[Sentral Dogma]

I was wondering if any board members, or guests, here are EMT's or paramedics. If you are, any thoughts on the profession? Is there room to move upward, like to dispatcher, director, or something like that? quite unprofessional to ask this, but what's your salary? Ever get sued for saving someone's life?

 

[brent_mr2]

I notice you're in NY. Have you seen that Nicolas Cage movie "Bringing out the Dead" (or something like that)? That was a pretty depressing movie. I have a lot of respect for people that do this profession.

It is the health field so you've got to have wierd sleeping schedules and probably go without sleep often. I know I couldn't do that, I'm a basket-case if I don't get my sleep.

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/l...ode=HC07000189

 

[spaceman]

I was a firefighter/EMT for seven years, most of my time spent as an advanced care EMT. The perfect job for adrenaline junkies in a busy city. There is certainly room for advancement in most departments, though a move to dispatcher wouldn't quite be considered an advancement in most circumstances. The pay really depends on where you want to work, and your level of training. The hours can suck (my reason for leaving plus pay issues), but some really like them. I am still in healthcare, just a different profession. The money is a lot better, steady shifts, occasional weekends, holidays off. Plus, I am not getting puked/pissed on, shouted at or kicked anymore. When I was younger, this was exciting stuff, but I knew all along that I did not want to retire in this profession. Please don't take this the wrong way, it is a very exciting and rewarding profession, and I urge you to look into it if you are seriously interested. However, I would also urge you to get four year degree as well, as it will only help you to advance if you wish to stay in the field, and it will also provide you with options if you want to leave. Good luck.

 

[finleyville]

Man, you guys are definitely troopers!

 

[Sentral Dogma]

matthew: damn, the internet has everything.

thanks spaceman. I'd like all the viewpoints i can get.

Yea i did see bringing out the dead. don't even remember it though. I think for the job they do, paramedics should get paid more. there are many professions like that though.

 

[spaceman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sentral Dogma matthew: damn, the internet has everything. thanks spaceman. I'd like all the viewpoints i can get. Yea i did see bringing out the dead. don't even remember it though. I think for the job they do, paramedics should get paid more. there are many professions like that though.

So true:

Police
Firefighters
Military
Nurses
Allied Health Professionals
Teachers
Lab Techs

The list can go on and on. It can be discouraging at times, especially when you see CEOs/top level administrators raking in the bucks when most just sit on their asses and have lower management do all their work.

 

[Sentral Dogma]

I'm sure some CEO's have worked their asses off. It's their contribution to society vs. the money they make that pisses me off. But i guess if someone was truly altruistic they wouldn't want millions of dollars except to distribute it among the poor.


Spaceman, how were benefits? And does firefighter training net a little better salary?

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/l...ode=LG12000019

 

[spaceman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sentral Dogma I'm sure some CEO's have worked their asses off. It's their contribution to society vs. the money they make that pisses me off. But i guess if someone was truly altruistic they wouldn't want millions of dollars except to distribute it among the poor. Spaceman, how were benefits? And does firefighter training net a little better salary?

All depends on where you work regarding pay and benefits. I believe most larger city departments are union. As for firefighter training, the more training the better, as you will be more versatile regarding skills. You may want to pm Tuberoller. I believe he is a firefighter/paramedic in Chicago, so he could give you some info about the job in a large city. I have only worked in small cities/towns.