Paramedics?

[Rozlyn27]

Ahoy hoy.

I have some questions for any of you lovely people (male or female) who might be paramedics or associated with the career in Alberta or British Columbia.

I'm really interested in pursuing this as a career path. I live in BC however, and can't seem to justify the next 5 years of part time work with the remote possibility of getting a full time position if I'm the best bidder and if I've worked and if and if...etc,

Not to mention it's a pricey endeavor to undertake, since you don't qualify for student loans and stuff (at least in BC)

I am giving consideration to moving to alberta (edmonton specifically) and getting registered with the ACP and probably working my way up from there.

I already have my OFA 3 and CPR-C/aed endorsement and will be working on achieving my EMR, regardless of which province I stay in.

Hmm, I thought I had point with all this rambling...I guess, any question, queries, concerns? Stories you want to tell? Experiences?

Does Edmonton suck as much as I think it does? Big cities are pretty intimidating for me, ha.

[Rozlyn27]

No one? Bah.

Fine. I'll jump in and hope I don't drown.

[poison]

All I know is I was 3 days away from starting EMT school, but ditched it for a job that popped up, and turned into a career. I can't say I regret it, as I moved, got married, and had two beautiful kids, but I do wish I was a paramedic instead of what I am now.

If you want it, do it!

[TeayotaSoupra]

Around here they are always looking for medics (in the states). EMT class was free for me since the place I worked for as a ambulance driver sent me on a grant. Medic class was a year long through a college but I didn't make crap as a full time EMT so I qualified for grants and got PRETTY much free ride (the college screwed up and I got stuck paying $3,200 I was NOT happy).
In the end i wasted all that time and money since i dropped it all. Around here it has turned into a transport hell. 911 isn't as important anymore since it doesn't pay as much as hospital transports. Long sleepless hours and back breaking lifts. The pay also sucked! I make more than most of my medic friends now and i'm just a 911 dispatcher.

Not sure how it is up there though so i'm little help. But here it takes a lot out of you and most people get burnt out QUICKLY. I was just tired of working with a bunch of lazy ass people that got paid the same amount as me no matter what. Then since I was a hard worker if I slacked by not doing my job plus theirs I would get in trouble. Between that and going many 24 hour shifts without sleep and many times without the ability to get food... I said screw it.

[Ghend]

Have you looked into taking the college course for becoming an EMT-B? I'm not sure if they have it in your area. First aid courses won't really be accepted as they are too basic. And from what I hear about the course, half drop out before the first semester is over. Really intense stuff.

How serious are you in this? The hours are terrible (12 hour shifts, for ~40k/year), you will see and experience things that you can't imagine. (it may hunt you). Good chance your knees will be terrible after a few years, and turnover rate in toronto is like 5 - 10 years for a male, less for a female.

Hope I didn't freak you out, just a reality check. If you have any other questions, I'll try help out. Took pre-service firefighting, had a former paramedic as a medical teacher and currently working in a patient transfer service.

[Rozlyn27]

All I know is I was 3 days away from starting EMT school, but ditched it for a job that popped up, and turned into a career. I can't say I regret it, as I moved, got married, and had two beautiful kids, but I do wish I was a paramedic instead of what I am now.

If you want it, do it!

Well that's kind of my fear! I am going through the hiring process for CN Rail right now and it's a fantastic career option..but not what I want to do. And the idea of moving to AB to do it terrifies me, but I will make NO money doing in in BC


Around here they are always looking for medics (in the states). EMT class was free for me since the place I worked for as a ambulance driver sent me on a grant. Medic class was a year long through a college but I didn't make crap as a full time EMT so I qualified for grants and got PRETTY much free ride (the college screwed up and I got stuck paying $3,200 I was NOT happy).
In the end i wasted all that time and money since i dropped it all. Around here it has turned into a transport hell. 911 isn't as important anymore since it doesn't pay as much as hospital transports. Long sleepless hours and back breaking lifts. The pay also sucked! I make more than most of my medic friends now and i'm just a 911 dispatcher.

Not sure how it is up there though so i'm little help. But here it takes a lot out of you and most people get burnt out QUICKLY. I was just tired of working with a bunch of lazy ass people that got paid the same amount as me no matter what. Then since I was a hard worker if I slacked by not doing my job plus theirs I would get in trouble. Between that and going many 24 hour shifts without sleep and many times without the ability to get food... I said screw it.

I can definitely see burn out being a real possibility. I applied for a position as a EMD with BCAS (BC ambulance) and got a call saying I was a good candidate and to call them back when I see an opening and they'll put me in the applicant listing. Pretty interesting and I can imagine it's also really easy to get emotionally burned out.



Have you looked into taking the college course for becoming an EMT-B? I'm not sure if they have it in your area. First aid courses won't really be accepted as they are too basic. And from what I hear about the course, half drop out before the first semester is over. Really intense stuff.

