Job Story: Proud of my profession....paramedic

[Patrick H. Mason EMT-B W4PHM@ARRL.NET]

I am an Engineer but my avocation has been in emergency medical services (EMS)<br />
<br />
I wish to comment on the "Paramedic" post on "Proud of My Profession". I am once again going to enter into advanced life support now that my child is grown. I met Dr. R. Adams Cowley (RA to those that were his friends) and I found him to be the most amazing man I have ever met next to my own father who is a physician. I have his book, a copy of a movie "Shock Trauma" which is rare and about how he brought modern trauma care about and they are some of my most prized possessions. To anyone who reads about being a paramedic.... read about Dr. Cowley too, without his unending support we could not do half of what we do in the field that now are considered to be basic care.<br />
<br />
Patrick H. Mason EMT-B

Blimey! Your article is too bloody long, mate. Try and simplify it for the common man. Hopefully, by the time I come back, you will have removed 95% of the rubbish. Cheers!!

[rob deathgrowl@aol.com]

I'm a paramedic in Va. beach, va. MY career in ems is 7 yrs. and 4 months. and counting. I spent most of my time volunteering ( NO PAY) as an EMT, gradually upgrading to ShockTrauma tech, and now Paramedic (NREMT-P). The closest I want to get to fire is cooking on the grill!. So firefighting is not my deal. The " hit" on AMR ( american Medical Response) was great, I loved that...! ha ha, They truly undermine all we ( the ems people) truly care about, and that IS people! Why? many of us don't know its an internal drive guiding our hearts and minds to a greater knowledge of emergency medicine and helping others who may call upon us in an emergency.
<br />
<br />
Currently I spend my days at my " paying job " as a nationally registered Radiologic Technologist ( x-ray tech) at a local E.D. where , where over time I have also earned respect as a medic with the nurses and doctors. Oftentimes by calculating a dopamine drip in my head BEFORE the 2 nurses ( e.d. residents,too) with calculators can. We are the underdog, and usually have more people skills than ANY nurse, as well as advanced skill. I love being a paramedic, It truly makes me happy. The article was great, however in your groups of EMS, you forgot the volunteers, the MANY countless thousands,possibly more,who everyday do this job not because of a paycheck but because they care, and believe me it is a true, honest, caring.Many of us are EMT's/Paramedics and everything in between. Caring for the sick and injured is what we do. And , I feel the " common fire unions " that HATE volunteers because we " are taking away a job from a fellow firefighter who pays union dues" --<translation= more firefighters working = more union dues paid by firefighters = MORE money to the firefighter union. And the international firefighter union is " AFL-CIO" which, if you know your history, has been corrupt since it's inception in the early 1920's with " Boss Tweed " and such. So where did they bury Hoffa anyway??. A common remark with paid vs. volunteer EMS is that the level of care is somehow different. Although we ALL ( firefighters/EMTs/MEDICS) go through the same standards for national testing.
<br />
The fire unions like to state that " There are no repurcussions for mistakes when there are volunteers, like witholding a paycheck" from paid personnel. Well for the RECORD, we dont need a paycheck,or the threat of losing a paycheck to care whether you or a loved one lives or dies, we ride on a stronger sense of humanity! The pride and heart to care, and take care of our fellow man, woman, and child. But, paid/volunteer, we are ALL held to the same legal guidlines! We are all in this together.My organization was the 1st volunteer EMS in the nation, starting in 1952. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Rescue 14, and are strong to this day, so much so that ,many dignitaries ( Japan..) have come to check our organization and how we pull it together. My sister is a paid firefighter/union member AND a volunteer medic, why????, because she truly cares, and she was a volunteer FIRST!! so, interested in the station that broke ground for volunteer EMS , credited as the first in the nation, circa 1952. Go to " Rescue14.com".
<br />
And lastly, respect to our brothers who paid the ultimate price in sept. 11, I'm proud to say our FEMA technical rescue team, as well as many others ( both volunteer and paid ) answered the call. And traveled to Washington/New York to be a Team Player, The United States EMS system. ORIGINATED,NEVER DUPLICATED. Come on America, get out there, sign up vounteer, become a firefighter. THE COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!
<br />
--Rob

[rob deathgrowl@aol.com]

