My daughter failed a lift test today for an IFT job in the Bay Area. She’s a new EMT and was so excited to be offered her first position. Today she is devastated. She is petite at 5’ 3” and 110 lbs but had no trouble in her course or during her ride alongs.

But today she had to do a scoop stretcher lift with 40, 90 and 120 lbs. She completed the 90 but could not lift the 120. Then on the carry up and down steps, she did the 40 lbs but the tester wouldn’t even let her attempt the heavier weights. He even told her when he first saw her that he suspected she would have trouble as this company has the most rigorous lift tests he’s seen.

She thinks she will be allowed one deferral of her orientation and will be able to test again in a month. Any hope of being able to pass after just one month given her results today? She knows she’ll need to hit the gym with dead lift and squats practice. I just feel so badly for her, she was in tears at her test and just so torn up after. The company provided no information on what to expect at the test, so that didn’t help. It was all just a shock. I want to encourage her, but am trying to also be realistic here about what’s actually achievable.

Hello all, I’ve been an EMT for almost a year and a half. Just wanted to come on here and share my experience for all the out of state providers looking to come over or anybody in the NYC area looking to join.

The program I did was AURA Prep, formerly known as RTI. It was a hybrid program that mimicked a college course schedule, lecture portion was online for the first half, that then transitioned to in person for skills portion and ride alongs. Got my certification shortly after the program ended in Jan 2025. I didn’t go straight into EMS because I still had a managerial role in different job sector.

Didn’t do any background research on IFT companies and landed on Seniorcare EMS first week of April with a starting pay of $20/HR. I was part-time there and worked overnights for the first 4-5 months. At night, for a 10 hour shift, it was mainly responding to emergency calls with the occasional ED discharge. I would average at 3-4 calls a night. I got a lot of experience and learned a lot on the job that my school glossed over. I was always on time, didn’t cause any issues. I kept my head down and put my best foot forward(I didn’t really interact with management or logistics ever).

I applied into the 911 system at Seniorcare and got pushed into it in September, five months after my hire date for an extra $2 shift differential. Worked out of H95 (TBHC) in Brooklyn North but got pulled into Brooklyn Central very often with the occasional Manhattan South job. Continuing my learning and furthering the experience I acquired.

I started applying to 1199 Union EMT positions at hospitals and landed one shortly after. I worked as per diem and moved to part time before my 6 month per diem probation was over. I now make roughly $36 an hour as an EMT-B after my differentials. I work damn near FT hours every week with occasional OT. I am very happy with the hospital I ended up at and think I’ve had a pretty average NYC EMT-B experience.

I don’t think EMS will be a long term place for me as I am going to start looking into careers within the hospital now that my 1199 Union helps cover college.

P.S. I can also give out a general guide on how to get interviews at NYU, Maimonides, Mount Sinai, Northwell, Presbyterian, and Jamaica/Flushing

Just passed the NREMT. I'm in CA, so all private EMS companies require you to have an ambulance drivers license add-on before you can start working. In order to be eligible for the license, I need to get a physical exam from a doctor and submit it to the DMV... but I can't get an appointment with a doctor in my town for another month, they're completely booked out.

Would it be OK to start applying for jobs anyway, even without the ambulance drivers license, and include in my applications that I'm actively getting it and will have it before I start work? Or would it be better to wait a month to get the physical exam and the license before I start applying?

I know it will take a while to get hired and want to start work ASAP (but am worried that rushing into things will hurt my chances entirely.) Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance!

I am a brand new EMS student with ADHD, literally started 2 weeks ago, and of course the day before class started, I lost access to my medication due to the adderall shortage. Also, due to lack of transportation, I am taking a hybrid course that i knew would make studying more difficult for me, but at least i had my meds. On top of that i was completely out of commission for 3 days because my covid shot gave me terrible side effects and i was unable to study. Luckily our first in-person skill session is on CPR and I was a boy scout so i have at least some practice there, but I have fallen behind on the reading already. Most ADHD study tips have never worked for me and this is such an intense and important course, so I am coming here begging for any of your advice for studying. I don’t care how stupid it may sound writing it down I want to hear it. Please share it all. I know this is an important job so I really want to make sure I actually know everything and not just what gets me to pass the class.

