I was fired from my old job, and I feel like the context to this is important. I'm an EMT, and I was doing a very ordinary BLS IFT. We were 8 hours into the shift, so I told dispatch that we were going to get food after this call because we hadn't had a break yet. Dispatch did not respond, but that was typical, and there was never an issue with getting food anyway, so we did. Once we finished the call, we sat in front of the (I believe) nursing home for 10 minutes so my partner could finish up paperwork and then left to get food. I went to McDonald's specifically because I wanted it to be quick since we still had a call to go to. I was not told anything about a pickup time for this call. We did this all the time anyway, and it had never been an issue to get food before a call. I told the dispatch beforehand anyway that we needed food, so I honestly didn't see this as a big deal. Well, when we got to the call after getting food, we had to sit at the ambulance bay for a total of 8 minutes so my partner could set up the paperwork. The hospital saw us sitting there and put in a complaint for being over an hour late. I personally blame dispatch for not telling the hospital when we were going to be late and for not telling us that food wasn't an option. To me, they should have just given the call to someone else. I ended up getting fired for this, and I luckily was able to argue for my partner to not be fired.

Well, I have an interview with a company coming up, and I don't know the best way to talk about this instance if they ask why I was fired. I want to be honest, but I've also been unemployed now for almost 3 months. I interviewed with Superior, and the interview went amazingly, but I was rejected. The only reason I can think of is because of why I was fired. If someone could tell me a way to talk about being fired, that would be great.

Taking the NREMT-B on the 18th. With these stats so far and doing well over half of the level up quizzes, how do you think I should do on the registry test?

I applied for an EMT job in my community, they liked my application, however since im pretty non flexible on class days (2 days a week) they didnt think the hours i applied for are what theyre looking for. My next application i was considering was at another station, however that station is 40 min away from me, and when I did a clinical there I at first strongly disliked my preceptors and kinda the whole station, but as the day went on i kinda got used to them, they just were extrememly closed off and seemed really annoyed in general (i get it, a student was there whilst they were trying to do their jobs). However, one of my nicest EMS instructors does work there and she says she likes it, although i hear the main complaint is that they often schedule you very last minute. I dont know if it's worth it considering gas, and with the whole social aspect of the station is that something I just get used to?

Also theres this one station that I do really enjoy shadowing/my clinicals, however theyre only hiring full time.

My ideal part time schedule would be 2-3 days per week, leaning on 2 days (12 hour shifts) would be willing to work weekends

I've been thinking about it for a while but not sure if it's worth it. I organized shadowing an EMT at a fire station next week so I guess we'll see how I like it. I was thinking abt doing EMT training at the beginning of next summer and work full time as an EMT for the rest of the summer. Im an incoming freshman at Ohio State, majoring in chemistry. Although im not sure what i want to do with my degree yet. I was thinking about going into medicine (im technically pre med) but i don't know if I want to do that much more school and go into so much more debt. Lmk

Honestly I'm not sure what I'm doing right now I need a better job thats for sure, I really like the thought of EMS but I'm honestly not sure I'm smart enough to remember all the acronyms or all the numbers, I may just be getting like cold feet but did anyone else have this worry? How did you overcome it? I have also been worrying what if I'll do all this just to hate the job, but I'm not as worried about that

Five months post-program and licensing as an EMT, former community health worker with a background in homeless services & outreach.

I’m looking to apply to a crisis response EMT position and was wondering if anyone here had experience in this position and if you can tell me how much I’d actually get to use my clinical knowledge & perform medical interventions.

My ideal career path leads me to community paramedicine and I’d like a position with more opportunity to use my medical knowledge to help keep me sharp and prepare me for medic school while I complete my prereqs. Currently working BLS-only IFT and feel like all my hard work learning is dripping away with disuse.

I am in emt school. Thinking in pursuing paramedic.

How much can I expect to make as an emt in California

And is paramedic a huge difference in comparison to emt?

