carolinagrl

Seriously I didn't think it could lamer .........and then it did!!!

And yet there we were watching it again.

At least there's eyecandy for everyone..lol.

Hey there welcome to the fold!! I'm a female 5'4" 120 lbs and mid-forties. I've been a firefighter/emt for 9 years. You can absolutely do this job and be smaller, sometimes it takes a little more work or ability to compensate. I have run into a few places where I didn't even apply because of the agility test. It's more about how much your heart is in this business. If this is what you truly love you'll find a way. If you don't love this business then skip it because you won't last long. Ride alongs or volunteer work are a real good idea. It will give you a good idea if you're cut out for this. Good luck!!

LMAO!! I've got a shift supervisor I would donate and save the kittie.

LMAO!!! All volunteers aren't that worthless, but I've seen it. At least they have some.

My partner and I responded to an unresponsive woman--massive CVA. He needed to use RSI on her and asked me to call for another paramedic, per protocol, for backup. When I call, dispatch asks me what is RSI--as in why am I calling for another medic. The other night during snow storm she argued with a unit about sending fire dept, when they requested them--they didn't get any help. In fact they were told to leave the scene and return to their call area with two people trapped at the bottom of a ditch for 45 minutes. I'm assuming they weren't injured but.... Anyway since when does dispatch dictate what resources I receive?? My partner and I sent in a formal complaint and they were "exonerated" so I guess someone with little or no training and zero field experience can tell me what I need on a scene. This is a county EMS system and I come from a combined system-fire/ems. If they don't understand what I've asked for and need clarification that's one thing but DO NOT sit in the bat cave and tell me you know better than I do what I need!!! Typically the only reason we ask for help is if we are up to our as- in alligators. I don't have time to explain to you what a RSI is and you do not need to know. We don't have any first responders ems or otherwise. This is a rural area and the next closest help may be 15+ miles away. I haven't gone and jumped up and down in the office yet and probably won't cause I like a paycheck. Anyway has anybody else run into this? Can anybody think of a logical professional sounding arguement to make to management? I seriously can't believe I need to say that but... I want to say ARE YOU INSANE?!!!

Unemployment and get that registry? Just a thought.... I've driven 100 miles one way on a day truck to work before. It sucked but I got the money together to do what needed to be done. Of course I keep threatening to go be the Wal-Mart greeter--"Get your sh-t and get out"--LOL. Good luck !! SC requires registry--just saw that post.

Just want to get your opinion on the best ways to get your foot in the door. I just completed the TN EMT-IV program and passed my NREMT a couple of weeks ago. I am coming into the world of EMS a little later in life (age 43)and want to get on to Paramedic school as soon as I can get some good practical experience under my belt. I already have a bachelor's degree in Marketing- contemplated a bridge program for nursing but fell in love with EMS. Husband is active duty Air Force, so I don't require benefits. What is the best way to go about networking? Volunteer with the Rescue Squad? Ideas are greatly appreciated.

Leanne

I feel you girl, I started in my mid-thirties. I volunteered with the fire dept. and did ride alongs with everyone in sight. I fell in love too--9 years later and I'm still loving it most of the time. Occasionaly I threaten to go be the wal-mart greeter at three in the morning but this is it for me. Good luck and stay clear of politics. The young ones don't care who they throw under the bus on their way to glory--lol.