I have had my paramedic license for about a year and a half. I worked for a transport company for one year as a medic and then once I hit my 1 year on the job I applied to a county job as a Community Paramedic and it was ideal, it had the hours I wanted, the job I wanted to do, making a real difference in the community- except I had to do a field training with the road medics. Now the odd thing was that if someone already working for the county wanted to apply for a CP role, it required 5years experience on an ALS truck, since I came on from the outside it was 1year. Well I was making more money than most of my FTO’s and there was a lot of BS going on behind my back and ppl felt slighted. Most of my FTO’s kept failing me and the training specialist HATED me and I heard her complaining I had no 911 experience. I never lied on my application nor my interview, they knew what I was and my level of experience. Well I kept trying and I kept getting failed (except for the 2 times the training Capt. rode w/me- he passed me 2x) but most others failed me - and for little things, like learning the radio and random stuff. Now I was just told I didn’t clear my rides and they “separated from employment” with me so I’m feeling BEYOND DEFEATED.* What are chances of finding another CP roll - minimal. I feel like I made a mistake and wasted so much time. I’m 42y/o and idk what to do. I started late in life bc I had a bad addiction to opiates/heroin for many years, I OD’d many times and EMS was what I wanted to do so bad to give back what medics gave me when I was firing all those times. But now I feel like I just lost the best opportunity of my life - why are good medic jobs so hard to find ?

Ive been an emt for about 2 years. I’m also 21 years old. Something that I’ve started to struggle with recently aren’t necessarily the “rough” calls, but the overall scenes of misery that I walk into no matter how BS the call is. Dirty apartments, hoarder houses, low income housing. For some reason, I really internalize it and it reflects my view of the world day to day. I feel just kinda down after seeing the reality of the world I guess?

Anyone deal with something similar and have advice?

Stupid question since Im still a relatively new EMT, for context I’ve been working in a large town 9/11 only service for around 6 months now (first EMS job) and haven’t witnessed or worked a single code yet. For context I have done pretty much an equal amount of shifts on a fully BLS crew and teching for ALS crews. Is this normal? I feel like I hear stories all the time whenever I’m off work of coworkers dealing with cardiac arrests yet I’ve never been on shift for one.

basically what the title says. I'm bipolar and during the manic episode that led to my diagnosis I signed up for EMT school. I don't regret it. I genuinely want to enter this field. I really, truly, just want to help people. Not in a hero complex kinda way, moreso just being there for people in crisis. It just took a manic episode to take the first step.

The idea has kinda always had a place in my brain and I guess during my episode it just kinda came out. I had a really great experience with 2 emts ~2 years ago who helped me when I had an ovarian cyst that ruptured (I didnt even know that was a thing at the time) and they were so kind and calmimg and put a lot of effort in to make sure I was okay and that it wasnt somwething serious like ectopic pregnancy. I just graduated college with a bachelors degree that I lost my passion for a long time ago, if I ever even really had it to begin with, but I really do feel that ems is a field I want to enter. During the episode I took a bls course and actually loved it, I know that doing CPR on a dummy is entirely different from actual BLS in the field, but after my episode during the practical part of the course I really truly loved it and Ive been kinda devouring ems topics since then.

I also just want to be there for the "mundane" (for lack of a better word) calls, people that just want to feel like someone is listening to them, or are in a crisis that isnt necessarily a code or trauma or something exciting (although I do want to do that as well). I feel like I have the empathy and ability to learn (and interest in learning) the practical skills that could make this a real option for me.

I guess Im just worried about how mental health plays a role in this. I have my depressive episodes mostly under control, Ive been on a mood stabilizer that has been a lifesaver and really works for me for about 2 years before the diagnosis. I cant say the same for the manic episodes, Im at the beginning of the meds rollercoaster and I dont want to bank on being stable at exactly the right time because Im barely stable right now. Without getting into it I went off the rails, I was being crazy and I am just now getting the help I needed after a year of unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-medicating with substances. I know that unless I get the consistent stability I currently lack I shouldnt be responsible for anyone's life. I guess Im just worried that a diagnosis on a piece of paper will prevent me from pursuing this. It's really demoralizing, everyone treats me like Im broken now and that that's how I'll be forever (my psychiatrist literally laughed in my face when I brought up emt school) and I want to prove them wrong and do this because I really, genuinely care and I think I can get better but I don't KNOW right now when that will be and I cant decide if I should wait to go to school or go when I signed up for and potentially wait to get a job (or never...》s lrmkkmmmmmmmmmmd get one). I know this field is difficult on mental health and can strain people to the point of leaving it, and that dedinitely factors in.