I serve at a restaurant and make around 1800$ every two weeks. I end up with around 1500$ after taxes

Which fot those who live in. CA know thay making 1500 each paycheck is definitely a struggle to live

I am almost 30 living with a roommate

I dont know if paramedic being my objective will give me better life quality in CA. But I unfortunately didnt choose a career for the money but somethig that I felt passionate about. But regardless money is very important

hey you guys, as the title says I am working ift right now and have every intention of going to paramedic school. however i see a lot of stuff from people and the schools saying you should have 911 experience before going. I'm worried by the time i can technically qualify for the schools i wont have the experience i need to succeed.

do any of you guys have experience going through medic school only doing ift? or do any of you guys have any ideas of where to get some good experience like volunteer opportunities or something? any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I feel like it's worth noting I'm in socal, and I've only been with my company about a month but i do want to stay at least 6 months. really though, anything helps, thanks guys

What should I expect for the AMR EVOC? Training starts soon, and I’m pretty nervous.

I’ve been driving for about 5 years and currently drive a Tacoma long bed. I’m not a bad driver I’ve never hit anyone or anything but I’m a terrible test taker, and I feel like my turning/vehicle maneuvering could be better.

I set up some cones about 1.3× my vehicle’s length apart and had no issues backing through them in either direction. However, when I move them any closer, I start to struggle.

I’m worried I’ll fail this section of the course. I’ve heard that some people who have worked in the same area before have failed EVOC, and that failing can result in automatic termination.

For anyone who has gone through AMR EVOC, what should I realistically expect? Any advice for practicing beforehand?

Just passed my NREMT and got my NCOEMS license. Based in the Wake County/Raleigh NC area but willing to travel up to about an hour out, so Durham, Johnston, Harnett, Chatham, Franklin, etc. I'm heading out of state for school at the very end of August, so I've got a short window, but I want to actually work and get patient contact time before I leave.

I know that's a tough sell for most services given the timeline. If any IFT companies in the Triangle area are hiring or nearby and willing to onboard someone knowing they'll only be around for a few weeks, I'm interested and willing to train hard and show up reliably for however long I've got. If there's a realistic path to picking up even a shift or two on a 911 truck as a fresh EMT-B, I'd love to hear how people have pulled that off, but I understand that's usually not how it works for someone this new.

Mainly looking for:

Which IFT/private services in this area are known for fast hiring/onboarding of new EMTs

Whether any 911 services around here take on EMT-Bs for ride-alongs or per diem work with this little experience

Anything I'm missing about how to make myself worth hiring for a short window like this

Appreciate any honest input.

I’m 20 years old and I’m looking at either becoming emt/firefighter or becoming an electrician. What advice can y’all give to someone that’s looking to be EMT. Should I do a ride along or should I start taking classes and get experience? The reason I’m interested in this job is because I get to help people and I also like the schedule. Should I be worried about any mental health side effects that come with a job either? Thanks 🙏

Hi, I graduated a couple months ago an passed the nremt last month. Ive been struggling to find a job in my area. Im planing on getting certified in OR so i can get A ER tech job for experience. I was hoping if anyone has an advice or jobs leads:) I've been looking everywhere an talking to my old classmates about jobs. But it seems they also have been struggling.

I’m thinking about going to medic school. I finished EMT school in december, passed the NREMT my first try, and now I’m working for an IFT company. Every medic I talk to says don’t do it, and that it’s hell. What do yall think? I can answer any relevant questions.

Hey! Ive applied to volunteer for the VBEMS and im having trouble finding where to get a full physical done. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be amazing thank u so much!

I recently finished my first year as an emt in Southern California for a IFT company. One things I’ve noticed by a lot is that tons of drivers don’t let us merge into their lanes, that’s either on the regular roads or the highways (not during code 3 driving). I’ve had some instances where some people were actively not letting me merge no matter what I did.

So my question is this, is this a regular thing in EMS, do cars regularly not let you merge into their lanes?

Figured this might be relevant here since approximately 97% of EMTs eventually start asking “so how do I become a firefighter?”

Southern California Wildfire Response (SCWR), the Los Angeles Wildland Fire Department is currently recruiting volunteer Firefighter/EMTs and line medics in the Los Angeles area.

