EMT to Dual Role?

[brutus101]

Thanks to the webmasters for info on this board; good stuff. I would like some clarification on the following if possible: The fire/rescue department for the county in which I live is currently hiring probationary EMTs; this is one of their entry level positions--the other being probationary firefighter, which they rarely open up for applications. As a probationary EMT you are required to remain in this position--strictly medical--for two years. Here is my question: If I were to be hired on strictly in an EMS role, would I be able to take on a dual role as firefighter/EMT or possiblly firefighter/paramedic (barring certification obviously) after my two years on probationary status? Is this uncommon? Thanks in advance for any replies here..

[cb1776]

Are you from Baltimore County?

[brutus101]

Yes I am. You, too?

[cb1776]

No, close by out of the county.

I talked to a PARAMEDIC recruiter from the department--Not HR (better source of info.) again not sure if she was 100% but i'll take the word of someone in the field rather than a Human Resource Management type, she said that an EMT-B or P can apply for the position, Prob.EMT job. Having EMT-P will most liklely help you in long run to become a FF because of the ALS engines and "should" give you a hiring preference in the future. Not 100% sure, but what I said above about sources I have to take their word for it. From my impression, Firefighter, EMT-B and Paramedic are all seperate job classes, as listed on the county website, but if you get on as a Paramedic it should help you in the future to cross over to FF again vbecuse of the preference you see with alot of the counties when they hire.

But what I don't get is that there's 3 job classes, FF, EMT-B and Paramedic. Medics can apply for an EMT-B job opening.?. I think the last round testing for FF was in '04, not 100% sure on that, but it's been a few years. What level of Cert. are you? Good Luck...