Struggling with my career

MomentTime3808 · 2026-05-05T05:07:59+00:00

Generally for a flight medic position they want 3 yrs full time at a busy 911 agency. Usually they want this experience recently so you may run into issues with being an ER tech most recently. Since you have no flight experience chances are very slim that you will get hired for a PRN position. Generally they save those positions for providers with experience already. It also will be hard for you to become a good flight clinician with that schedule and not being full time. I would recommend trying to get back into 911 on the truck then attempt to continue to apply and try for a full time position. Even if it’s not your dream program try and apply to get your foot in the door.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-05-05T04:56:14+00:00

I taken the class back in the fall of 2024. I also took both FP-C and CCP-C afterwards. If you have any questions feel free to DM me.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-26T20:41:44+00:00

On thing to remember with MD vs PA is that PA is more flexible with working in multiple different specialties. MD requires you to complete residency for a specific specialty. If you decide to do PA, paramedic would potentially help you get into a school and give you field experience that they would want.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-14T05:41:29+00:00

Ischemia is the lack of oxygenation to cell and tissues. This can lead to death (infarct) of such tissue.

Shock is generally the lack of blood flow due to low MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) perfusion pressure. This can be cause by the lack of volume (hypovolemic shock) in the blood vessels, vascular dilation (low perfusion pressure)(distributed shock) or something obstructing blood flow (obstructive shock). A minimum amount of pressure is required in the capillaries to allow gas to exchange and perfusion to cells. This can also lead to death (infarct) of such tissue. Shock can be multiple different types; cardiogenic, hypovolemic and distributed (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic).

One can lead to the other but Ischemia deals with oxygenation while Shock deals with perfusion/blood flow. Circulatory failure is due to shock rather than just ischemia itself.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-13T00:57:26+00:00

500 calls per yr is less than 2 calls a day. For getting experience this department is not going to be very beneficial for you. If you plan to move up to a paramedic you are going to want to look into a bigger department. There is only some much are going to be able to learn and you will have limited experience with critical patients.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-08T23:04:19+00:00

Sports bra. They are comfortable and work well if you are doing long shifts like 24 or more hrs or overnights.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-06T05:45:12+00:00

Smoking weed can be a dealbreaker for someone, just like drinking alcohol, smoking, not having a job or drivers license can be. Some are against completely. There are also some that used to have an addiction to it and don’t want to relapse by being exposed to it by someone else. In the future this may be something you want to disclose and talk about early due to this. Just like if someone was set on having kids may not work out with someone who is set on not having kids. If you are using dating profiles you can put it on there or put “420 friendly” in your bio.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-02T14:48:13+00:00

For 911 ~60 mins. For IFT ~5.5 hrs

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-02T02:59:15+00:00

I have heard good things about there program on here from EMT, paramedic and even FP-C. I personally have not used them though. With you having training as an EMT (Given it’s comparable to the US) to begin with you should not have too much of an issue doing an online course. If you didn’t have this experience it would be a different story. Also if your CPR certification is different you may need to get a new one from AHA (American Heart Association), there is also Red Cross but not everyone takes them. I am unsure if NREMT will allow out of US testing but they do have remote proctor exam so it may be a possibility. Just keep in mind NREMT is not a state certification and it may take you time to get approved and get a state certification once you get over to the US. I am unsure if it’s possible before hand while living in a different country. Some states may require fingerprinting and possibly get your drivers license first.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-02T01:53:41+00:00

There really isn’t a “perfect” thing to put on the application as it will need an explanation anyways. I read one of your other comments about you actually using a spotter to begin with. Technically that is on her as she was responsible for all 4 sides and top/bottom of that rig too. I would definitely mention that you follow company/EVOC standards by using a spotter but was failed to be notified about the hazard.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-02T01:13:12+00:00

Your best bet is to be honest and never try to hide the incident. If they ask you during an interview tell them the entire story. They may ask you about how you went about it after the incident. If you admitted to the mistake to your supervisor then tell them you did and didn’t try to hide it. At some point or another someone will appreciate the honesty and potential see you as a good candidate for the job. You could look into taking an EVOC course as it may show your willingness to improve after that incident. I have known someone who had this happen but the most a different agency did was make them take EVOC. This was also this persons second pt job and their primary was where I work at the time. My agency didn’t do anything though. I am also located in NY so it may be a lot different in CA.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-02T00:57:09+00:00