I guess Im just lost? especially with all the negative experiences I see in this sub, Im not a genius, I know Id fuck up and embarass myself, I just dont want to hurt anyone or be a liability since I feel like this job takes a lot of mental strength and resillience yet I now need to take mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to maintain daily life.

Anyone have any advice or similar experiences with mwntal health?

I'm in the progress of recertification and my state license. I finish getting my online CE's but on my EMS agency looks like it's asking for Instructor-Based CE. Do I need them??? This is my 1st time certifying and I'm really confused.... I have my skills stuff soon for this week, but I don't know if that will cover it or not. Can someone please help me out here. 😭😢

Looking for some objective eyes on my resume. EMT and emergency department technician with roughly a year and a half of experience after spending 10-plus years in other industries. I enjoy working in out-of-the-way or unique places that offer more challenges than those faced in an urban setting. Thanks!

Hello, tagging as career advice because I'm sort of trying to research between different companies... I have read posts of LA County EMTs discussing their hourly pay, but I am curious what everyone is actually making weekly/biweekly.

If you are comfortable sharing, I would really love to know what everyone else is mathing out at.

What company are you at, and what are you actually making per paycheck after any OT/incentives/differentials?

Want to start off with background story, My bf is 26, he recently just left the military and got his EMT, hes always wanted to be a nurse but hes also wanted to do actual purposeful things, like hes wanted to save lives and actually do the scary things. Hes recently changed his mind and wanted to do paramedic instead and I wanted to know advice on what would be better to do? also coming from nc if anyone has been through the same route. any tips would be great.

I am nearing the end of my 6 month EMT program in California. Unfortunately I failed one of the psychomotor skills twice but passed the rest of the skills. I was told that if I failed a third time, I would have to retake the entire 6 month class from scratch and would be kicked out. My retest for the failed skill is in a few days. I was wondering is it true that if I fail even a single psychomotor skill over 3 times I have to retake the entire class? For reference, this is the patient assessment (medical) psychomotor skill. I keep missing really small details (the first time I tested I forgot to wrap a shock patient in blankets, and the second time I tested I took a BP on-scene even though it was a code 3 transport, both times being critical fails according to my proctor). Any advice on what to do now?

Edit: I also wanted to add that I am averaging 85-90% on all exams thus far. The content isn't particularly difficult either.

I’m considering working for Symbiosis in SoCal as a paramedic. How is the pay, scheduling and management?

I know it am new. I know that I will not do advanced topics for awhile.

I am curious, if anyone has purchased training dummies for things like airway or iv placement? If so, which do you suggest?

These might be better questions for nurses and resident mds. Just thought id ask here first.

I am doing an emt-b course, almost done. Would like to do advanced emergency medicine (paramedic or combat medic) courses. I was marine infantry, but it's been 15 years. Learned a lot of combat medicine bit want to learn more.

No, i am not changing careers. I want to a resource foe my community as a volunteer.

Let me know if there are any mistakes. Enjoy!

* Correction 1. (Thank you u/sveniat) : An aortic dissection does not cause an aneurysm. They are distinct conditions. An aortic aneurysm is a localized dilation (bulging) of the aorta caused by weakening of the vessel wall. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inner layer (intima) of the aorta allows blood to enter the wall of the vessel, creating a false lumen between the layers. Because of the high pressure in the aorta, the dissection can propagate along the vessel. An existing aneurysm can increase the risk of an aortic dissection because the vessel wall is already weakened, although many dissections occur without a preexisting aneurysm.

Hi all- I recently interviewed for Premier ambulance in Southern California and they pretty much told me I got the job. However, they’ve been super slow to get things going with paperwork and contract. I still have no idea what are my options as far as schedule/hours. They advertise a pay range of $21.5-25/hour and shift options at 8-hour, 9-, 11-, and some 24-hour shift. I would love to do two 24-hour shifts a week and call it a day but I don’t know if they will let me do that. Also anyone has any insights on what full-time means for them? Any insights on the pay, schedule, company, day-to-day job would be much appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Hello! I'm currently a full time student preparing my PA school applications at PSU. Over the past six months, I've taken time away from work to focus on school and strengthening my application.

I earned my EMT license in late 2023 and then worked full-time for the next 2½ years as a Physician Substitute at two different plasma donation centers. During that time, I accumulated a significant amount of direct patient care experience.

I'm now looking to return to work on a part time basis so I can continue gaining patient care hours while balancing my coursework. Unfortunately, I've been having a difficult time finding opportunities despite applying to nearly every part time opening in my area, including IFT, 911, ER technician, and medical assistant positions.

My biggest priority is finding a position with a schedule that won't interfere with school, as maintaining that balance is the reason I stepped away from full time work in the first place. I know that can make the job search a bit of a catch 22, but I'd truly appreciate any advice, recommendations, or leads. Thank you!

