Expert: Jim Wilson - 12/21/2011

Question
Jim,

My question is real simple, are there people who are getting hired as EMTs, I got my training almost 4 years ago and I have not used any of my skills or knowledge or anything like that. I can’t find any jobs here in AZ. My goal is to become a Paramedic but I need EMT experience before I even try to go to Medic School.

I am hoping that my volunteer experience with the Red Cross-Disaster Health Service, Search and Rescue, and the United States Coast Auxiliary will help in getting a job. What do you think?

On top of that I have taken some ALS class-EKG and pharmacology and in April I will be taking a PHTLS class.

But it is very frustrating because I have this education and knowledge but I can’t

Answer
Hi Daniel,

I am afraid that the current economy has taken its toll across the board. And it includes EMS, Police, and Fire. In other words there is a shortage of jobs in this field.

However...

They are out there. You just have to be open minded and willing to travel. While I can only speak for here in Florida, I can assure you that things are probably pretty similar out west also.

Some of my students who recently graduated:

- Got a job in the ER. This led to an enormous amount of experience and the pay is actually pretty good. It also led to in-house (free) additional training on IV's, drawing blood, EKG's, and other in-hospital treatment.

- Got a job at a private EMS agency. This meant doing a lot of non-emergency transports. But two of my former graduates ended up being able to go to Paramedic class courtesy of their EMS agency.

- Finally one of my recent graduates got a job as a dispatcher.


Your next question should be "How do I find out about these openings?"

Online trade journals offer up plenty of info. EMSWorld.com list job openings all over the globe. Just a matter of signing up and you can receive the emails with the openings.

And I would also "fish" around the local stations. If you know ANYONE in EMS and or Fire in your area, they may just be your ticket into the field. It is often not what you know or how long you have known it but is instead WHO you know.

I really hope that this post helps you out. I know, with 100% certainty, that there are jobs here in Florida and also in Texas and Colorado. (just got the email yesterday) Like I said, it is a matter of being willing to travel and open your mind and your heart to new opportunities.

Best of luck to you!
Jim Wilson