I love medicine. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to become a Paramedic. But Private EMS is absolute garbage in Las Vegas, and many other parts of the United States. Each and every private ambulance company in Las Vegas valley is trash. Why are these companies privately owned? Why are we not considered an essential service?

Where I work this is the starting pay and pay steps: For context full time operations is considered 3 12 hours shifts a week. First 8 hours of the shift is base pay, and last 4 hours of every shift is 1.5x that.

EMT starting pay: $12.83/hour
OT Pay: $19.24/hour

AEMT starting pay: I can’t remember exactly but it’s around $16.50/hour
OT Pay: $24.75/hour

Paramedic starting pay: $20.69/hour
OT Pay: $31.03/hour

Pay steps are generally yearly. Other than when you first become a Paramedic you get a pay step increase at 6 months, then 6 months after that. After that though I believe it’s once a year. The pay step is literally only 2% of your hourly wage.

I just think it’s crazy how people don’t talk about this enough. So many people I work with seem to be content about this. Quite frankly, it makes no sense. I think it is so EVIL how taken advantage of we are. The owners of the company are always going on luxurious vacations, while their workers are struggling to survive. It’s absolutely insane to me.

I'm going into week 5 of a 10 week EMT program, and I'm about to have my first ride-along on Monday. Because of my work schedule I've already been having some trouble keeping up with the other members of my class, like last week we were performing airways on mannequins and I was the only person in my group to have a critical fail (forgot to take BP before putting on a CPAP). I'm pretty nervous about my ride along, and I was hoping for any tips, or what to expect going in.

Hey everyone, just got my NY state EMT license a few months ago. I applied to a few places to get some experience first and got an offer from Empress EMS in Yonkers, NY and also from Senior Care. I am currently a little stuck on which one to choose. Empress EMS is a little longer of a drive for me but I don't really mind. I am assuming the private companies are about the same? If anyone has any experience from either one of them that would great! Thanks in advance.

okay, so I have a lot of people that I know that all seem to HATE the idea of running a cardiac arrest. I have ran multiple cardiac arrests at my current agency and I LOVE running them. I mean, I feel like it really is one of the highest acuity calls that a basic can actively run and perform skills on. It really comes down to the basic skills, are they breathing? no, then breath for them. Do they have a pulse? no, then start chest compressions. I love getting to a cardiac arrest, being able to drop a king, get the PT on the monitor, all while my partner or fire is on the chest. I know that medics obviously have a further scope they can utilize, but I love running a code as a basic.

I’ve been an EMT for about 6 months now. I would love to study more to be a better EMT and to be productive on my downtime during shifts. I am not feeling ready to go to AEMT or medic school yet.
I’ve been studying my state protocols and watching paramedic coach videos but I would love some suggestions on study resources or books I can look into.
Edit: I’m in the US

Looking to put together a bag, so I could events on the side. Concerts, sporting events, festivals, etc. During school our instructors were showing us their bags they use for events. They had full size backpacks, but now looking at it when I was buying gear it seems like their bags are overkill. I bought a bunch a BLS stuff and I’m pretty sure I could fit everything in the G3+ Medslinger.

Anyone else use this bag for events? Or will an employer look at my “smaller” bag as a red flag? I got majority of my stuff from North American rescue and the packaging of everything is nice and compressed.

hey everyone! i work in rural ems in canada doing ift. more often than not we don’t have access to a fridge or microwave. so this sets up my question, what lunch containers does everyone use? i have one from walmart it kinda sucks it doesn’t keep everything cold during my shift even loaded up with ice packs. i’d like to know what everyone’s tried and true is!! i don’t care about aesthetic or anything i just want my sandwich to not go bad. thanks everyone in advance! :)

Hey guys! I’ll be taking the NIEMT soon aka practical/labs. I for the life of me CANNOT imbed the medical and trauma assessment! I saw on TikTok of this guy who posted exactly what I need aka a step by step what to say or ask the proctor/patient. He charges for it and of course I’m a super broke college student. Is there someone here that has a prompt that does the assessment step by step?? I’ve have tried reading over the paperwork but it’s not helping :( thank you guys! I’ll attach a pic in comments of the tik tok guy I was referring to.

