Didn't see it from Chase's POV, but he absolutely right. One reason I got out of things was that I had burned out. If you aren't dedicated, you wil only be, at best, a marginal P who hesitates to treat your guys in a hostile situation.

chase wrote:

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.

+1



Spongebob

Chase,

Thanks for posting the real POV. P is not a stepping stone to being a Contractor. P is a life choice requiring dedication...to your PATIENTS, not so you can get hired in the sandbox.

There are way too many youngsters in the US running to P school as soon as they can to get a job with the FD, then dumping it once they are in. They lack the knowledge, skills and drive to be good P's. This is a years of study job, not a quick and easy and I'm done deal.

EMS USED to be about providing the best level of care to your patients, not to get the next job.

I'm not saying that this is what the OP meant, just to take the time and examine why do it, not "sounds pretty cool".

Chase,

I appreciate your opinion and I agree it's not a job you should go into half-hearted. I've worked with good medics and bad and learned from both sides. From the good I learned what to be like, the bad what not to be like.

My question really wasn't as much as should I get my Paramedic - I plan on doing that - but rather if the people here, that worked in the field, thought a year of experience at the Basic level while getting my Paramedic would be enough experience to work on a contract. The reason I asked was because I've read a couple posts where people talked about going to some fast track EMT-I course with hopes of getting a medic spot. I think everybody agrees, myself included, that isn't nearly enough experience. It's not just about getting the peice of paper but you also have to have enough time on the job to become competent. So, I was curious as to whether or not people here thought a year would be enough experience. Although I realize there's no magic number, I was trying to get a general idea.

Thanks again.

ScoutsOut
The truth be told a year is not enough time IMHO. Studies show that it takes a minimum of 2 years before most medics feel comfortable & confident. This is in my opinion the cocky stage when you usually don't realize just how much you really don't know until a few patients outcomes will bite you in the ass. Burn out usually comes for busy medics around year 8. That is when most really start to get it fully. Funny how that works out.
Should you get your medic? As most have said, yes. But here's the rub, if you really don't enjoy the work it is a miserable experience. You have to want to do the job. Nuff said from me.

First year you are still learning. Second year you have some idea of what's going on. Third year it starts coming together and you are in the groove.

boscoman wrote:

Absolutely. You will never be out of work.

Ha! Have the throw in the BS card.

This is still a first person vetting business. If no one knows you (as a medic); you're going to be in a long line-if you hear back at all.

Overseas gigs still would like you to have, minimum, two years 'heavy' street time before consideration for hire. There have been exceptions, but that's what they are- exceptions.

You will never be out of work. There are plenty of jobs state side for medics with fire departments & private services. As far as over seas contracts you are correct. I have not been able to get so much as a nibble on a job.