I realize some Fire based EMS can lack quality, just like some private can, just like some public/hospital based can. Please don't generalize FF's level of care or our intent to provide the best possible care for our patients. With 2 or 3 degrees each, and well over 10,000 blogs between them on this forum alone (was vent really bragging about that?) I can see that you've got a lot of hands on in the field caring for real patients. At work, gotta go.
You must realize that many of use old timers here do have FD experience. You also might be surprised to know that a degree in EMS was encouraged in the 1970s which is why many of us at least have an Associates in Paramedicine from that time. The FDs were very selective about who rode the ambulance and it is that quality that should have been maintained, not every FF be a Paramedic as quickly as possible.
As far as all the posts, many came from trying to answer many of the questions we get expecially by PM. Sometimes it is easier to answer them in a thread.
Both Rid and I have been in EMS for a long time and have also added other degrees and credentials to enhance the care we give our patients to get them from point A to point B safely. Anyone can throw someone in the back of an ambulance and drive real fast with L&S to the nearest ED. We've been doing that for centuries by various modes of transportation. But, to improve one's chances for survival with a better outcome with few or no deficits has been something we strive for in modern EMS. Also, as hospitals specialize and optimize their resources, it becomes necessary to move patients from one facility to another safely. For the Paramedic to have a role in this, they must expand their knowledge which is very difficult to do without a solid foundation.
Medicine continues to advance and EMS should do the same. Other professions saw this long ago and raised their standards. Even Sports Medicine has come along way. Several states are also being petitioned to recognize the Exercise Physiologist with a Masters degree. The Athletic Trainer has been recognized for many years.
If you already have a degree in Sports Med that has decent A&P and science courses, you may have no problem with an accelerated Paramedic program especially if you have done Sports Med clinics with thorough hands on assessment for patients of all ages.
However, the skills mentality has to go to the wayside.
We are a damn good ALS agency that DOES have IV techs who DO start IV's. (NOT a BLS agency)
Just starting an IV does not make you ALS. Who cares if you can start an IV if you don't know why or can do little else once the IV is started? Washington is also known, but not in a good way, for its 7 or 8 different certs with some based on ONE skill and is often used as an example of the fragmentation that has taken place in EMS education and certifications. That is truly something not to be proud of. Imagine if all the other health care professions had a state or national level "cert" just for one skill and every skill they could do.
Do you want people to think your Sport Med degree was just about how to toss a ball correctly or tape an ankle? If so, then I would say you wasted 4 years of education if all you got out of it was a couple of "skills". I do know the education behind some of those degrees are extensive to where the person is able to adapt to several areas in health care and sports.
I WILL likely take out a student loan to pay the tuition AND keep my pay and benefits to support my family. My wife will continue to work part time and take care of the kids full time while I'm away from my family for 3 straight months. Then, as you know, they will continue to put up with my 24 hr shifts, and add on to that my clinicals and rides for another total of around 400 hrs.
What makes you so different with the rest of us or anyone who has sought higher education? 400 hours is about 1/3 of what other heath care programs (including a good 2 year Paramedic degree) require in clinicals. No one is telling you to go through 4 more years of college as those who want to enter other health care professions must do. Look at Phyisical Therapy. That profession wants a Masters at entry with a doctorate preferred. Yet, many still make the sacrifices it takes if that is what they want to do for a CAREER and not just a job with a union card.
And yes if you choose a private medic school for your training you will pay for it heavily financially whereas a state college will have more reasonable tuition and may even take your previous education into consideration. If you want to be a good Paramedic and not just brag about having a patch, go with a quality school.
If you or your family can't survive for 3 months of training then you may have other issues that need to be worked out before you start any project. If you lack the confidence in yourself or your family maybe you should just be satisfied with what you have until whatever other issues are resolved.
