TheDeacon

I honestly doubt they go right into paramedic school without some form of minimum third-ride time on a BLS/ALS Rig or without at minimum EMT (unless it's a college degree program.) Where I'm at here It's super hard for me to get a job as an EMT. All of the Fire Stations are full up and the only people running calls are the local Non-Profit Ambulance company. Their ALS Rigs run 911 and the BLS Rigs run Transfers all day. I do live in a fairly large City in Michigan. My goal was to Work as an EMT, get my feet wet and attend Paramedic classes but it appears that when the Ambulance company starts up Paramedic training in the fall I'll be attending that to have a much better shot at actually having any job. We spent 48 hours on an Ambulance and 36 hours in the ER (Super busy) In that small time I saw enough to actually think: This is the job for me. So I'm pretty confident in going straight to Paramedic. TLDR: I suggest getting your feet wet to make sure this is for you. And remember, at the end of the day don't forget your Basics!

Julian, Having just completed my EMT Course I can say this; Take it seriously, Don't goof off and STUDY. Don't try to skate by either like a few people in my class. You make yourself look silly and end up wasting the money you spent on the course. I can't help you with the "Rookie" status as I'm still a "Rookie" and still trying to find a place in either an Emergency Department, Fire Department or on an Ambulance.

I just wanted to stop in and say Hi! I found this site while looking around for EMS information 4 months ago! I finished my EMT training just in time for Christmas (talk about a great holiday present to myself!) I look forward to completing Paramedic training, participating in the discussions and sharing my experiences! -TheDeacon (Brandon)