Should I go for it??

[Miss Fey]

Hello everyone,

My name is Fey and I currently hold a BA in Psychology. I tried a Masters in Adjustment Counseling and I hated it. Now I been looking into EMT. My partner is trying to discourage me from it because he says I don't have the guts to see people dying, blood, wounds, shots, etc. I know for a fact I can do it. I have always loved helping people and since I won't be taking care of their brain health, why not their body?

However, I want to know what is the highest level of certification I can get?

I live in Massachusetts, does anyone know the rate of pay here? How many hours do you work a day?

Do you get to set up your schedule?

When can you ask for a vacation? How is pay raise determined?

Lastly, do you guys recommend it and what are some good books that can help me understand this field?

Thank you all and sorry for the multiple questions but I am very intrigued.

 

[Flying]

Typically your state determines the training levels staffing its EMS system. MA has the EMT-Basic, Advanced-EMT, and EMT-Paramedic, the latter being the highest level. There is also a First Responder level, but it probably isn't what you're looking for.
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/oems/emt/certification/

Most people seem to agree it's worth getting into as a career if you have plans for your education past EMT-B certification and making yourself worth more.

As for a book, try People Care:
http://www.emergencystuff.com/peopl...ices-for-professional-caregivers-2nd-edition/

Typically reccomended for EMTs and students for understanding the "soft" side of the job, I think it's suitable for laymen as well.

 

[Gurby]

"Worthwhile becoming an EMT as a stable profession?" No.
"Worthwhile becoming an EMT?" Yes.

The barrier for entry is very low - just take a 1-semester college course and you're good to go. Maybe you'll love it, maybe you'll hate it, but either way I doubt you'll regret doing it. It's not a great long term career, but it's a good way to see a lot of the healthcare field, and it's a good stepping stone to a lot of other jobs.

MA is actually pretty good pay-wise compared to some places. As an EMT-basic with no experience in the Boston area you'd likely start out around 12-14/hour. Hours, scheduling, etc, varies a lot.

The best thing to do is contact an ambulance company near you, and see if they'll let you do a ride-along. Tell them you're considering becoming an EMT, and want to see what it's like. Some places will let you ride, some won't. What part of Mass are you in?

When I was first thinking about becoming an EMT I watched this series on youtube. EMS is a bit different in other countries, but it might still be interesting or useful:

 

[DrParasite]

Hello everyone,

My name is Fey and I currently hold a BA in Psychology. I tried a Masters in Adjustment Counseling and I hated it. Now I been looking into EMT. My partner is trying to discourage me from it because he says I don't have the guts to see people dying, blood, wounds, shots, etc. I know for a fact I can do it. I have always loved helping people and since I won't be taking care of their brain health, why not their body?

well, you go to to what makes you happy, and you wouldn't be the first person I knew with a bachelors who did a career change into EMS

However, I want to know what is the highest level of certification I can get?

most start as EMT or EMT-Basic, and the highest you can go is Paramedic.

I live in Massachusetts, does anyone know the rate of pay here? How many hours do you work a day?

probably pretty low.... between 8, 12 and 24 hours, depending on where you work.

Do you get to set up your schedule?

haha. not if you are full time, but you have more flexibility if you are part time.

When can you ask for a vacation? How is pay raise determined?

depends on where you work.

Lastly, do you guys recommend it and what are some good books that can help me understand this field?

EMS is a great part time job as an EMT. not as great when it's your full time job, and you need to work 60 hr weeks to make a decent living.

 

[purple butterfly]

Great video, thanks for sharing that.

 

[Handsome Robb]

Pay ranges from 9/hr all the way up to 30+ depending on where you work with the higher wages being County/City government based services whether it's through a fire department or a single roll EMS department.

Paramedic is the highest national certification however some states recognize Critical Care Paramedics.

It can be a career however the average career length in EMS is ~5-7 years. Most that make it a career work for a FD or government based EMS service.

Shifts range from 8 hours all the way up to 72 hours in slow areas. Usually you'll do 5 8s, 4 10s or 12s as the standard. Some places do 3 16s or 24 on 24 off, 48 on 48 off or 72 on 72 off. Some places do things like 4 12s then 3 off then 3 12s and 4 off the next week.

 

[zzyzx]

To the original poster,
Yes, your background in psychology and counseling will be a real benefit if you chose to work in EMS. In fact, it's really a shame that so many people working in EMS have so little education in this area. Most important though is that you say you have always enjoyed helping people.
Take an EMT class; see if you like it. Good luck!