I'm a paramedic in Va. beach, va. MY career in ems is 7 yrs. and 4 months. and counting. I spent most of my time volunteering ( NO PAY) as an EMT, gradually upgrading to ShockTrauma tech, and now Paramedic (NREMT-P). The closest I want to get to fire is cooking on the grill!. So firefighting is not my deal. The " hit" on AMR ( american Medical Response) was great, I loved that...! ha ha, They truly undermine all we ( the ems people) truly care about, and that IS people! Why? many of us don't know its an internal drive guiding our hearts and minds to a greater knowledge of emergency medicine and helping others who may call upon us in an emergency.
<br />
<br />
Currently I spend my days at my " paying job " as a nationally registered Radiologic Technologist ( x-ray tech) at a local E.D. where , where over time I have also earned respect as a medic with the nurses and doctors. Oftentimes by calculating a dopamine drip in my head BEFORE the 2 nurses ( e.d. residents,too) with calculators can. We are the underdog, and usually have more people skills than ANY nurse, as well as advanced skill. I love being a paramedic, It truly makes me happy. The article was great, however in your groups of EMS, you forgot the volunteers, the MANY countless thousands,possibly more,who everyday do this job not because of a paycheck but because they care, and believe me it is a true, honest, caring.Many of us are EMT's/Paramedics and everything in between. Caring for the sick and injured is what we do. And , I feel the " common fire unions " that HATE volunteers because we " are taking away a job from a fellow firefighter who pays union dues" (translation= more firefighters working = more union dues paid by firefighters = MORE money to the firefighter union. And the international firefighter union is " AFL-CIO" which, if you know your history, has been corrupt since it's inception in the early 1920's with " Boss Tweed " and such. So where did they bury Hoffa anyway??. A common remark with paid vs. volunteer EMS is that the level of care is somehow different. Although we ALL ( firefighters/EMTs/MEDICS) go through the same standards for national testing.
<br />
The fire unions like to state that " There are no repurcussions for mistakes when there are volunteers, like witholding a paycheck" from paid personnel. Well for the RECORD, we dont need a paycheck,or the threat of losing a paycheck to care whether you or a loved one lives or dies, we ride on a stronger sense of humanity! The pride and heart to care, and take care of our fellow man, woman, and child. But, paid/volunteer, we are ALL held to the same legal guidlines! We are all in this together.My organization was the 1st volunteer EMS in the nation, starting in 1952. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, Rescue 14, and are strong to this day, so much so that ,many dignitaries ( Japan..) have come to check our organization and how we pull it together. My sister is a paid firefighter/union member AND a volunteer medic, why????, because she truly cares, and she was a volunteer FIRST!! so, interested in the station that broke ground for volunteer EMS , credited as the first in the nation, circa 1952. Go to " Rescue14.com".
<br />
And lastly, respect to our brothers who paid the ultimate price in sept. 11, I'm proud to say our FEMA technical rescue team, as well as many others ( both volunteer and paid ) answered the call. And traveled to Washington/New York to be a Team Player, The United States EMS system. ORIGINATED,NEVER DUPLICATED. Come on America, get out there, sign up vounteer, become a firefighter. THE COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!
<br />
--Rob

[Kerri kbkerri@aol.com]

Currently I am a college student majoring in Kinesiology. I graduate in May 2003. I have been an EMT for 5 months. I have been interested in Emergency Care since freshman year of high school. After reading this...though very long, it put the icing on the cake, I definitely want to be a medic. I am moving to VA in a year to become a paramedic. Email me to chat. My ultimate goal is to get great exp in medic, maybe be a PHRN, and an instructor. I definitely want to teach. I am originally from Jamaica, lived in PA for about 9 years. Moving to Appalachia in a year. Email me for more.

[Jerry S. Johnson jerrystephen@yahoo.com]

Sorry I disagree with you. I have been a paramedic for 13 years and altoungh I have had some good experiences the majority of them were bad, the EMS culture has change to a lesser degree than it was when I began. It is a totlly thankless job and most of the people I see in the system are mis-fits. Don't get me wrong I know there are some very good professionals in the system, but I have seen some of the worse personalities in EMS. They also seem to rise to the top making life HELL for the street medic.I guess they have to be some where in the world, I just wish it was some where else. Do you know the difference between God and a paramedic? God does not think he's a paramedic.

[DB]

Been a paramedic for close to 16 years. Seen every other medical profession advance, not so for EMS. Probally why so many good medics are going into other careers - like nursing! The pay is bad, the schedules for the most part suck, the people entering the ems field are often nothing short of losers. They get a little knowledge and think they are doctors. Take a close look at your local ems department - if you are lucky then the service in your area is one of the few good ones left. If not, better call a taxi - it is cheaper and the care given probally is about the same.

[MIKE]

EMS has a long way to go in order to become the profession it tries to be. Much more formal education is needed. Also in the year 2002, why do so many still rely on the hopes that when they are dying that a rescue squad is even going to show up at all. It is a gamble that america should not have to endure.

[Help Out Brian helpoutbrian@yahoo.com]

I'm Brian and I am an EMT in Los Angeles. I am trying to go to paramedic school, but before I can go to school, I'll need some help. I have created a website called Help Out Brian (http://www.helpoutbrian.com) that explains everything. Please visit my site to see how you can help! Thanks in advance!<br />
Brian

[Bob]

Jerry Johnson: sounds like you are the one with personality problems. Maybe you don't get along with anyone because you are such an a-hole to begin with.

