baseflight

Is it worth it?

Well I live up in Canada and work as a flight pararmedic in the US (5hr+ drive)

So for me...definitely yes!

See you on the other side Dust

http://wweek.com/editorial/3428/11006/?SOURCE=RSS

IMAGE: Lukas Ketner

BY NIGEL JAQUISS | njaquiss at wweek dot com

[May 21st, 2008]

What happens when a paramedic gets caught using drugs, loses his driver’s license twice, and fails to tell his employer about his violations of company rules?

Not much, to judge by the case of American Medical Response employee David Mull, licensed as a paramedic in Oregon since 1994. Mull, 37, of Portland, remains one of about 14 paramedics on AMR’s high-profile “Reach and Treat” team, which handles calls in the Mount Hood Wilderness and the Columbia River Gorge.

Last October, the Oregon Department of Human Services, which certifies the state’s 8,000-plus paramedics, put Mull on probation for “providing false information on an application; unprofessional conduct; habitual and excessive use of intoxicants; and failing to notify the Department of a loss or restriction of driving privileges.”

Mull admitted to the allegations, which included “using marijuana several times a week for the past three to four years and cocaine over the last three months.” He also acknowledged failing to notify the Human Services Department or his employer that the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Division had suspended his license for four days in March 2006 and again in August 2006 for nearly an 11-month stretch.

A suspended license is big deal for a paramedic. Typically, say industry sources, two-person teams split the driving on ambulances. In other words, for nearly a year, Mull either drove illegally or didn’t carry his weight on the 12-hour shifts.

Mull’s supervisor, Phil Moyer, Clackamas County operations manager for AMR, declined to answer WW’s questions, citing company policy against discussing personnel matters.

But Moyer didn’t seem overly concerned about Mull’s deception, according to a letter Moyer wrote Nov. 26, 2007—after Mull’s admissions to state regulators.

"Dave continues to be a valuable, dedicated and contributing employee in the Clackamas County operations team,” Moyer wrote a lawyer representing Mull in a divorce proceeding. “There are no restrictions that have been placed on him by the AMR medical director.”

Since AMR won’t comment, it’s impossible to know whether the second sentence is true. But Moyer’s letter failed to mention that the DHS only a month earlier had placed Mull on five years’ probation and ordered him to abstain from alcohol and drugs, enroll in a 12-step program and submit to monthly random drug tests.

Mull’s case isn’t the only troubling one on AMR’s “Reach and Treat” team. AMR paramedic Joshua Keyes of Portland, licensed in Oregon since 2001, also admitted to “providing false information on an application; unprofessional conduct; and habitual and excessive use of intoxicants.” Keyes admitted using marijuana over the past five years and cocaine over the past six months.

In October, DHS put Keyes on probation for two years.

Robert Leopold, DHS’s director of EMS and trauma systems, says such problems are rare, with only 18 of 8,569 state-certified EMTs and paramedics now on probation.

Leopold says both AMR paramedics were put on probation rather than decertified because their substance abuse occurred during off-duty hours. And the agency believes close monitoring works better than revocation because paramedics who lose their certification are free to apply again within two years.

Still, Leopold says AMR and its employees should understand the agency is unhappy.

“If someone calls 9-1-1, we want the person who responds to be competent and trustworthy,” he adds.

You have received all the correct answers. Hopefully, you already have a degree to assist with your transfer.

When I went through the process of getting my OR reciprocity, I called the lady and asked what was needed. After informing me of the degree requirements, she then asked when I became a National Registry <http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/results.php?searchTerm=paramedic&submit=submit>Paramedic</a>.'>http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/results.php?searchTerm=paramedic&submit=submit>Paramedic</a>.

When I told her, she said "Oh never mind about the degree, you are grandfathered"...LOL

Sheesh, at least let me pretend and show you my degree, I worked hard for it! Don't grandfather me, check it out..please. But to no avail, I was grandfathered and admitted to the OR <http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/results.php?searchTerm=paramedic&submit=submit>Paramedic</a> club.

Hey AK,

Since I'm joining the Oregon Paramedic Club, you (& one of the 3 original EMT City Hostesses of your choosing) can buy me dinner at McMenamin's RoadHouse :wink: ...what's it been... 3 years now?

Thing to keep in mind is that if you became a medic after 1999, then you will NOT be able to work as a paramedic in Oregon without getting an Associate's Degree in Paramedicine. http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ems/certific/recip.shtml

I recently completed a one year Paramedicine certificate program in Washington state and now I'm going through the process of getting licenced in Oregon.

Once you're NREMT-P'd, Oregon will accept an Associate's degree in something other than Paramedicine.

Mine is in Respiratory Therapy. I know of others that have used Arts or Education degrees. I think the point that Oregon is making is to set the Associate's level as the baseline standard of education whether it be EMS, social studies, math etc.

Just 2 cents worth :wink:

Thanks Flight, thats the kind of response I was looking for. I am just trying to get an idea what these "schools" are about. They recently took over a school here in the Portland area and I am curious whether or not I should still recommend that school.

Peace,

Marty

Marty,

Did you recommend CES before the takeover? Grads from the former program have told me the change could only be an improvement!

I plan to test at NCTI's Roseville facility in December.

