BigMike80

When you say the Williams' EMT-Book are you talking about the Mt. SAC EMT curriculum that comes in the big binder that you have to buy at the bookstore there? I'm about to start the pre-course soon and I'm definitely feeling a bit nervous. I've got a bachelors in biology so I've taken some pretty heavy course loads but I still have quite a bit of anxiety about this program.

OK...I just saw you say Mike and got confused as well. Too many Mike's are running around. I also want to make sure I start understanding all the terminolgy dealing with paramedics so there will probably be more newbie questions that come from me. And thanks again for all the info you guys have been providing.

I think its Rural Metro which works with the Fire Dept...from what I understand its a sort of merge between the city (fire dept) and private business (rural metro). Please correct me if Im wrong. Mike

Im not in EMS...I have yet to take the EMT course. This is something I want to get into and Im trying to learn as much about it as I can. I plan on taking the EMT courses in the Spring and start working as an EMT when I finish so I can get my experience to move on to Paramedic school.

Im still not quite sure what the different acronyms mean so maybe you can clarify for me? ALS and RM in particular. Also Im not quite sure if the FD does first response or ALS (still not sure what that means)...but I will ask my friend and get back to you on that. Mike

I want to thank you guys for the info you have given me so far. I recently went to there firehouse where my friend is a captain and was talking to the paramedic there and got some really good advice from him as well. This is something I definitely want to do and feel that is something I will be happy doing long term (I have been searching for something that will fit that requirement). I will be taking my EMT courses possibly in January (if I can get off work for a 3 week interim course) or when the spring semester starts. I cant wait to get started and I will keep you all posted on my progress. Thanks again Mike

I do understand that this will be competitive and I need to work hard to reach each of those steps. I just wanted to make sure I had the basic plan of attack correct. I have a degree in biology from SIU so the science aspect is something I have a pretty firm grasp on. Physically I am getting into pretty good shape and I train 5 days a week trying to get in better shape. I also have been training for a triathlon coming up at the end of this month. I want to be a paramedic because I like the idea of practicing medicine and actually doing something with my life that is helping people who really need it. I also want a steady secure career that I can retire from with good benefits. I want to do something that I will enjoy and I think being a paramedic is that something. And finally So. Cal is where I want to live. I love it here, my friends and family are here and I really dont want to live anywhere else. I grew up in the midwest and I just cant imagine going back. That is basically where I stand why I want to be a paramedic and why I want to stay in So. Cal.

For the course needed to get the EMT-B license could anyone make a recommendation as to where I should take it? Should I be taking it at a community college or 4 year university...does it matter where I take it? Also about how long does the EMT-B course work take?

I am interested in what it takes to become a paramedic in So Cal. Right now I live in San Diego and would prefer to stay here but I have heard that it is not easy to get started here. So if I have to move to L.A. I would be fine with this as well. From what I have read so far, the way I understand the steps are: First I need to take the EMT-B courses at a local college. Then I would need to work for an ambulance company as an EMT for approx. 8 months. Then I could take the courses for a paramedics license and once passing that go to work for a Fire Dept as a Paramedic. Are these the correct steps to take in order to become a paramedic? Am I missing anything? Do any of you have any advice for someone who has just started researching what it takes to become a paramedic? Thanks in advance Mike