How serious are you in this? The hours are terrible (12 hour shifts, for ~40k/year), you will see and experience things that you can't imagine. (it may hunt you). Good chance your knees will be terrible after a few years, and turnover rate in toronto is like 5 - 10 years for a male, less for a female.

Hope I didn't freak you out, just a reality check. If you have any other questions, I'll try help out. Took pre-service firefighting, had a former paramedic as a medical teacher and currently working in a patient transfer service.

No no, I appreciate the honesty. I am pretty serious. My OFA 3 is a required course to get into the EMR program I want. It's the worksafe BC required level of first aid to work on the oil patches and industrial areas and what not.

There is a BC school of paramedics, but like I said, no money in it in BC so if I went to AB I'd have to retake all the licensing exams and what not. In AB it varies from 20$-39$ for an EMT (which I could become after getting my EMR)

So I'm giving serious consideration to moving to Edmonton and taking the EMR through that and then applying with the ACP (alberta college of paramedics) to get on as an EMR and eventually EMT. So many letters, ha. I think I'd be really good at it, I can keep a cool head under pressure yadda yadda. I could list off my resume but that's not the point here, ha.

I know there is also lots more opportunity in AB then BC in regards to job openings. It's a big step, but the chance to start a new career somewhere else is pretty tempting.

[Ghend]

No no, I appreciate the honesty. I am pretty serious. My OFA 3 is a required course to get into the EMR program I want. It's the worksafe BC required level of first aid to work on the oil patches and industrial areas and what not.

There is a BC school of paramedics, but like I said, no money in it in BC so if I went to AB I'd have to retake all the licensing exams and what not. In AB it varies from 20$-39$ for an EMT (which I could become after getting my EMR)

So I'm giving serious consideration to moving to Edmonton and taking the EMR through that and then applying with the ACP (alberta college of paramedics) to get on as an EMR and eventually EMT. So many letters, ha. I think I'd be really good at it, I can keep a cool head under pressure yadda yadda. I could list off my resume but that's not the point here, ha.

I know there is also lots more opportunity in AB then BC in regards to job openings. It's a big step, but the chance to start a new career somewhere else is pretty tempting.

20 - 39k a year or 20 - 39/hour?

Unless your really passionate about medical, and have a really sense of dark humour. And are able to detach yourself from the situations. The mental aspects could wear on you for life. Plus back/knee problems after a few years. I can pm some stories my teachers have told me and my father has experienced as a volunteer firefighter if you want.

Morally its a great job, your always helping people out, and get to experience a different side of life you wouldn't beable to see. If it is your passion, then do it. If this is a thing you want to try out, it won't end well.

Also bigger cities = more calls/interesting calls.

All that said, it is a great job, and will always be needed.

[Rozlyn27]

20 - 39k a year or 20 - 39/hour?

Unless your really passionate about medical, and have a really sense of dark humour. And are able to detach yourself from the situations. The mental aspects could wear on you for life. Plus back/knee problems after a few years. I can pm some stories my teachers have told me and my father has experienced as a volunteer firefighter if you want.

Morally its a great job, your always helping people out, and get to experience a different side of life you wouldn't beable to see. If it is your passion, then do it. If this is a thing you want to try out, it won't end well.

Also bigger cities = more calls/interesting calls.

All that said, it is a great job, and will always be needed.

20-39/hr depending on experience and qualifications.

It's tough to sit here and say "YES. This is my calling, 100%" without having lived it. I know it's something i want to do, and I think I would thrive in it.

I'd like it for sure if you could send me a pm with some stories. I don't feel exactly like spilling my guts (ha.) all over the thread over why I feel this is a good match for me.

The idea of up and leaving my family and friends and heck, even my ex is really terrifying for me. I really think that's what's holding me back. But as my dad keeps telling me "You're 24 Rozlyn. Time to get your **** together"

[Rozlyn27]

Well, thanks to those of you who replied!

After alot of thinking, and reading so much info my eyeballs should have started to bleed, I am going to take the plunge and move to Alberta to pursue my EMT.

I'm terrified, but with some hard work and good choices, I'm confident in my ability to get this done and be great at it.

So..thanks!

Reps!

[inb4you]

I am an EMT in alberta. You can't go wrong with Calgary(sait), Edmonton(nait), lethbridge college has a great program through nait which is also easier to get into than edmonton. And Medicine Hat has a program where you can get a degree which will help you with desk job's later on in your career.

I wouldn't isolate yourself to one city in Alberta either. I have known a lot of people who have traveled around alberta taking the entrance exam's to get into these program's. There is a lot of competition to get into each school (especially sait).

If you have any more question's I would be happy to answer them.

*edit

For those saying the hours are terrible Lethbridge has a great system. The medic's here work 6 shifts in a row then have 8 day's off. Plenty of off time.

