A career in EMS?

[squidward619]

Hello,
I have a question for Veterans and Rookies, I am looking for a new career and I wanted some advise. I want to become an EMT-D and I dont know were to start, weather to join a volunteer fire department or take the EMT course at a college. Which will be faster? I know I need time and experance in the field. So I guess my question is which path is better for a Newbee breaking into a new field? Also were will I learn the most? Does anyone know of any schools in the New York/Long Island area that are good for taking the EMT course? Thanks for all the help.

Squidward619

[snoopMFVFD]

Hey,

I am taking the EMT course currently at WCC (Westchester Community College). It is taking one college semester to complete. My fire dept offered it too starting back in abou tseptember or october and they arent going to finish until the beginning of june. My advise would be to take the class at WCC. As opposed to many other places of taking the class WCC wants yoiu to do 16 hours of ride along time instead of 10 ER hours. The ride along time gives you a better idea of what you will be doing. Also FYI it is now called EMT-B(Basic) as opposed to EMT-D(Defribulator). Joining a volunteer ambulance company also helps because I already knew a lot when the class started because i rode the ambulance before.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

-John

[nbfcfireman]

In my county the local community college offers it and it is much faster (1 semester) rather than the 5 or 6 months normally, Also the ambulance service in the area has a train and hire program. You can take the class through them, but its 6 months, them you just take there entrance exam. Also take into account that basic EMT's get paid crap for the most part.

[UpstateNYEMT1]

I'm a paid EMT-I..believe me...no matter how long you're into this profession, you still get paid crap.
I work for a hospital based EMS agency, when not responding to calls, we work in the emergency room and we get paid the least amount than anyone in the entire hospital. I'd make better money flippin burgers