Cheers

base (NWRTC intern)

As a fellow motorcyclist for almost 30 years (don't understand DD's comment???) my best wishes to Ron and his family.

I was tired of being a Respiratory Therapist in the hospital. Pay and work environment were good, I just got burned out after 16 years. I enjoyed working with my patients, but being contained within those 4 brick walls was driving me nuts.

I drove from my 12 hr night shift twice a week to attend a daytime EMT-B class. I had a great instructor and really enjoyed the class. Then took CCEMTP, Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist cert and all the alphabet soup courses.

I interviewed and landed a part time flight RT position about a 4 hr drive from my home. I commute out there twice a month and live in my truck camper while I'm there. It is a rather unique program in that we are RRT/RN and do scenes, interfacilities, neo, peds, maternals and adult transports by RW and FW.

I started Paramedic school 5 months later. It was tough arranging school with work but like most things in life, it all works out if you want it bad enough. I'm about to start my 3 month PM internship with a local ambulance company. Because of my slightly unconventional entry into EMS I haven't had much street experience....so I'm looking forward to whatever comes my way!

BTW I finally broke all ties with the 4 brick walls (aka Hospital) last week. Yahoo! 8)

Welcome BASE brother and fellow EMT.... :wink:

base587

Hi nremtp,

I'm a British and Canadian citizen living in the US as a permanent resident. I would contact potential employers directly to see if they understand what is involved in sponsoring you. It may be more of a challenge to them dealing with the USCIS than just $$$ to land you a work visa.

I live in the Pacific Northwest and love it here. America is a great country to live in if you have drive and motivation. Good luck on your move.

base

Akroeze,

You may have a left anterior hemiblock (blockage of the anterior fascicle of your left bundle). There is evidence of left axis deviation and a Q wave in L1 and a prominent S in L3. You need a proper 12 lead to be truely diagnostic. (Make sure the limb leads are truely on your limbs, and not just L & R upper chest and L flank)

I'm no expert by any means, but most likely you'll live :wink:

His hair didn't look any different at District 5 PCEP this past Tuesday... :wink:

Not a good year for Clark County EMS, we've already had 1 Medic fired from AMR for kiddy sex crimes and now this.

No wonder Dr. Wittwer hasn't answered my E-mail, he's probably busy pulling his hair out. :?

Peace,

Marty

Good Old northern Alberta

Cheers :occasion5:

Cheers....McLennan, AB, population 800! (4 hr drive north of Edmonton)

Besides the seat belts....inexperienced teenage drivers are easily distracted, especially among a group of friends. Isn't there a state that restricts teen drivers from having other adolescent passengers in their vehicle?

Off duty, I pack around 5 joules.....in my fist :wink:

0630 at the main base (12hr shifts only); 0900 hrs at our satellite base due to significant drive times (24hr shifts)

Heads up to Canadian PCP's/ACP's trying to get work in the US!

You may find an employer more than willing to give you a job, and you may find state or national agencies will provide you with professional reciprocity, but UNLESS you have US ties, i.e. you were born in US, your parents are American or if you fall under one of the NAFTA medical/allied health designations below:

(Medical/Allied Professional)

Dentist D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental; or state/provincial license

Dietitian Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license

Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada) /Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States)6 Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience

Nutritionist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Occupational Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license

Pharmacist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license

Physician (teaching or research only) M.D. or Doctor en Medicina; or state/provincial license

Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree;

or state/provincial license

Psychologist State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree

Recreational Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Registered Nurse State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree

Veterinarian D.V.M., D.M.V. or Doctor en Veterinaria; or state/provincial license

you will very likely NOT be granted access to work in the USA by USCIS (formerly known as INS)!!

I experienced this first hand in 1994 as a Canadian Respiratory Therapist seeking employment in the US ( you know...at a time when it was fashionable to blow up hospitals in Alberta :evil: ) I had a job lined up, I had US NBRC licensure to practise, but I hit a brick wall with INS because my profession wasn't on the "list".

Eventually, in 2003, I entered America the old fashioned way (no, not an illegal border crossing :roll: ), I sold my Canuck soul and married an American :wink:

Hi Walrus,

Do you have family ties to the US, or will your employer cover the legal expenses of getting you a work visa? The only reason I ask is it is very difficult to enter & work in the USA (legally anyway) from Canada or any other non-lottery nation.

Just wanted to be sure you checked this out. Most often potential employers are not aware of the USCIS (formerly INS) requirements. From what I understand, even to volunteer and get your EMT certification you will need a social security number.

Hope it all works out,

BASE (ex-pat canuck)

Here's mine

The image has been flipped.

There are a couple of clues. The shape of the laryngoscope blade, and the white lead to the left upper chest.

Also, the intubator looks like he may be wearing a watch on his right wrist.

Hold a mirror up to your screen to either side of the image and all will be revealed!

thgilfesab/baseflight

:wink:

Hello,

I'm from a small town in northern Alberta, I worked in Grande Prairie for a couple of years, then moved down to Calgary in 1991.

I've been in the US for almost 3 years.

I bet Multnomah County EMS and AMR are just thrilled about this new series.

Peace,

Marty

:thumbleft:

I wonder if the character's ex-girlfriend has a residency at OHSU or Emanuel? LOL

I sort of skimmed the discussion here, but which Portland is the show supposed to be set in, Maine or Oregon?