Questions regarding San Diego, CA employment

[Kessgrr]

Hi, so, this is a first time post for me and the posts that I have encountered with similar questions have been helpful, however, I have a few of my own that I would love to be answered.

I just finished my national certification and am in my last semester of my psychology degree in Los Angeles, but I want to move and start my life in San Diego.

I have been told that San Diego has county run EMS, but every time I try to search about it, nothing in great detail pops up, is there anybody that can clarify what I heard about that?

In regards to employment (and I'm sure every EMT says this) I would prefer the least amount of IFT transport and I'm looking for AMR, Schaefer, or McCormick employment (go big or go home, right?), I also would not have a problem working as a tech in the ER, but I have no idea how to get into that- does anybody have any information on who is hiring?

My main goal is to become a PA; however, I'd like to become a paramedic first when I meet my required hours.

Also what is a medical examiners card? I know the scope of practice is different in LA as opposed to San Diego, but do I apply for said card? is it the same as the grey card?

Thank you in advance for all your input =)

 

[Imacho]

First!!! If you would like to work in SD, good luck. Jobs are few and far between. So any offer you get is winning the lottery. R/M runs with SD fire. AMR in some cities. McCormick and Schafer don't run in SD county. Try looking on SD county's page of approved ambulance services and submit an app to each one. Then hope you get a call back. Don't get too discouraged. I applied for AMR and didn't get a call back for over 2.5 yrs. I was in medic school at the time so I couldn't take the job. Thankfully that worked out best for me. In due time, you'll get a job. Good luck on everything through. My mom is a PA and loves it.

 

[adamjh3]

The medical examiners card is the dl51, you can print it off the dmv website, take it to a doctor that will do dmv physicals and get it done there, then take it back to the DMV to get it verified and date stamped. You need this card to get your ambulance driver's certification, which is required to drive an ambulance.

As for Jobs, apply everywhere, even IFT companies. IFT jobs are all about what you put into it, they are a great learning opportunity if you approach it with the right attitude. That, and EMT jobs are difficult to come by down here, especially with the 911 services, and even if you do get on with a 911 service, you'll still be doing mostly IFT with the occasional 911 dumped in, unless you get bridged to drive with a medic with R/M, which is also difficult to do.