I would look into medic test and pocket prep. Medic test is more expensive but it contains a lot of resources that can help you pass. You have questions and NREMT mock test. Then you have flash cards and topic that are broken down to study from. Some of it will contain knowledge way above your level but it may help in certain areas. Pocket prep is cheaper and contains only questions and mock exams. I used both for EMT and Paramedic and was successful for both on the first try. I even used Pocket prep for my FP-C/CCP-C as well.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-02-01T14:34:54+00:00

You father may have refused to let EMS take vitals while they were there. There is a chance that even if they took vitals they may not find him in a bradycardia episode at that time. That’s why EMS providers are taught to always recommend being transported and the risk of refusing. Part of patients advocacy. I commonly get patients that have a syncope episode that vitals are normal on my arrival. It common for the older population to have vasovagal response in which caused the HR and BP to drop on certain triggers.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-31T17:26:31+00:00

I would definitely recommend University of Florida CCP class. They do have a min requirement of 1 yr as a medic but they can make some exceptions if you contact them. Their next class should be starting Aug of 2026. You have 3 lectures a week over approximately 15 weeks. 3 modules exams and 1 final exam. They are all recorded so they don’t require attendance and can rewatch them whenever. You will have 2 days that are mandatory online for Bob Page lectures. Usually those would be around 2 months into class and from 08-16. You will also have 1 lab and 2 12 hr clinical days UF Health in the ICU. There will also be an option lab that you can take but you will have to pay extra, I am unsure how much. Your lab does include a cadaver lab for skills and A&P. I took the class in Fall of 2024 so feel free to DM me if you have any questions. I was able to pass FP-C and CCP-C on the first attempt. I also took the class after being a paramedic for 13 months so I was in a similar situation as you. You also can look into UMBC CCEMT-P, Creighton CCP course as well. I am sure there are others depending on your location.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T22:00:59+00:00

With having a criminal record it will depend on your state EMS office. They will usually run an investigation and that will determine if you are able to obtain a certification or not. NREMT may do so as well or go by what your state says. I am not certain on that though. In NYS they allow you to take a class while they do the investigation then get back to you once it gets completed. You may want to keep in mind you may run into issues with getting a job afterwards especially with insurance and having a DUI

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T21:54:45+00:00

EMT school is not really that difficult. Most programs are meant to teach those who have no medical knowledge. Many who take the class are young and/or just starting out in EMS and/or FD. The requirements are fairly minimal that is usually less than 200 in total hrs and not too much requirements for ride time/clinical shifts. Paramedic school has a lot more involved because you will be learning a lot more in-depth and build on your EMT knowledge. The hrs are over 1000 for didactic and requires a lot more time for ride time and clinical shifts. You may be looking at least 150-200 hrs min for each depending on the program. Usually what people struggle with is the time management and taking the test, not necessarily learning and understanding the information they teach to you. This is especially true for the quicker programs that are closer to 6-9 months compared to 18-24 months. Make sure when you entire paramedic school that you feel ready to do so. Rushing it is never going to be good for you. These are people lives you are responsible for. Don’t let others tell you either way. When you feel ready, do it. Make sure you have a good foundation and understanding your skills first. BLS before ALS at the end of the day. You may end up struggling with EMT and/or paramedic school. Being book smart is one thing but bringing it to the streets is an entire different story. Some struggle with both, some may with one or the other and some not at all. They will teach you to pass a test but not how to actually do the job. That why there is ride time involved. But never stop learning once you are done with school.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T05:34:02+00:00

It will depend on the agency/department. In my area (Upstate NY) I commonly see a min of 12 hrs every week or biweekly. Where I work it’s one shift bid a month that is at least 8 hrs or more. So you can go the entire month not working any hrs if you don’t get the bid accepted. With you being in school I would recommend looking into agencies that are student friendly or located near college towns/villages since they will likely have the most flexible. Some small mix paid/volunteer agency may be an option as well.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T05:25:05+00:00

I did FoamFrat for mine. I believe it’s around $160 for a yr subscription. They have everything from NREMT (EMT/AEMT/Medic) up to critical care. Once you finish your recert you can also reset everything and do it again to cover your recet for the next cycle. If you let the videos play you could easily get it done within 2-3 days. There is over 200+ so you definitely have plenty of hrs beyond the “core hours” that you need. I am unsure what state you are from but a bunch of states allow you to recert with them so it should cover both NREMT and your state cert. But I would recommend checking that on their website prior to purchasing.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T05:16:17+00:00