For context I’m taking an EMT course at a community college. I’m taking the course because I am interested in the skills, not because I want to work on an ambulance. I’m an older, returning student.

We have one instructor for lecture and a few rotating adjunct professors for labs. I’ve noticed that the instructors generally don’t demonstrate scenarios themselves, and when they do demonstrate they do it the way that they would in the field, not step-by-step. Although it hasn’t been stated explicitly, I gather that we are supposed to learn the skills for the scenarios outside of class by reading our text and skills guide and practicing independently or in groups. What I have found is that many of my classmates and I do not have the ability to catch all of our own mistakes. Some of my classmates are using videos and other sources outside of the curriculum (which is fine and in most cases very helpful) but I am concerned about covering the right points. We have a flow chart with scene size-up, primary, and secondary, but we don’t go down a checklist in class. The instructors never ask us to bring out our skills guide (though we are required to bring it to class every day).

Typically we go straight into group scenarios after a brief reminder of that week’s topic. The instructors’ feedback on our scenarios has been mostly negative and very general. They seem disappointed in us, which is not helpful (if I fail the course I’m the one who wasted my money, right?) Mostly they say that we are behind and we need to study. They leave as soon as lab is over and their body language does not invite questions. They are all working EMTs so maybe they are just busy.

Ideally it would help if I could get a knowledgeable set of eyes on what I’m doing outside of class. Our lecture instructor is the only one with office hours and those are only offered online, so that isn’t much help. The tutoring center at our college does not cover the EMT courses. I have tried speaking with my professors but they just say that we are expected to know the information. This is a bit frustrating because although I am absorbing a lot of information I don’t feel I am learning how to apply it.

Is this teaching style typical of EMT courses? Are we supposed to figure it out in our own? Are the students supposed to correct each other? I do understand the amount of studying that is required, and that I am responsible for learning the material, but I feel I need more feedback than what I’m getting. How should I approach this situation?

Hey everyone! I’m 23 years old and currently about 3 months out from passing my NREMT. I have my California EMT certification, ambulance driver certificate, CPR Cert and I’ve been actively applying to different EMT positions, but so far I haven’t had much luck hearing back from anyone.

I’ve applied to places like NorCal Ambulance, American Ambulance, casino EMT positions, and security/EMT jobs, but I either haven’t heard anything back or haven’t gotten anywhere with my applications.

I live in the Central Valley, but I’m willing to commute or even relocate for the right opportunity. I know I’m new to the field and don’t have EMT work experience yet, but I’m trying to get my foot in the door and gain experience.

For those of you who are currently working as EMTs in California, especially in the Central Valley or surrounding areas, is the job market just difficult right now? Or could I be doing something wrong with my applications or resume? Also, does anyone happen to know when the next potential hiring cycle begins?

I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations for companies that are hiring new EMTs, or insight into how long it took you to land your first EMT job. I’m starting to feel a little discouraged, and I just want to get started in the field. *sigh*

So I have my emt b license. I know pretty boring…

I loved doing Aemt things when I was in school but the stress of trying to understand the real life emt side vs the book side of what I’ve been taught is a silver lining I just never found. I’m wondering whether to go back to school for my A. (Failed once and wondered if this was the right path but passed emtb first try thankfully)

Then that leaves what company would hire?
I don’t even know if the pay will be there.

I also want counseling for those calls that are really bad.

I’m smart and people have told me I am but I end up psyching myself out and it leads to stress.

Don’t know if I should pull the trigger and do it scared/ try to figure it out or just go to school for something else. Any experienced people in EMS out there? If so tell me the REAL about being an AEMT PARAMEDIC OR even long time basic. All is appreciated.

