Paramedics or Emergency Technicians?!
Question: I am interested in joining my local ambulance service but I've heard bad things from other people who know people within the organisation. I really want to go for it and I'd just like to know what the job is really like.
Answers: I am interested in joining my local ambulance service but I've heard bad things from other people who know people within the organisation. I really want to go for it and I'd just like to know what the job is really like.
Hello
I am a Paramedic in Calgary. It really depends where you are working and for what service. If it is paid or volunteer. Paramedics usually work 4 days on 4 days off, shifts can range from 12 hours, 10 hours or 8 in larger areas. Rural you wil usually be on call 24 hours a day for four days then you will get three days off. When I worked rural I really liked it, I had worked in a town of about 5000 people (but a very popular tourist destination), so when I was on call I would be in uniform and I could go downtown clean my house have a nap or do what ever and when a call came in I had 5 minutes to get to the station and be out the Ambulance bay... our call volume was only about 700 a year usually 2 calls a day it was a pretty sweet deal.
this Career is great, I love the diversity and the challenges! The scene is what really seperates EMS from other health careers. A lot of oppurtunity too, Paramedics will always be in demand, there is great job security in most cases and lots of room to advance, you can work in Rapid Response EMS, Public Education, as a flight medic, there are EMS teams that go on scene with SWAT teams and so much more. This certificate can really gives your a great foundation in life.
It is not all great, like I said it depends where you work some services you work 4 days 24 hour on call and so in some more populated areas you can burn out really fast. The Job is demanding in many aspects so you really have to be a motivated person to love this job and want to do it well. Also pay is a problem in some areas more so in the US then in Canada. last year I made just under 70,000.00$ the average is about 65,000 to 75,000$ Remember there are more than enough places that pay really bad! There is also alot of abuse to the EMS system half your calls will be a joke, and you will get really mad when you are attending to someone who has a cough and over the radio you here a Heart Attack come through and all the Ambulances are on calls already! Or disrepectful people who say Paramedics are wannabe nurses or something to that nature! Every career has it's challenges things are getting better for EMS though
It is a great feeling to save someones life! Some calls can hit hard emotionally such as an MVA and you roll up to find a a group of friends all 16 Dead On Scene. I would say go for a ride along with your local EMS and see for yourself!
As a single parent it can be done, may be hard while your child is younger really depends what your hours are, I know some paramedics who have kids and they manage just fine.
Long hours, back breaking and shitty pay. It is a job you have to want and love. Paramedics get paid better then the EMTS though.
Like the person below me said, it is long hours and your sleep is often interrupted to go get a patient. The pay is bad, but it is a rewarding job if you really have a passion for it. Why don't you look into doing a "ride along" with your local ambu company for a couple shifts/nights and see if you like it.