[Bob]

Jerry Johnson: sounds like you are the one with personality problems. Maybe you don't get along with anyone because you are such an a-hole to begin with.

[Kim]

I am currently in the military stationed overseas and I have been standing EMT duty for the last year and a half. Until about a year ago I was sure I was heading down the Occupational Therapy route. What was I thinking. I love Emergency Medicine and plan to move on to paramedic when I get out of the military in 2 years. I liked this man's story (long or not) and think it would probably be a better profession if more people who worked in it had attitudes like his.

[James Syrus]

An interesting read about your life and experiences as a paramedic.<br />
<br />
While you are obviously quite happy with yourself and profession, I cannot help but look past your words and attempt to obtain some insight into your life and "why" you are so infatuated with yourself and your profession.<br />
<br />
I noted that you mentioned that you were the "geek" in high school with little in the way of personal relationships. It apparent that the paramedic profession obviously provides you with some manner of self fulfillment that you so desperately craved in your life.<br />
<br />
I also took exception with your slamming of the nursing profession in general (me doth thinks the lady protests too much). I have been a Registered Nurse for more than 20 years and have worked in both critical care and ER enviornments. I can guarantee you that the vast number of nurses are not "jealous" of paramedics as you contend. If anything, most nurses consider private company paramedics as low paid, no future positions. That is why the vast number of paramedics in the private sector last about 2 years before they move on to some other profession. Lets face it, the only "carrer" paramedics are the ones who work on the fire department.<br />
<br />
Finally, you mentioned that nurse (sometimes) make more than paramedics. As an RN, I earned more than $105,000 in 2002. I have a sneaking suspicion that "most" paramedics would be jealous of nurses..... not the other way around.

[Jon]

I would like to comment on Mr. Syrus'comments on paramedics. First off, I'll agree with comments about private services. However I will not agree with the comment on fire departments. I happen to work for one of the most advenced services in the country and we are not fire based, but municipal 3rd service. So, the only career is not in the fire service. I can guess the reason why the gentleman who made this site is infatuated with himself and I'm speaking from my own experience; but when was the last time you intubated someone trapped in a vehicle upside down in the rain in an embankment. Oh in the ED...NEVER, so mind your foley's and diets and leave alone what you will never understand. Don't try to impress us with I made 105,000 dollars last year..woopie-doo, your still a nurse no more/no less. Money doesn't make you better then anyone else.

[David]

I had to chuckle to myself when i read Jon's remark of the post from James Syrus. Now this clown sounds like somebody with a jealous bone to chew. I have dated a couple of nurses and somehow feel that the average nurse is a bit higher on the food chain than a paramedic.<br />
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First of all, nurses have a college degree. Even the "associate degree" nurses have a minimum of three years of college. I do not believe that there is any college requirement for a paramedic. Secondly, I know sevearal nurses who work for themselves. I cant imagine many paramedics being able to do this.<br />
<br />
Nurses are in such high demand that they can pick up and move anywhere in the country and have a good paying job as soon as they blow into town. I doube that is the case with paramedics. Finally, I have to laugh at Jon's pathetic remark that poor old James is "still a nurse, no more/no less. Talk about an arrogant SOB. Jon, YOUR obvious "jealousy" really shows through. And finally, the $105,000 bucks? Sounds good to me!!! I would take it if my skills and knowledge allowed me to make it. I think Jon would too if he were only capable of doing so

[David]

Hey Jon, just curious. What paramedic service do you work for and can you post a link to the web site that shows the paramedic salary range. It would be kind of fun to see how much MORE the other guy makes than you. not that it makes him any better than you, I just wondered how much better he is LIVING than you..

[Rosie rosiewhe@hotmail.com]

Hey im was just lookin through the web to find out a honest opinion of paramedicine. im irish and thinking of either doing nursing or becoming a paramedic but why is there such a rift between nurses and paramedics it actually quite stupid. your site is very good as is most of your comment but sorry you kind of come across as been bitter rather than proud of your job! all those comments about nurses really are childish!

[Nursing Student]

I'm not aware of any tension between nurses & paramedics. I've always respected/admired people of both professions. <br />
<br />
By the way, nursing is also a very demanding job & requires rigorous schooling & a broad knowledge/skill base. I resent the way you called one of the responders "just a nurse". It's a very dignified/honorable profession, and most of the nurses I've met work VERY hard, do fantastic jobs & really make a difference in another human being's life on a regular basis (as do most paramedics).