I’m a army medic - 10 years in and I’m about to ETS . I’ve obtained my NREMT-A and I’m trying to look for a school that I can take online when I’m off of work . I’ve talked to my commander so I’ll be able to take leave to take the skills and clinical portions - just wondering if anyone has any recommendations

( yes I know it’s better to find a in person school and I’m not opposed to that but I have 9 months left in the army and figured I could use my TA to find a good program so the army could pay for it now that way when I get out I am able to secure jobs )

hey everyone! i’m a sophomore in college who is pre med and so far, i’ve racked around 200+ hours as an emt during the past summer. during one of my shifts, my partner reported me to my company for concerns about lifting. for context, i’m a fairly small girl (around 5’3 to 5’4) so usually i’m paired with bigger dudes that can balance things out and it’s never been an issue until that shift. i believe it was because of the stair chair i did that time and i was visibly very fatigued from it despite doing it efficiently, which was why i was reported. (BTW my company doesn’t have electronic stretchers or chairs, so that may be another issue 🫩) i can’t work for my company until i do remedial lifting classes and it’s going to put a halt on my clinical hours and earnings. i’m wondering if i should stick with EMS or switch to a job that is less physically demanding for me. i’m also concerned about the fact that the sudden shift might be unfavorable to medical schools, since i know they enjoy seeing sustained experience over time. i mean i can also work as both as well and just do EMS for less shifts per week. any advice is greatly appreciated. thank you!

P.S

i know a lot of MA jobs require a certification, but before i wrote this, i applied for a couple of MA jobs and received interview offers from clinics that take EMT as an equivalent certification!

I work part-time as an EMT at my college fire department and I recently saw a post on r/paramedics about how EMT education and scope of practice is inadequate and AEMT should be the standard. I've been thinking about getting my AEMT for those reasons, but I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions on whether it's worth it. I’m not interested in becoming a medic because I’m planning on going to medical school, but I think going AEMT would be valuable to expand my scope and continue learning how to be the best provider I can be.

I’d also like to continue working on the ambulance part-time in my gap year(s) before medical school, and from what people were saying on that sub it also seems like as more people go paramedic there’s less and less demand for basics.

The cost for the course near me isn't too expensive, but I don't want to spend the money and more significantly, time if it ends up not being worth it. In specific, I want to know:

• Do any AEMTs or medics who've worked with AEMTs agree that the investment is worth it to make me a better provider?
• Will getting my AEMT make me more competitive in oversaturated hiring markets for basics?

Thank you in advance for any advice you guys have (:

Howdy all, I have previously inquired about Bi-County Ambulance up in Yuba city. However I have heard not so good things about them and have gotten to the point where I’m willing work any wear but the Casino. I’ve previously applied to and gotten replies from NorCal and AlphaOne.

I have a couple of buddies in NorCal who say it’s okay to work for and have heard good things about them. I just want more options if they aren’t open currently. I’ve been looking at BayMedic and Trauma Life Care. How are those?

Also I do know that Medic Ambulance is an option but I’ve also heard not so good things about them and my preceptor and colleagues at the college I instruct at also say to not work for them.

Im having a hard time figuring out how to be “the boss” on calls. Ive worked on BLS trucks before with strong protocols and had pretty good leadership skills , people felt comfortable following me you know? But ever since I got my medic its like Ive regressed and dont know how to have a back bone and run calls . Suddenly Im worried about hurting peoples feelings , and I get anxiety about being the last person in the chain of command . Supervisors and old heads havent been any help and basically all say that I need to figure it out or accept Im not cut out for ems . I had no fto , I just got hired and then put with an emt day one, so no help there.

Hi I’ve been working as an EMT for an IFT company for a couple months but I would like to gain some more experience on emergency calls so I wanted to know if y’all think there’s good experience in doing ride alongs.

I was to get my associates in paramedicine. One of the prerequisites is either psychology or sociology. Psychology is the obvious choice but sociology interests me so much more. Would it be dumb to choose it over psychology since psychology feels so much more pertinent to the work of a paramedic? Or am I overthinking this?

Any advice is appreciated!

Hii everyone! I have my NREMT monday and i am wondering if anyone has any last minute study tips? Ive been studying for two weeks (reading the book, reviewing AHA guidelines and pocket prep) my average is 92% on pocket prep and the last mock exam I did I got 89%.

Any youtube videos, or websites would be helpful!

Thankss
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