the clinical requirements for percom (36 hours ride along, 36 hours ER, and 8 hours l&d[what is l&d]) standard or more than most require? I have worked in the medical field for several years, and it seems unusual to just "ride along".

Another question is how common are 16 or 24 hour shifts? I've seen a few news articles about people complaint about the long shifts, but I would prefer 2-3 long shifts. The whole two off one on sounds about perfect. Is that still the norm? Also it seems that for most EMTs picking up extra shifts and overtime is pretty easy, is that true, or am I reading into this wrong?

 

[Veneficus]

Are the clinical requirements for percom (36 hours ride along, 36 hours ER, and 8 hours l&d[what is l&d]) standard or more than most require? I have worked in the medical field for several years, and it seems unusual to just "ride along".

It is more than most. While it is called "ride along" most places require that it is in the role of a student care giver, not an observer.

In a good program you would be calling the shots with a preceptor who would step in as needed.

Another question is how common are 16 or 24 hour shifts? I've seen a few news articles about people complaint about the long shifts, but I would prefer 2-3 long shifts. The whole two off one on sounds about perfect. Is that still the norm? Also it seems that for most EMTs picking up extra shifts and overtime is pretty easy, is that true, or am I reading into this wrong?

24/48s are common a lot of places. However, they have pros and cons.

Since the days rotate, it makes it very difficult to schedule regular events. (like every friday, etc.) In a busy system, a 24 hour schedule is a safety hazard. Both for patient care and motor vehicle operations. Most nonairmed EMS providers are injured or killed either in motor vehicle ops or standing on the side of a freeway. There are several studies showing that sleep deprivation has the same effects as being intoxicated.

Another downside to a busy 24 hour shift is you may spend the next day recovering from it, leaving you really with only 1 "day off" between shifts.

I worked many 24 hour shifts in my career, I really did like the schedule, but at some of the more busy postings, I was really left wondering if it was such a good idea and had many days where it was only by luck myself or somebody else wasn't seriously hurt.

In a slower department, a 24/48 can really be gold. (unless you are trying to go to school)

The other thing to consider with a 24/48 schedule is you will generally make less than other schedules. While OT may sound doable or great at first, it contributes to burnout and the missed time from family will really take a toll. Especially if you get into a predicament where your standard of living requires that OT.

 

[Household6]

You got a leg up that most don't, Guard has awesome tuition opportunities compared to AD.. If I was you, I wouldn't hop the first train to EMT certification.. With your taxable income being zero right now, you'll qualify for some great grants for public and private colleges. You have the ability to be selective about where you go, because you don't have to worry about out of pocket tuition..

Maybe you have to put it off for a couple months until a new semester begins, but the quality of education you can get will be worth the wait.

I mean, do what you want, but use the opportunity to decide based on the quality of the program instead of how fast you can get there.. If you have tuition questions, I can help out, so can a lot of others here.

 

[ARNGSoldier]

I've seen the arguments for and against the longer shifts, i was just curious if that was normal. i appreciate the information.

My big limitations are that I don't want to leave my city. I've been in college since I was 16, and I have transferred to four different colleges. I keep coming back to EMS, it is something I've wanted to do for a long time, just haven't. I need a break from traditional college for a bit, and deployment isn't a break from anything. We sit through nearly as much PowerPoint as I did in school.

 

[akflightmedic]

Where are you at currently? I am on KAF.

Are you on any of the larger bases such as BAF or KAF? They have EMT B courses through Central Texas College...

 

[ARNGSoldier]

Fob Pasab just west of Kandahar city. There are not a lot of opportunities here.

I gather from your name that you know about becoming a flight medic. How do you go about that? That is one of my eventual military goals, but know one I am here with knows anything about.