FNDYEMS

[congomedic]

Are there any FDNY/EMS EMT's or Paramedics onboard?Just wanted to know, what are the qualifications for promotion to a Lieutenant, Captain and Battaliion chief? Also are there lots of opportunities for OT? Does the city or department pay for having a job related degree?Are there any other certifications that can increase your base salary?

[Richard B the EMT]

First, the obvious, you have to be a New York State EMT or Paramedic to apply for the EMS Command of the FDNY. If you're an EMT, you can apply for advancement to Paramedic after a set minimum time, which I don't know. You will have to eventually apply for civil service status, sometimes between 6 months and the first year in title.

For advancement to Lieutenant, you take another civil service test, and if you make the list, hope they take you. Oh, you have to (now) be a Paramedic, either when filing for the test, or completed the Paramedic class before appointment to the rank.

Again, a civil service test for advancement to Captain. Chiefs are appointed at the pleasure and descretion of the Fire Commissioner.

I nearly forgot. From when EMS was removed from the NYC Health and Hopspitals Corporation management, and placed under the management of the FDNY, the fire guys call leaving the EMS to become a Fire Fighter as a "Promotion". Fire Fighters are trained to NYS DoH "Certified First Responder-Defibrillator" qualified, which is a title that takes less time than becoming an EMT to earn.

As for job related higher education, it just looks good on the resume. National Registry EMTs are not allowed to wear the "sunburst", and it seems only Chiefs that publish articles have things like MPH listed after their names.