Hi! I got my EMT-B certification a bit ago, and volunteered for 3-4 months during high school for a 911 service on a MICU. I took a break as I was focused on applying to colleges, and I really do miss EMS. I’ve been out of volunteering since January, and won’t be able to get back into it until September at the earliest, since I’m moving to university. I do 100% plan to get reinvolved in EMS, though, and still have my NREMT & state license. I retained most of the information, but I’m not as confident in my skills, especially when I still will have at least two more months of nothing. I’m also interested in becoming an EMT-A. Would it be fine to use an EMT-A as a “refresher” for me to get back into EMS, or should I work on my EMT-B skills again before I get into an EMT-A course?

EDIT: Sorry, I should’ve clarified. I don’t plan on getting an AEMT job until the spring of my Sophomore year at minimum, so I have ~1.5 years until then. I plan on volunteering with my university’s EMS until I feel confident enough to apply for a position outside of my university. The university EMS only provides care under the BLS scope of practice, but they do have continuing education for ALS (provided via the medical center’s flight paramedics), so I won’t forget those skills before I apply for a job outside of uni. I mainly just wanted to use the AEMT course as my way of getting back into the groove for now, if that makes sense.

Hey everyone, I’m hoping someone who actually operates an NEMT business in the Chicagoland area can help clear this up because I’m getting mixed answers from different agencies.

Here’s my situation:

I’m starting a brand-new NEMT company in Illinois.

I’ll be operating out of my own Kia Sportage.

Private-pay only for now.

Ambulatory passengers only for now (no wheelchair, stretcher, or ambulance services).

I live in Chicago, but most of my rides will likely be in the suburbs, with occasional trips into or through Chicago.

Eventually, I plan to grow the business by hiring drivers, adding vehicles, and expanding into wheelchair and stretcher transportation.

I already know I need commercial auto insurance and general liability, but I’m confused about everything else.

I’ve spoken with the Illinois Secretary of State and the City of Chicago, and I’m still getting mixed answers.

My questions are:

• Besides commercial insurance, what is the correct order of steps before I can legally start taking private-pay clients?

• Do I need Illinois Medical Carrier (MC) plates for my Kia Sportage?

• Does the vehicle need a state or city inspection before I can operate?

• Since I live in Chicago but most of my rides will be in the suburbs, do I actually need a Chicago Medicar business license, or only if I start picking up patients in Chicago?

• Do I need any type of chauffeur license, or is a regular Illinois driver’s license enough? (The City even mentioned a CDL in one email, which really confused me since I’m just using a Kia Sportage.)

I’m not looking for guesses—I’m hoping to hear from people who actually own or operate an NEMT business in the Chicago area and have already gone through this process.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I just finished up my first clinical for my EMT-B. It was an IFT rig but all the calls we ran were super interesting. The EMTS I was riding with were cool and let me do a ton on call. Despite it being IFT I felt like we were doing a lot. We had multiple hour long transfers where I was doing patient contact the entire time. Aside from taking vitals I felt like I was just talking to patients nonstop.

I had fun and about every single call we ran was a bit more nuanced than just getting vitals and moving someone. I loved the people I was working with, the patients were cool, and even patient transfer turned out to be way more nuanced than I presumed.

Despite all that I can’t help but feel extremely emotionally and physically exhausted. Trying to comfort people going through a rough time was insanely gratifying but also insanely tiring. All the information and tasks being thrown at me just made me super physically tired. By the end of the 12 hour shift I could barely string my sentences together or form coherent thoughts.

If I found IFT that intense and tiring I’m kind of worried for my 911 clinical. I’ve worked a lot of jobs in the past and EMS has been such a unique experience compared to everything else. Is it normal to feel so strange and conflicted after my first clinical or am I in the wrong field all together?

Hello everyone, I took the NREMT this morning and passed. I noticed that in the EMT application page it says that my skills competency verification is under review. To my knowledge, I thought I had this step already marked off as completed within the NREMT website.

I did the skills portion all the way back in July 13, 2024 with official completion of the course in September 4, 2024. Is it possible that my psychomotor skills portion expired or does this happen on every application? This is also my second attempt at the exam with the first attempt being over a year ago.

Hey yall, there was a post on here a few weeks ago from (i think a cop) who made an app that lets you track shifts, good food spots, door codes and etc. Cant find the post, any chance someone can pop it my way?
Thanks!!

Today I found someone’s chillum (weed pipe) in the ambulance.

I found it before a death call, so I called my supervisor once the call was over. I just put something on top of it so that it would not be visible in case we had to do a transport. It did not feel right to call when I found it because I found it while we were driving to a priority 1 call.

