MrB_EMT

According to the BMI most people are obese, but we know the BMI is a very flawed system. I think the minute you consider any sort of specialized equipment to move and care for a PT because of their weight, then they are "obese" and should be charged accordingly. So I guess the line is a judgment call on the part of the EMS workers on the scene, and they shouldn't feel bad about it at all.

As an "over normal weight" person myself I know that being fat is not a disease it's a choice, you choose to eat crap and live a sedentary lifestyle (I eat crap, but feel bad about it and kick my ass at the gym). If people choose to weigh over 500 pounds (I would never let myself go that far 280 is my limit) than they can pay for extra things they use. If you take up 2 seats on a plane you pay for 2 seats, if an ambulance company spends an extra $10,000 so they can save your life when you have an AMI by all means you should pay extra when they do.

That's so nice, thank you!!!

Valencia has a great medic program with an AS option, which is what I am doing (after my pre-req classes). To sweeten the deal there is a bridge program with UCF nursing school to as a senior in the nursing program for a BS. With 3 years exp and a medic AS degree, even 2 as an EMT 1 as a Medic, I could go for RN. That's if I decide that route...

I was wondering when someone would get that... I have thought about going to nursing school now, however, I am not entirely sure about my final goal yet. I am sure I want to be a paramedic though, so that's the reason for the direction I am considering. Also, can you really learn too much about the field, more school will never hurt my career. All of that though is moot at the moment, first step is I need to start working as an EMT. I am putting out applications, I am sure I will get a bite soon, then I can start worrying about my education a little more (right now it's just a thought in the back of my head).

I am going for a degree, it's just one extra semester and a couple of classes, so I will be in medic school for 2 years anyway before taking any certification exams. No matter how hard I try to justify it, there is just no possible way that I could stay unemployed through school like I did for EMT. The difference is I will be working as an EMT not a Chef, so I think it will be easier to juggle job and school. Also, I plan on getting on Orange County FD as a medic, and for them to even look at you without fire standards you need to have at least 2 years exp in the field. The ultimate plan though is the RN bridge program for Paramedics at UCF, Paramedic school and 3 years exp in the field and you start as a senior in nursing school. EMT experience counts in that equation so I would need only one year after getting my medic, and I could realize my goal of being an ER Nurse and Paramedic part of the time too.

I was a Chef

Truth be told I wasn't always a Floridian, and really don't make much of a claim to be a very happy one. I don't like Florida all that much, well, Orlando is the problem I think, it is not really where I see myself. I could live on the Keys or in New Smyrnia and be just fine really, but Orlando saps the soul. I have been other things in my life, a Washingtonioan (Seattle), a Bostonian, a Chicagoite, a New Orleanean, and grew up a Michgander (Grand Rapids/Petoskey). I had been a Chef for the past 20 years which afforded me many opportunities to experience different places. I became disheartened with the culinary industry, and thought it was time for a career change. I am attending Valencia College for my medic, they have a great program there. I am taking "Structures and Functions" and "Medical Terminology" now and start full time in January with the other courses for the program.

I am also from a little town in N. MI, though I live in the sunshine state now. Petoskey is where I hail from, many moons ago I left there in search of myself. I finally found myself after 20 years in the wrong career...

Just joined today, joined another forum that looked, after a few minutes, to be a little dead and boring. Found a post on that forum about this forum it looked as though it might not be so boring, so I came for a look see. I like what I see so far... I am new to the EMS field as well, only passing my NREMT just yesterday. I was a little worried that my test stopped at 80ish, but low and behold I passed it, and there was much rejoicing. I look forward to my continuing education, currently enrolled in medic school and searching for an EMT position to start getting experience. After looking around the forum a little bit I could not help but notice there are a lot of resources here that may just be able to help out.