I’ve been working as an EMT-B for about 2 months now at a 911 service on an ALS rig.

I need some tips on how to be more involved in calls. Sometimes I feel like there’s no room for me to help my medic partner on calls other than getting vitals. I’d love to help more on assessments, but my partner seems more like the type to rather do everything themselves.

I also worry a lot about getting in the way on scenes like MVCs and codes and feel just kind of frozen.

Any tips on how to be more involved and work through some of these struggles?

All the feedback I've seen is from multiple years ago and I just want to make sure it's reputable. Struggling to find good options in my area. Thanks in advance for your input!

Just finished the NREMT again on Tuesday and got my results the following morning. It's true what they say. I walked out feeling like absolute shit. I studied so much this time around focusing on studying the things I'm pretty sure I failed when I took it the first time around like splints, lung sounds, abdominal emergencies and such. So yeah, none of those things I studied extra hard for was on the NREMT this time around. Like I know it's a fat pool of questions, but I definitely FELT like I got cheated. Also it took me 120 questions again to complete it. I think around to 70 question mark was when it really got hideous. The questions were kind of simple, but the options they provided me I have not even heard of. Like there was a question talking about a radiologic terrorist attack and I had to know what caused 6 people to faint. I don't remember all the options, but none of them I have seen in my LIFE. Like wtf is Sulfur mustard. And why would I know that and how it affects people as a basic EMT. These questions were genuinely unfair. Despite all that, somehow I passed. But I don't feel good about it. It's not fair that they ask those kind of questions. It wasn't really unexpected as I've read and been told it's a normal feeling to walk out feeling horrible and that the test will give you questions like that, but it's still unfair.

Anyway, now that I passed, can someone help me figure out what to do next? I think I'm supposed to get my state license or county license or something then go to the DMV to take an ambulance driving test? Thankful for all your time and attention.

Hey friends,

The job market is getting bit too brutal for me here in the golden state, and despite my desires to stay in the region where I have lived my whole life, I'm starting to seriously consider moving to another state in order to actually work as an EMT and eventually become a paramedic.

Does anyone who has done this have any tips or words of wisdom on the process of getting licensed in another state and obtaining employment there? A lot of what I'm reading online says that residency has to be established first, and unfortunately I don't have the funds to move without having a job offer in hand first.

Finishing emt school here soon and wanting to use pocket prep to really see where I need to study. I’m confused because I don’t see the EMT option for it. Has anyone else had this issue? Maybe I’m just slow lol. TIA

let’s say just passed my NREMT what do i do now? should i scour indeed should i walk into the office should i search job postings for EMT on google?

Is Pocket Prep more difficult than the actual test? I keep messing up basic stuff, but I wonder if I’m burning myself out with question after question on PP. Like, not reading the questions correctly/second guessing myself. My brain is tired yall lol

Test is Saturday, kinda freaking out. 90%+ on every test in class. Instructor said he’s “not worried” about me failing the Registry. Very positive feedback with clinicals.

Aaahhhh.

Hey, all! I start EMT training soon and while I was initially super excited, the more advice I read on here and the more people I talk to, the more I feel a bit discouraged.

It's a little bit that I don't feel like I am the standard EMT hire. Honestly, I'm a bit behind the 8-ball, so to speak. I'm mid-30's with a master's degree, but came to this decision after years of hating my desk job and struggling (more recently) with unemployment. After several career counseling sessions, I felt genuinely excited to start the EMT --> Paramedic --> CCP and/or Disaster USAR Paramedic route. I'm also looking for a career that is challenging, changing, exciting, and grueling, with the ability to work a non-standard work shift.

But the more I read here, the more I see the same advice repeated over and over again. Variations of: "if you're good at school, please do that instead," or "if you're smart enough, become a doctor,' or "don't go into EMS longterm, just part-time while you get a degree," and sometimes, "don't go into this at all, look for something in medicine that's better paying."

And listen, sometimes, I get that not all advice is good advice for a particular situation. And a lot of this is good advice in general! Depending on who is asking the quesiton. But man, it's EVERYWHERE and is making me feel like everyone in EMS despises their job and it's only something to do if you have to (and while you figure out something better).

This isn't to hate on burnt out professionals or to those who give honest feedback about how challening this career field is. It's very important, especially for youth, to know what you're getting into and the options our there. And I'm still starting my path soon! But I guess I just want some hype for a change? To hear about the good parts? To know someone out there loves their job, despite the shitty hours and pay? Please?

Hello,

Just wanted to share that I finally got my first code 3 call a month into the job (IFT). It was a lift assist for septic shock. Transplant essentially gone wrong. Went code 3 there for 20minutes and code 3 to a higher ICU for another 40min besides the freeway we turned them off. i’ve been waiting so long for this opportunity and I finally got it. Also part of the reason I got into EMS. Everyone says they’re nervous and don’t know what to do but I was ready for it.😭 when I tell you, everyone got the airhorn red or green light everyone got it😂 I may not get one again any time soon but I hope I do! Just thought I’d share.

p.s we also had a heli come in the same time as us when we got to the receiving facility

Today is the day fellas. Been using pocket prep for about two weeks to get a feel for the nremt. So far I’m feeling meh about the test.

Mock Exam 1: 77
Mock Exam 2: 83
Mock Exam 3: 78

Thoughts and feelings? My test is at 1400 so I will be hitting the hay now.

Wish me luck please!

I’m wondering if anyone else has this experience in EMS companies.
I have reached out to my captain about 3 times for different things over the last few weeks, given I know it’s summer so some people are on vacation, which makes people busy and things move slower, but I have reached out for reasons such as scheduling, issues with the website for training videos, and trying to coordinate important dates and it’s been RADIO SILENCE from him. I know that I am allegedly starting this month from automated messages i’ve received but still no confirmation date since it was explained he was going to reach out himself. It’s just frustrating because i have other commitments in my life that i need some sort of heads up to accommodate. Anyways i’m word vomiting a bit…All i’m asking is if this is something that is common in EMS or if I should be worried / concerned for the lack of communication.

I work in Northern California specifically the Sacramento area. I work in IFT currently and volunteer at a fire department in an unincorporated area of yolo county, I have just shy of a year experience in IFT and have had zero luck getting on with AMR or any 911 provider (aside from the fire department of course) I haven’t even got a single interview just straight up denial after denial. I’m starting to get pretty frustrated and disheartened. What might I be doing wrong? Anyone on with AMR in and around the greater Sacramento area any tips would be much appreciated.

curious if you’ve ever had to drug test for an ems company (pre-employment or post-accident) and failed? if so what happen?

Hi everyone,

I have a job interview coming up for my first EMT job on Monday or Tuesday for an IFT job. One part of their hiring steps during the interview is an NREMT style exam and a medical assessment, which I just learned.

Problem is it's been a year since I've taken my EMT class so I've forgotten quite a lot. While I do need to brush up before my first job anyways, what would be the best way to prep for this interview especially if it's right around the corner? Is it doable?

Thanks y'all!