Agency decision time. Opinions?

[Jeepluv77]

Okay, if finally ready to start running rescue. However, I'm having trouble deciding on an agency. My options are as follow with the pros and cons as I know them. Any input would be much appreciated.

1.) Volunteer agency(local)- Pros: in my city so I know a lot of the area; once I'm registered as an EMT-I will be able to run on the zone car for my paramedic fields; huge agency meaning great opportunities for network; safer than some of the other cities in the area... Cons: takes longer to be released at each level than other areas; I've been told there is a lot of "red tape" but this has never been elaborated on; a lot of different stations to choose from making it a very difficult decision(each has it's own pros and cons); generally takes years to get a paid spot which can only be had at paramedic

2.) Neighboring city(still volunteer)- Pros: shorter time to be released on average; one is on the same safety level as my local; quicker time to actually running; I can self schedule my fields starting as soon as I'm affiliated... Cons- one city has more dangerous territory but quicker promotion to a paid spot with paramedic; unfamiliar territory; longer travel time to and from; EMT-Bs only run as third man

3.) Private transport company- Pros: paid beginning at EMT-B; good way to get into better paying hospital based jobs... Cons: hard to get a spot and could take a long time; pay's not great starting out and some say it's not worth it; no "street" experience in the process

I'm sure there's more I'm missing. I'm an EMT-B right now(still). I'm not sure when I'll be able to finish my EMT-I but I know I'll have to repeat fields and clinicals because I'm going to miss at least on semester. Any ideas?

[FF_EMT7]

Okay, if finally ready to start running rescue. However, I'm having trouble deciding on an agency. My options are as follow with the pros and cons as I know them. Any input would be much appreciated.

1.) Volunteer agency(local)- Pros: in my city so I know a lot of the area; once I'm registered as an EMT-I will be able to run on the zone car for my paramedic fields; huge agency meaning great opportunities for network; safer than some of the other cities in the area... Cons: takes longer to be released at each level than other areas; I've been told there is a lot of "red tape" but this has never been elaborated on; a lot of different stations to choose from making it a very difficult decision(each has it's own pros and cons); generally takes years to get a paid spot which can only be had at paramedic

2.) Neighboring city(still volunteer)- Pros: shorter time to be released on average; one is on the same safety level as my local; quicker time to actually running; I can self schedule my fields starting as soon as I'm affiliated... Cons- one city has more dangerous territory but quicker promotion to a paid spot with paramedic; unfamiliar territory; longer travel time to and from; EMT-Bs only run as third man

3.) Private transport company- Pros: paid beginning at EMT-B; good way to get into better paying hospital based jobs... Cons: hard to get a spot and could take a long time; pay's not great starting out and some say it's not worth it; no "street" experience in the process

I'm sure there's more I'm missing. I'm an EMT-B right now(still). I'm not sure when I'll be able to finish my EMT-I but I know I'll have to repeat fields and clinicals because I'm going to miss at least on semester. Any ideas?

I would definitely choose option 1. The reason is I chose that path and enjoyed it a ton! Other EMT friends of mine jumped at the paid transport services right away and hated it because they had no field action, while i was full of stories. Yes, volunteering may not be fun for all, but for me it was an amazing opportunity. It helped that i knew the area and saved me more than once, especially since not everything is on the map as we all wish it was. I got so much experience it opened up more doors for other amazing opportunities. As far as red tape goes that is pretty much everywhere. All i can say is if you do not like it, it's not the end of the world. You can try another option. That is just my experience. I am proudly still involved with the service.

Good Luck!

[Dustdevil]

...some say it's not worth it; no "street" experience in the process

It's better experience than you'll get at any volly gig. As a potential employer, I want to see what your work experience is, and how well you can hold a job. I could not care less about your hobbies.

But personally, I don't like any of the above choices. I'd either move or just stay in school.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Dustdevil

[Jeepluv77]

Unfortunatly, it's too late to enroll in this semester with the massive amounts of paperwork and new cards needing ordered thanks to a name change. EMT-Basic jobs are hard to come by here which is why I'm not sure if I should keep my eggs in that basket or just start running volly. I just don't want to spread myself too thin or quit on an agency if I do land a paid job and I also don't want to get rusty if I'm out of it too long waiting on a job. It's kind of a catch 22 to an extent. Which is why I need help deciding from those of you who have been doing this for awhile. My city's squads require 48 hours a month while the neighboring cities only require 12-24. So confusing. And, I can't move because my husband is Navy.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Jeepluv77

[Dustdevil]

Unfortunatly, it's too late to enroll in this semester with the massive amounts of paperwork and new cards needing ordered thanks to a name change.

Are you talking about college, or just an I school?

I was referring to college courses. They generally don't require any "cards".