[Rozlyn27]

I am an EMT in alberta. You can't go wrong with Calgary(sait), Edmonton(nait), lethbridge college has a great program through nait which is also easier to get into than edmonton. And Medicine Hat has a program where you can get a degree which will help you with desk job's later on in your career.

I wouldn't isolate yourself to one city in Alberta either. I have known a lot of people who have traveled around alberta taking the entrance exam's to get into these program's. There is a lot of competition to get into each school (especially sait).

If you have any more question's I would be happy to answer them.

*edit

For those saying the hours are terrible Lethbridge has a great system. The medic's here work 6 shifts in a row then have 8 day's off. Plenty of off time.

Oh thanks!

I'm interested in the Emergency Medical Services academy, specifically. I say Edmonton because I have friends there and will be staying with my gf while her husband is overseas. I need time to save up they money for these programs.


How long have you been doing it? Where did you get your training?

I'm not sure, I think it depends on how satisfied I am with being an EMT, but I'm giving consideration to also going on towards my EMT-P.

[quayleman33]

i work as a Firefighter/medic in ohio and i can tell you i didnt get into this job for the money its about alot more then that to me. i would def recommend becoming an EMT first to get your feet wet and see if this is what you wanna do. either way good luck with all you do.

[inb4you]

Oh thanks!

I'm interested in the Emergency Medical Services academy, specifically. I say Edmonton because I have friends there and will be staying with my gf while her husband is overseas. I need time to save up they money for these programs.


How long have you been doing it? Where did you get your training?

I'm not sure, I think it depends on how satisfied I am with being an EMT, but I'm giving consideration to also going on towards my EMT-P.

Well if i were you I would begin getting your certifications in Alberta asap. First step would be to find a place where you can get your EMR. It is a fairly easy course and a must to begin applying for an EMT program. All of the Schools in Alberta have already had their entrance exams for EMT so you will have to wait at least a semester to begin with EMT. I know St. Johns offer's a two week EMR course.

I got my training in Medicine Hat and I am finishing up my practicum now. I would seriously recommend Lethbridge for your EMT though. It has great instructor's and a practise Ambulance with all the equipment needed (unlike medicine hat).

Also in Alberta you can get student loans for these courses. Just ask the school you are wishing to attend about them. I know Medicine Hat is really good about loans. Although I don't recommend the Hat for your schooling.

If you have any question's for when/if you have entrance exam's for the EMT program or Testing at ACP I would be willing to help. ACP is out to trick you and there is a lot of politics for entrance exam's into this field.

[Rozlyn27]

Well if i were you I would begin getting your certifications in Alberta asap. First step would be to find a place where you can get your EMR. It is a fairly easy course and a must to begin applying for an EMT program. All of the Schools in Alberta have already had their entrance exams for EMT so you will have to wait at least a semester to begin with EMT. I know St. Johns offer's a two week EMR course.

I got my training in Medicine Hat and I am finishing up my practicum now. I would seriously recommend Lethbridge for your EMT though. It has great instructor's and a practise Ambulance with all the equipment needed (unlike medicine hat).

Also in Alberta you can get student loans for these courses. Just ask the school you are wishing to attend about them. I know Medicine Hat is really good about loans. Although I don't recommend the Hat for your schooling.

If you have any question's for when/if you have entrance exam's for the EMT program or Testing at ACP I would be willing to help. ACP is out to trick you and there is a lot of politics for entrance exam's into this field.

Yes, I'm moving to AB at the end of the month, provided I don't bow out on giving my notice at my place here, ha. Frankly, this is terrifying.

Funny you should mention NAIT. After I responded to your post I had an email from my aunt with the info on NAITS programs. At the EMS in Edmonton the EMR is only 1200$. I don't really want to take out a loan for that, but would love to be able to take one out for the EMT program, which I would like to take through NAIT, if I could get into it. I'm going to be doing this with a kid, a job, and an intense program like that, so it would make a world of difference if I qualified for a loan upon acceptance.

I took my OFA 3 here and could take a week long bridging course and try to write the EMR exam, but I don't want to write exams and stuff here, only to move to Alberta in a month and transfer my licensing/exams and do them all over again.

ACP is out to trick you? In what sense? Like making you use your head and think through situations or is it just a really difficult process? I also think I read somewhere that they only offer the licensing exams for EMT like twice a year?

[TeayotaSoupra]

I hope the EMS system up there is better than here. Our people abuse the system like crazy. Seemed like most of our calls were for drug seekers or just dumb dumb reasons. That and there is more money in transports from the hospital to wherever so they started using the 911 emergency trucks to do transports. I got burnt out from transports and lazy co workers. I didn't feel like I was doing any good for people. It was rare to help anyone.

But I was good for the job! Nothing bothered me. Only thing that effects me is seeing hurt animals lol I've seen some horrible things in EMS and I have to say none of it dis much to me. But when I was a vet tech I cried just about daily lol