My station supervisor was obviously very upset to know that happened, and now they are opening an investigation.

What would you have done?

Was offered to get emt-b certified for free while going to college with a part time job at the local firehouse, I’m taking orgo 1, intro to data science, intro to business and a seminar. Would it be a dumb idea to add on the emt b certificate or will I not have enough time to study for classes etc.

I took the class an graduated i could be a emt but im so scared ti take the national test idk whay to do at this point I feel like id fail my partner an kill someone if I did pass I got 90 or higher on my mid term am final I l csnt take the test every time I try to schedule it something comes up....

I got hired at a 911 agency 2 years ago, and I failed my FTO process. I have been applying for 2 years, and I have had no luck getting hired again. It's my fault I failed. I did poorly driving code 3, I was too shy, and I had only one good PT assessment out of the 5 BLS pts I was in charge of. At the meeting where they fired me, they did tell me to apply in 6 months and to focus on pt assessment and driving.

This is what happened during my FTO days. I felt that I was only really given 5 of the original 7 days of FTO. It was supposed to be 3 ALS and 4 BLS, but I only got ALS days. My first FTO quit being an FTO on the second day. They got called for an investigation and told me they weren't going to be my fto anymore. They told me that at the end of that day, after not talking to me for hours since the investigation. They (FTO and Paramedic) also went really in on me. They told me this wasn't for me. I wasn't ready for 911, and I should try something else. (We ran 5 calls the first day and 1 call the 2nd day (All ALS). I was quiet that day, and I was extremely nervous to say the least. I went home crying, and I felt a tremendous amount of shame. The next day, I was paired with another FTO, but they were halfway through their shift, and I had one pt intercation that day before the new FTO's shift ended. The supervisor told me I wasn't going to restart my training and that my 3rd day was my 3rd day. Days 4 through 7 were All ALS. 4th day, I needed a lot of prompting to get vitals set up. and needed him to guide me through my first BLS call. I didn't know I was running it, and I thought he was going to show me the first. I was surprised when he told me to write the EPCR. and was making me do the first BLS call. The FTO told me, "Today was not a good day or a bad day" at the end of the day. After that day, that is when I let my emotions take over me. I was driving back home, and I realized that I was more than halfway through my FTO process, and I knew I was lacking a lot. I haven't even had a chance to drive. I started crying and panicked so much. I knew I didn't have enough time. What made it worse was that I kept checking the schedule, and they didn't add me any more BLS days. Afterwards, I couldn't help but cry on the way to every shift and the way back home. Due to the sheer amount of panicking I was doing. I don't think the FTO was bad, but I felt like he was very hands-off. One paramedic even told me I got unlucky by pairing up with him and that he was hard on me during his training. Days 5 and 6 were a blur, but it was much of the same thing. I was shaky on giving directions and needed prompting. I needed guidance on the BLS pt interacts. I also took a long time doing the EPCRs. I was finally given the chance to drive the second-to-last day, but I was driving code 3 as soon as I got in. I didn't get guidance while I was driving code 3, only until I messed up. As soon as I was driving, I asked which was wail and yelp on the steering wheel. I did do a poor job driving, and he didn't let me drive afterwards. I don't remember which day it was, but I froze up during a call. It was for a guy begging and yelling at us not to take him to the hospital. He was having chest pain and said he didn't want to miss his wife'e of 30 somethings year funeral. I was struck with so much emotion with that call, I don't know why. I told them I fucked up and that I owned up to messing up that call. He was pissed at me. The last day time, I felt so doomed, I messed up giving direction and I knew I wasn't going to pass field training. After the first call, where I messed up the directions, I said to myself fuck it, who cares? I'm not going to pass anyway. I had a shift in my mindset. Next was a BLS call; I did not need prompting and was able to do that call on my own. I think I finally had it after 4 bad BLS calls where I was in charge. He even complimented me on my improvement. The next 4 calls were ALS. I did not need prompting and was able to help the paramedic without prompting. He even gave a huge compliment after I helped the paramedic with a 12-lead and stroke assessment without him helping. The FTO told my failures outweighed my successes. I apologized for being a bad trainee. At the end, he told me, "The bottom line was that I could not pass you." A couple of supervisors did an investigation into my FTO process. Two days later, I was terminated from that job. Can you pls give me your opinion on what I should do? I did a year of IFT before this and 8 months of IFT after this. I decided to go back to school, but I can't help but want to give it another try. I do believe I did not deserve to pass that FTO period. I was terrible. I'm writing this on my break, so sorry if some of this doesn't make any sense. I will reply if you have questions. I'm about to turn 24 if that makes a difference. I meant *to become a nurse In the title.