I'd figure I would introduce myself. I'm Jake, 20 years old, and i'm from Modesto. I'm just about to start my EMT-1 class on Monday. I have my A.S Degree in Diesel Mechanics. Right now I work for Caterpillar Inc as a technician for their highway truck engines. Ive been interested in EMS for a while now. Eventually I want to go all the way to EMT-P. This site has been very helpful in giving me alot of very useful information!
Your background in diesel mechanics will get you hired on an EMS in the fleet division faster and at a higher rate than as a field medic. I know of three Paramedics that works on the EMS trucks and left the field because the pay, working hours were much higher. As well the Director of the Fleet Maintenance is a RN/Paramedic as well and yes he is doing much better than working in the medical side. (He does do part time in the ER and field to keep up his skills).
while R/r is, as usual, right on the money with what he said; he is, again as usual, only looking at it from one side.
the other side is personal satisfaction in your work. do you go home at night satisfied in your work as a diesel mechanic? do you yearn to make a difference in somebody's life? i hate to sound like a recruiting commercial for ems, but those are some of the qualities a career in ems can offer. the money isnt going to be as good, but life isnt all about money.
heres a thought for you: get a job as a mechanic with an ambulance company. work on the trucks while you get your bls ticket. then, continue to work as a mechanic and perdiem as an emt. if you get bit by the bug, continue as before while in school for your medic. then you can decide whether you want to continue your mechanic work and p/d as a medic or flip those around.
with this plan, at any juncture you can evaluate your position and decide what side of the house you want to work on. by having both certifications simultaneously, you're not sticking your neck out and risking falling flat on your gluteus maximus without a net. just my humble opinion.
As a former EMT, let me make it lean a bit further. My esteemed seniors here are both right, and I'm right too...the knowledge you absorb and keep current will be good for you, whether or not you make a living at it, or vollie in a FD, DMAT, C.E.R.T., or whatever. Yo will note that no one here is encouraging you to quit your "day job", we hold good vehicle mechs in very hghest esteem. Whole new meaning to the old title, "EMT-Ambulance", sort of.
Thank you all for your welcomes and all of your information! I really enjoy being a diesel tech. I always enjoying going to my job, helping people out, and knowing that i'm making a difference for somebody. My family also has a dairy but thats a whole different topic lol. I worked on a few heavy ems units and fire units. Right now though times are slow at the shop for both my side (trucks) and the heavy equipment side. I been wanting to do this and enhance my education right now when i have them time. As said before I really enjoy helping people and making a difference. I know the pay isn't the best and the hours can take its toll. (Bringing back to the dairy i understand). I figure i'd work at a local ambulance service per diem or something along those lines, advance my skills, and see what happens. While keeping my day job at cat. If a service needs a hand with fleet service then thats a added bonus to! If i got bit by the bug then i can always further my education even farther, if not like kevd18 said i have something to saftey net to fall back on to.
I agree; I should had made more clear is that I find it ironic that the mechanics were just as in need in EMS at a different area than they expected. They all work as a medic when they want and if want to.
Just an avenue to consider when entering this field... an added plus.
In my class their was a ton of fireman and I must say, I have never meet so helpful and kind people before in any school setting.
Since I am new to America and the emt life, they took their time to explain to me some of the stuff I have no clue about. I even got invited to the fire station, to study and also sit in on one of their medical information nights.
Thank you Keyes fire department, you rock....
You will have fun in the class, just always remember to ask if their is something to did not get the first time. Erik can speak super fast.
^_^
