AMESEMT

DustDevil I meant that the NREMT, Iowa Bureau of EMS have certified me to work as an EMT-B, thus, implying/stating through the certification process that I can work in the capacity of an EMT-B. Sorry, did not use commas like I thought I did or convey my thoughts appropriately. What do you have against volunteers? Experience is experience, granted they don't get much, but some places that is all you can get. Here in Iowa we do not have large cities everywhere and some smaller communities that is all they have. I am going to be honest with you, initially you contributed earlier something that added value to the thread, but then your next post in the thread was inflammatory. I asked for people's experience and advice in the matter, not bashing on fellow EMS workers. I see you have been here a long time (EMT City) so I am sure you have experience and hopefully some wisdom. I know I am just new to EMS and to EMT City but I have been around long enough to see who has a negative attitude and who is willing to share their experience with others in a positive light without bashing other EMS providers. So I am asking politely to either continue to contribute to this thread in a....positive manner, or move on to another thread. Thanks

I have thought about the ER but where I am that is an ER tech (only thing an EMT-B can do) where all I do is data input (e.g. doctors orders and stuff like that), I don't get the pt. interaction or help with their care. Blood centers?! As well as clinics, I am assuming would be pretty similar to an ER tech here, in regards to the EMT-B. I am looking for experience before I start the paramedic program, otherwise I would not go to all this trouble. I want to be exposed to what it is like in the real world and not just clinical time since you do have someone looking over your shoulder. With regards to the CDL, the company I would be working for does not require it, all they require is a Class D chauffeurs license and I am eligible for that. Federally, I would be disqualified but there is the Federal Exemption (which takes forever to get, like 6 months) which would take care of that. Oh...Dustdevil...Not to be an jerk or rude, but I have seen posts where someone posts something like you just did and the topic goes to crap. I appreciate your input and your trust in diabetics, but for asrnj77 it might not be a hobby, it might be his/her only option at the moment and really wants the experience (like me). So more clarification, it is actually an occupational health doctor who did my physical that is recommending I not drive, even though I passed everything else with flying colors. He does not certify insulin dependent diabetics at all, even with a Federal Exemption. That is where the problem lies. I talked to the employer and he really wants me to work there but he has to take the word of the doc into consideration as well (I am assuming to cover his rear legally). Personally, I think it is terrible that this doc is doing this when NREMT and the Iowa Bureau of EMS have certified me to work as an EMT-B, and my endocrinologist say it is fine for me to work/drive as an EMT-B. I did talk to that doc and found out that if another doc or my endocrinologist is willing to sign me off then it should be fine. Which would be great because my endocrinologist has written a letter stating I can drive as long as I monitor my blood glucose (which I have given the letter to my hopefully new employer). I should find out today what his decision is.....thanks again for everyone's input, it has be very helpful and inspiring to know there are other diabetics out there in the field and are doing good, and others out there that trust a diabetic EMT/Paramedic! I will keep you informed! AMESEMT

asrnj77, Thanks for the info, I am looking up the legal department of the ADA to try and get more info. I hope it does not have to resort to getting a lawyer, I don't like them or court rooms. I don't mind driving since I need experience somehow. I want some before I start the paramedic program in January. And thanks everyone else who has wrote encouraging words!

The school I went through (Mercy) has higher expectations from their students so they make their final harder than the NREMT-B test. We have been told by many people who have gone through the same program that is you pass the final, you should have no problems with the NREMT-B test. I only ask because my entire class is waiting on the two verifications from the school. So I did not know if it was a hang-up with the school or a hang-up with NREMT. I guess it is the school, so I need to call them and try and get things going.

Okay, so I was wondering. For those who have tested using the new NREMT computer-based testing, how long did it take for the NREMT account to get verified? I passed my practicals a little over a week ago and have been waiting for my Practical Test Verification and the verification from the school that I passed the course, so that way I can take the NREMT written test. I was told that it should be quick but NOTHING. Thanks!

I think I am about to venture into an area that could have some controversial sides (could be wrong though), and also somewhat unknown area too......so here it goes. I am a newly certified EMT-Basic, who is also a diabetic. I recently was hired by a company as an EMT-B. This company required a pre-employment physicall. I completed that with flying colors (I am as healthy as a horse). However, the occupational health doctor recommended I not drive (commercially) since I am diabetic. I talked to the doc and he said that he would not certify any diabetics no matter how well controlled their condition is. (Side note: I am talking about Type I or insulin dependent). I am on an insulin pump and am very controlled. I was wondering if there are any other EMT/Paramedics out there that have encountered the same thing, or anyone out there that knows one that has encountered the same thing. If so, what did you/they do to get around this? It is quite frustrating to be told by the Iowa Bureau of EMS and the NREMT organizations to tell you, yes, we trust what your endocrinologist says and we have and will certify you for the EMT and Paramedic levels. Whereas someone else says, no we will not let you since you are diabetic and we don't care what your endocrinologist says. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Chris

yea, the title is lacking......a lot! Dubins = Rapid Interpretation of EKG's. I could not find any books on EKG for Garcia, what is the title? thanks for the advice everyone. The program is a little different now, it is through a college and is set-up like a college program. Trying to find the books for the courses might be very costly until I actually start, since none of my student loans/grants for my degree (accounting) would pay for them. I am looking for books/things to do, that would be helpful, like Dubins and Garcia, and probably an anatomy and physiology book (have to take a course through the college that offers the paramedic program anyways so maybe not as much). Thanks again for the things to look for.....and sorry for the title I know it is lacking.....LOL.....If anyone can think of any other books, etc..let me know, they will be very much appreciated. AMESEMT