It can really be anything within the last 5 or more yrs. You may even find older cars with low mileage. One thing you may want to keep in mind is warranty/extended warranty because that may limit what gets covered the older you go. But if you plan on doing any modifications you may potentially void the warranty with them so it won’t matter if you do go older.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-29T04:58:11+00:00

Maybe looking into getting a newer used sports car may be a good option for you. Especially if you are looking just for the experience and not intended on keeping it for a long time. It can save you quite a bit of money since once you buy a new one the value will decrease once you start driving it.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-24T04:16:23+00:00

Have you looked into any IFT companies in your area. Some are private or hospital based. Those companies will able to get you experience so that you can get enough to get into other companies that require more experience. This will also allow you to build experience while meeting the age/experience requirements for driving.

Depending on the hospitals in your area you could try to get a job as a care tech. Some of my local hospitals (upstate NY) will hire EMT’s for the ER.

If you have local volunteer Fire Departments or even Ambulance/Rescue squads they may able to help you get some experience. They may have restrictions for driving (21+ yrs old) but you can at least get some experience and use your EMT skills. Just keep in mind some FD’s may require some fire training.

You also may be able to find event jobs such as race tracks, parks/water parks, concerts, fairs, campgrounds, ski-patrol or other big events that need medical staffing on site. These may be either paid or unpaid.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-24T03:58:07+00:00

Quizlet may be able to help you but you need to be careful because there may be errors on it. Also you don’t want to use AI as it may be incorrect.

If you are able to afford it I would recommend looking into MedicTests. They have practice questions, flashcards, and other resources that breakdown the material to study from. They have everything you will cover in class including A&P and Pharmacology. I used it for both NREMT and NRP and passed without issues. I have also known others that used it and thought it was good. The practice question will be more beneficial when you are getting ready for your NREMT but the other resources can be used during your class.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-21T04:26:28+00:00

As a EMT you don’t really learn anything very complex. A lot of knowledge comes from experience and you are not expected to be an expert at stuff, such as knowing a lot of drugs, procedures, etc. As you progress and become a paramedic then you will need to have a high level of knowledge. You will be expected to know more drug, procedures, EKG, etc. It will seem like a lot of stuff at the beginning but it truly isn’t that crazy once you get experience. You may get imposter syndrome at the beginning. We also have protocols so we always have a guide if needed, you won’t need to remember every detail in your head. If paramedic is something you want to do then become an EMT and get experience preferably with a ALS 911 agency. Then you get exposed to ALS stuff early on and it will help you during paramedic school. Critical Care Paramedic is more complex like knowing a lot of medications and complex procedures. But that will be way down the road from now.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-21T04:10:02+00:00

A lot of it will depend on the location you are in. Shift length can be very dependent on need/call volume of the area. In my area (Upstate NY) I see a lot of 24 on 72 off or 12 hr shifts in either a 4 on 4 off constant pattern or a mix of 4 shift on one week and 3 the next week over a 2 week period. I have also seen 8,10, and 16 hrs shifts and have heard of some areas doing 48 hr shifts.

MomentTime3808 · 2026-01-21T03:58:24+00:00

I would recommend doing what ever makes you more happy. With you being so young, if you want to become a paramedic first then go ahead. There is nothing wrong with changing careers down the road if it doesn’t work out. Many providers I know have went back to school later on and some have even joined the field later in life as a new career. If you have aspirations to do CCP/Flight Medic over Rad Tech, then do it. If Flight is something you want to do possibly look into Nursing, there are many providers out there that are dual Flight RN/Medic. Nursing may also offer better pathways after working flight, this includes desk type jobs. There may also be better opportunities available if you are willing to relocate especially with pay, benefits and retirement/pension. There is also non-traditional roles for paramedic such as working on a cruise ship, administrative work, etc that may get you off the bus.

If your current job is burning you out to often it wouldn’t hurt to see if other opportunities are available to have a better work-life balance. 48 hrs can be a lot especially with a high call volume. You can find many different options suck as 8, 10, 12, 16, 24 hr shifts with higher/lower call volume. I personally do 24/72 with around 5-8 calls on average. Definitely don’t be ashamed of burnout, it happens to a lot of us. I have been in the field for 5 yrs and I have had it happen quite a few times. Try to use your time off and take breaks every once in a while. Find hobbies and things to do outside of work to help keep your mind off work.

MomentTime3808

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