Washington DC EMS

[donedeal]

Im looking for information from anyone who has experience in DC county ems. I've noticed on their website that they hire single role paramedics, (as opposed to being fire cert too). I am wondering how difficult it is to get hired with them, experiences, ect. Please PM me if ya know anything. Thanks in advance.

As I started posting this I thought to myself that maybe there should be a forum dedicated to ems departments in different major cities, since there seems to be so much talk about FDNY, boston, chicago, ect. This would put all the info in one area. I know as a paramedic student looking for future job opts, this could be very helpful.

[paramedicmike]

DC is not a county. It's a Federal District. Just thought you should know that if you really want to work there.

And I don't think you really want to work there. DCFD is one of those Fire/EMS agencies who's EMS side is ignored and falling apart. Look to one of the county agencies in suburban VA or MD. You'll be better off there. No, they're not single role. But there's enough people who only want to ride the engine that it probably wouldn't be too difficult to ensure you're on the ambulance.

Good luck.

-be safe

[donedeal]

The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is currently recruiting qualified National Registry-certified Paramedics and EMT-Intermediates/99. We are seeking candidates for both dual-role Paramedic/Firefighter positions and single-role Paramedics.

Taken direct from their website: http://fems.dc.gov/fems/cwp/view,a,3,q,525780.asp

[Dustdevil]

Mike was not disputing that DCFD had single-role medics. He was merely giving you info regarding the surrounding agencies that he recommended.

I have no first-hand, eyes-on knowledge about DCFD EMS, but I have never heard a single positive thing about them anywhere. Nothing but nightmare reports. If they are trying harder to recruit professional medics to run single role, that is at least a sign of some recognition that their system is broken and that they are interested in finding some way to fix it. That could bode well for the future, but I doubt it. They are neck-and-neck with Detroit for the dubious distinction of most horrible provider in a major metropolitan US city.

[asrnj77]

Cost of living is high unless you commute 40+ min but they get paid pretty decent (starting in mid forties)....the medics I know agree that its messed up but they love the action. These people like treating GSW more than broken fingers. So the ones I know trade action over the problems they have..(new medical director every year and lack of personnel). I guess its what you make of it....but just a side note - Alexandria, VA has single role medics as well. They don't hire as often but that's an option if you wanted to be in the area.