So I start the NREMT-Paramedic Specialist program in January!! I am excited. I was accepted to the program last week! For those paramedics out there, are there any books, or anything you would suggesting doing/reading to prepare for the paramedic program, short of working as an EMT-B (already working on that for the summer and fall). I have heard getting your paramedic is rigorous and I want to get a head start. Any help would be appreciated! AMESEMT Title changed to reflect content....AK

So I am starting my clinical rotations in the ambulance next week and I am nervous yet excited. I don't know what exactly to expect. I have never been in an ambulance or ever worked in one. To me it is a completely new environment and place to work. Does anyone have any advice for me? Like maybe things you wish you knew when you started your rotations for the first time. Thanks!

Great appetizer! Just what I was looking for!

Okay, deep breath.....I apologize if I did maybe miss interpret what Michael said (today has been a bad day). I guess looking that I only have seven posts I could see where you are coming from, Dwayne I suck at searching too.......Michael thank you for your help, and sorry if I was a jerk, putting it mildly. Your ditty is witty (wow I can rhyme), but I took it the wrong way. If you have any other menu recommendations I would greatly appreciate it or if you have any tips on searching that would be great. Again, sorry for being a jerk.

I am encountering that I do not enjoy accounting, hence the move to EMS. I do want to finish it since I am in my junior year (still have 2-3 semesters left) and it would be foolish to have spent that much money on something I would not complete. I do plan on taking a class or two each semester online while doing my paramedic to stay somewhat on track. I have started to lean towards getting my Paramedic since all my loans will continued to be deferred (that is how I pay for college) and I can get deferred loans for the paramedic class. Thanks for the input and hope to get more!

Michael, Do you think I would not do my homework and read what others have posted regarding this subject???? I did, and did not find what I was looking for that is why I posted. Now, if you do not want to contribute then don't, I don't appreciate being told to go to the search page nor your rudeness. I post on this forum due to the fact that people here seem to be nice and helpful. Like I said, if you do not want to contribute in a positive way then don't. I am just trying to find out what people have to say on the subject since I am new to the EMS world and am curious.

Your menu seem quite large and not what I am looking for. Is there anything you would recommend as my waiter Michael?

I want to say thank you for those who posted awhile ago in a forum about how to deal with the parents who are not supportive of going into the EMS field. I am a full-time college student in accounting/international business and an EMT-B student as well. My mother (and financial support) was not exactly thrilled when I wanted to even take the EMT-B class. I am currently thinking and planning on going to U of I to the Paramedic program, which will mean I am taking 32 weeks off of accounting and internation business degree. I know my mother will not be happy, but I do plan on finishing my degree program when I am finished with the paramedic program. Someone posted that you just need to let them deal with it and do what makes you happy. Has anyone recently encountered this and what did you do?

So I am curious, being an EMT-B student I was wondering how do you stay healthy in this career field? I know it is high stress, odd hours, and probably not the greatest of eating habits. Being around ill patients, how do you avoid getting sick yourself with all these factors? In general I know hand washing, plenty of rest and fluids, and eating right all contribute to prevention, but I am sure it is somewhat different in EMS and the healthcare field. Thanks!

Yea, the "Iowa Paramedic" is just the I-99 and the "Paramedic Specialist" is the NREMT-P. People just wanting to make things difficult. I was told not to take the Intermediate since if you do decide to go on to the Paramedic that you are basically retrained since in the Intermediate you are just told what drugs to push for this instance and not the background (cause & effects, or why). Off the topic question but what is about the average that Paramedics make? I have tried looking online for something but it is the internet and it is like looking through mud (lol)? Thanks!!!!

Thanks everyone for your posting! I have made the decision to go onto paramedic school after I get my EMT-B. BEorP: Paramedic Specialist is the same thing as the NREMT-P. Here in Iowa we have the "Iowa Paramedic" which is just an I-99 for the NREMT. Thanks again everyone for the post, it definately helps reinforce what I thinking!!

Thanks all! Yea even just talking to people (outside of forums) I realized that the topic has been beaten to death and still goes both ways. Like everyone is saying, Dust is right. DwayneEMTB I am like you in my EMT-B class. I have have gotten high marks on all my quizes and hands-on skills assessments. Thanks all for your responses. Helps me to remember that I am going in the right direction!

Right now I am in the EMT-Basic program and am thinking about going to get my Paramedic Specialist. I am thinking about going on to get my Paramedic Specialist a few months after I get my EMT-B. Some people have said it is a bad idea but others I have talked to have done that exact thing and have done very well. I am planning on doing this because I am a university student at well and by the time I graduate it will have been quite sometime. I understand experience is important but I was wondering what people's opinion are for not having much experience going into the Paramedic Specialist program? Am I making the right decision to start my PS about 2 to 2 1/2 months after recieving my cert? Thanks!