Tennessee EMT-B Wants info on EMT-IV

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QuintanaMan

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Hello. I recently moved to Nashville, TN from California. I have a NREMT for EMT-B. I would like to work in EMS/FIRE out here. Do I have to advance to EMT-IV to do so?
 
If you want to do fire, get into a academy. Pass that, then your chances are good. And keep this in mind, your whole academy performance is a job interview.

P.S oh yeah, many community colleges have fire academy programs.
 
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Experience

Thank you for your reply. Here is some of my history. I am currently applying for entry level firefighter jobs and other places where I can use my EMT-B here in Tennessee. I just relocated from California.

Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technology
California State Certified Firefighter I Academy (584 hours)
Emergency Medical Technician I (Basic) Academy (144 hours)
Cal Fire Basic Firefighter Academy (80 hours)
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
United Stated Forest Service Fire year 2011 - Firefighter/EMT

I am trying to get plugged into public safety around Nashville TN. Do you know much about EMT IV certification. I am looking at curriculum at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
 
Hello Sandog. From one Fire brother to another :D I noticed you are from San Diego, California. You might know one of my instructor's at Allan Hancock College. May be Engineer Phil Harwick? He is retired from San Diego Fire Department.
 
Sounds like your on the right track. Fire service jobs are hard to get, so get all the certs you can and good luck.

P.S. Your credentials are impressive, you should do fine.
 
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I think EMT IV is a cert you get once your employed, the job sends you to the class, but not sure.
 
I am looking into it. I called the Tennessee EMS office yesterday. Someone told me that they do not recognize EMT-B, only EMT-IV and EMT-P. They directed me to read a Reciprocity requirement form. Thanks for posting.
 
Your best bet to get hired in a fire based system is to get your Paramedic degree or certification.

I would skip the EMT-IV course and enroll in a medic program. There is a growing trend (at least in the eastern US) of hiring only/mostly medics.

Its not impossible to get hired with a lesser certification, but its becoming MUCH more difficult.

Good luck to you!
 
Thank you for posting. I have only been a EMT-B for a year. I have 20 hours of experience in a hospital emergency room(Marian Medical Center), 20 hours of experience in an Ambulance (American Medical Response) and a season with the United States Forest Service as an EMT. But there were not much medical emergencies during the fire season. I was told repeatedly to get at least two years as an EMT-B with an Ambulance prior to Paramedic School or most likely I will underperform as a Paramedic. I am trying to find an EMT job but that too has been tough. As a Paramedic yourself, what are your thoughts?
 
QuintanaMan said:
Thank you for posting. I have only been a EMT-B for a year. I have 20 hours of experience in a hospital emergency room(Marian Medical Center), 20 hours of experience in an Ambulance (American Medical Response) and a season with the United States Forest Service as an EMT. But there were not much medical emergencies during the fire season. I was told repeatedly to get at least two years as an EMT-B with an Ambulance prior to Paramedic School or most likely I will underperform as a Paramedic. I am trying to find an EMT job but that too has been tough. As a Paramedic yourself, what are your thoughts?
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Thats a frequently debated topic on here, lets hope this thread doesnt turn into another "experience vs. no experience before medic school" thread...

Anywho, i went into medic school with zero experience as an EMT and i think that i turned out just dandy. Sure, having experience will absolutely help you make the transition into ALS care, but if you are a smart/hard working student i see no issue with diving right in. I know some brilliant medics who had no prior experience before medic school.

The only thing that will make you underperform...is you. Any decent medic program gives you ample time on medic units during your internship, and plenty of time in the hospital. You will learn quite a bit during rotations.

I cant recall, is all of TN's EMS fire based (I think it is?)? If so, priority is going to be given to Paramedics. Thats the case in much of the county, and in just about every major city. With over 80% of calls being medical in many cities, departments want ALS providers more than ever.

It is VERY tough to find work as an EMT. Just browse some of the threads in the "employment" section here on EMTLife.

My advice is to get crackin' on medic school if you want to make a career out of EMS. The pay is better, and there is a much greater chance of getting hired.
 
I feel better about medic school. Before I take that route I have to save $$. I probably wont be able to work during Paramedic School. Volunteer State community college in Tennessee has a year long Paramedic program. I will look into that and any others around Nashville, TN. Thank you.

From one brother to another
 
QuintanaMan said:
I feel better about medic school. Before I take that route I have to save $$. I probably wont be able to work during Paramedic School. Volunteer State community college in Tennessee has a year long Paramedic program. I will look into that and any others around Nashville, TN. Thank you.

From one brother to another
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With your fire background, I am sure you will do fine. Medic school will be a plus.
 
Thanks San Dog. I feel more encouraged. I recently applied to two city fire departments here in Tennessee. Also I have been applying to Vanderbilt Hospital for some Medical Jobs. I am sure things will fall into place.
 
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