For the past few years I've been working on the security side of contracting. I finished a contract in February and came back to spend some time at home. I also used the time to get my EMT-B.

I've been spending the past couple of months trying to get another security contract but the idea of going on to get my Paramedic has been bouncing around in my head. I looked at the emtinc website and they have a year program for EMT-P. If I signed up for it I'd probably try to get a spot as an EMT at one of my local EMS companies while taking the class. So, a year from now I'd hopefully have my P and a year of experience working as a B.

After that I'd like to try to get on a contract working as a medic. Is this a realistic goal? If not, I'll probably continue working on the security side of things for now and then a few years down the road (either I get tired of contracting or the jobs dry up) I'd go ahead and get it and get a job at home. Either way I'd like to work as a medic eventually but for the near future I want to continue working overseas.

Thanks for any advice.

Quote:

Is this a realistic goal?

Yes. And there is a lot more you can do as a P beyond contracting or street EMS. Go for it.

yes

Absolutely. You will never be out of work.

On the contracting side EMT-I will open a lot of doors. If you State offers this level of certification it might be a good plan. Just make sure that the course you take will allow you to test to the National Registry's I-99 level. As a 99 you will be good position to transition into EMT-P status as the Registry makes it shift in certification levels.


Two things here. This is somewhat time sensitive as the National Registry is talking about doing away with many levels of certification and going to a EMT-B & EMT-P based system. Number 2 is how your local agencies and STATE deal with the EMT-I issue. Many States do not recognize the EMT-I level so in that situation you would be spending a lot of time getting a level of certification that would only be useful in contracting. If your State does not use the EMT-I level then EMT-P would definitely be your best bet.

Do it dude! I spent alittle time went to EMTinc good instructors and the clinicals are good. The emt-p 3 month course are mostly former mil or emt-p's who needed recert. The 12hr days are just that 12hrs with 1 hr lunch and on clinicals you may go over I had a Fri. once and had to stay over due to call after call. My ER clinical was pretty shitty as I had a dipshit with me all we did was move corpses to the cooler.

Hope your good at Jeopardy!

Just as stated before it will open more doors and ops for you both overseas and domestic.

Spongebob

Dude, If you can do it, goahead and go for your P. I am an I, Tactical Medic and a past contractor. Getting my P was in no way practicle or necessary for me in the area in which I live. I basically operated at the P level anyway due to local protocols. NR does a lot of funky I don't agree with and you have no real vote in. Going ahead now and getting your P will eliminate all the hassle. That said, getting your I first will open the door to the contracting world. Re-read Yoesmite's post about the I-99 level

I'm all about asking questions and getting advice on matters such as combi-tube vs. King LT? or is baro-trauma an issue over 5000 ft above sea level?, but if you gotta ask, should you get your EMT-P?, then I say maybe not!

Being a Paramedic is a serious fucking gig...If you want to get your "P" to land a better contracting job, you better re-think your motives...I would rather work with, for, and employ a volunteer who's in it for the game.

You might very well have good intentions in the long run, and one year might cut it with the Hadj or TCN's but not at my bro's expense.