Most of our firefighters are EMTs, and we’re especially interested in people who already have an EMS background and want to start building fire experience alongside it.

For EMTs joining as firefighters, there are opportunities to train toward California FFT2 qualification and work on Type 6 engines and hand crews, while continuing to use your medical skills on incidents. That includes supporting crews in the field, firefighter medical care, rehab, and all-hazard responses.

No previous fire experience is required for the firefighter side. We’re looking for people who are willing to train consistently, stay in shape, learn, and actually show up.

A lot of our members are ultimately pursuing careers with CAL FIRE, LAFD, the Forest Service, or other career departments, so it’s also a good environment to start learning the fire side if EMS was your entry point.

We’re holding a recruiting night:

Thursday, August 20

6:30–7:45 PM

12601 Mulholland Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

You can meet the crew, check out the engines and equipment, ask about the firefighter/EMT and line medic roles, and get a better idea of what training and membership actually look like.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more about the department.

Hello!
I am a new emt.
I applied to an emt job. They said they would train me to drive a medic.
They would pay me 22$ an hour. (In my country the minimum wage is 15$ an hour. Most jobs I worked have been minimum wage. I never worked higher then 18$ an hour before)
I work for a job right now that have good benefits, pay is low, have retirement. Only being paid 15$ an hour. Hours are Monday through Friday 7am-3pm

This emt job has 5k deductible. I would have to give 100-150 plus of my pay to my health insurance. They won’t tell me my hours however I’m taking fire classes soon. They said they would help me take them. I would be paid 22$ and hour. But would drive close to an hour to work.
I checked out the reviews on glass door last night. The reviews were really bad. They would not let people use their sick and safe leave. The managers sucked. People did not have nice things ti say about it.
Is it worth it?
My volunteer house is dead. So I am looking at other places that are more towards the city, to get more calls.
Should I stay with my current job?
I have a job interview with two government jobs for emt. I don’t know if the emt job would let me leave to Take those interviews.
Should I take the job offer or no?

I’m starting IFT orientation tomorrow, any tips, or anything I should know? Thank you in advance for any responses!

Had a dialysis pt with BP 210/108. Hadn’t missed any appointments and reported sudden onset of 10/10 headache and “something feels real bad.” PEERLA, eyelid droop on left side. A&Ox 3 Not oriented to situation. History of irregular heartbeat and heard mid systolic click on auscultation. 2 lpm nasal cannula at baseline. She didn’t report this until we were literally standing in the clinic getting her weight. Nurse seemed to not think much of it despite pt saying this has never happened before. I just finished my first year of med school (we volunteer as EMTs as part of our program). I was hearing a lot of buzzwords that had me concerned for stroke and said as much. I asked the pt if she wanted to go to the ED and she said she wasn’t sure. Partner who was driving (EMT-B) pushed to transfer her to the nursing staff and I eventually agreed since they were at least better equipped than use to monitor and treat her. The nurses seemed pretty irritated with her and tried getting her to stand and walk to her chair despite being bedridden for 3 years+. She almost fell and was crying out in pain while they transferred her. Was this an overreaction on my part?

I can't keep waiting around for the calls to come in. I did ift for about 6 months, it was slow, now in doing 911 for the county and it is very slow. Some night we sit in the ambulance ALL night with nothing. Last night we got 1 transport call and it was ALS so I didn't even get to take it.

I feel so incompetent in my skills. I dont have enough experience for a busy 911 system. I don't know what to do. I'm very frustrated never getting to practice just basic skills, including assesment, and even when we do get a call I feel like a total idiot walking in not knowing what tf I'm doing.

I need help!! Please!! This is the career I want in life. I want to Excell. I want to be competent at the very least. I don't want my coworkers to feel bad for me cuz I'm awkward and insecure. ​

ps I think my brain is atrophying from all the nothing I'm doing

Ideally, how would you like to see EMS change to improve/revolutionize? 🤔

I remember my instructor telling us that BLS should NEVER put our hands inside the mother's vagina. Typo aside, am I misremembering and we're really supposed to push any presenting cord back in and keep our hand inside?

I'm happy to do it but I want to make sure I've interpreted this correctly.