[Making-a-Living-not-a-Dying]

I know in American culture how much one makes, and thereby how much material goods one can consume, is the summom bonum of a job. However, for those not hypnotised by consumerism, one's love and passion for what they do plays a significant role in how good one's job is. Regarding the nurse who makes $105k, if you also love what you do, that's quite enviable. However, if you're like my neighbor who is a nurse and makes thereabouts and is so consumed with a job she hates just to buy goods that she can never use *because she's always preoccupied doing something she hates (her job), then that only deserves pity. Personally, I chucked the high-stress, high-paying job to do something I enjoy. I also have more time off to do things like ride my bicycle and fly my hang glider during the day when everyone else is slaving away. It sure beats working hard to buy a $40k SUV for the sole purpose of carrying coffee and commuting (boring!). You'd be surprised. When you discard using money for the ego-gratification of impressing others, you don't need that much.

[Sure buddy,]

<<When you discard using money for the ego-gratification of impressing others, you don't need that much.>><br />
<br />
Wasnt that what the grass hopper said to the hard working ant? Bet you will wish that you hadnt had such a "kick back" attitude when you are 60 years old, looking forward to your social security check each month and wondering how you are going to pay for your medications, let alone, your food.<br />
<br />
Get a job. Make the 105K. I gaurantee, your nurse friend is not ALL that miserable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

[Neil]

Chiming in the EMT/P v RN thing, but had to comment on this first<br />
<br />
"Its also, as a friend of mine said about answering a “Call to duty”. I think everyone has that need to be part of something greater than them, something that means something beyond computer code, financial reports, or what ever. For some it's a “call to arms” (the military) for others it's a “call to teach”, some answer the need by doing charity work, coaching football, being a “big brother”. For me it was a “Call for help”. I like the fact that when other people are in a time of crisis, when it's something that they cant handle, its me they call for help. They are crying, afraid, upset, sometimes drunk, abusive, or what ever, but its still me that comes in and “puts order to chaos” and tries to do some good. Does it always work? Heck no, but it sure feels good when it does!"<br />
<br />
Well said, it's the essence of why I started in the field. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Whenever medics cry to me about RN's snubbing them, I say do something about it. Refine your skills, take extra training. Make it clear that you're not just there to drive fast and play with the sirens. A lot of that crap ends when it's you doing the skills training for a group of M.D.'s and RN's in the ACLS refresher. <br />
<br />
I wish there were more of a future in it outside the FD. The most common step up (as mentioned) is to go on to an RN program. Anyone who's done both EMTP and RN has my respect.

[Making-a-Living-not-a-Dying]

If you want to be the worker-ant and sacrifice the present, the only thing there ever is and ever will be that's real, for some event when you're 60+ (provided [1] you live that long [2] aren't too frail to enjoy anything because you've spent your body working so hard or [3] don't die within a few years out of having no meaningful activity, which happens to many), then more power to you. Personally, I never intend to retire. I work hard enough to support myself and pride myself on being self-sufficient. If I were to ever reach the point that I couldn't earn my daily bread, I will check out. That seems like too low of quality of a life for me to entertain. What matters to me is to have an enjoyable and meaningful life between the birthdays not just having the most birthdays.

[Unregistered]

To Whom it May Concern,

I am an RN in a busy ED. I am not in anyway jealous of your position. I believe that all of you EMS professionals should unionize and speak about your profession. I do not believe that in the two facilities that I work in that there is any discord between EMS and ED Nurses.

Our Paramedics and EMT'S stay and do compression, "line and lab" patients, and in doing that they expediate care for the patient. Which in wonderful for everyone involved. I believe that you should take a good look in the mirror and realize that your accusations about Nursing is not professional or the least bit objective. It is though an opionin.

[Unregistered]

The amount of education or the rate of ones pay does not dictate the level of skill or competence. We all need to get along to further our profession. EMT's, Paramedics, Fire Fighters, etc...

What makes a good paramedic is ones ability to care for their patients.

[Unregistered]

The amount of education or the rate of ones pay does not dictate the level of skill or competence*****


Of course one's education level and rate of pay are indications of one's level of skill and competence. What planet are YOU living on????

[Unregistered]

Iam an acunt in a compeny .I want job in doube. do you help me

[Rufus]

Reading all these little assaultive remarks reminds me why I got the hell out of the allied health field. I was an EMT, a Paramedic, and a Licensed Psychiatric Technician (nursing license comparable to an LVN or LPN but geared to psych).

In the health field there is a tremendous pecking order of rank, power, prestige, pay and status that a lot of people invest in. If you are an LPN be prepared to have RNs whisper Lets Play Nurse behind your back. If you are a paramedic, you are sometimes treated as a glorified gurney pusher.

It certainly works both ways. Many a paramedic stupidly thinks of himself or herself as more or less a doctor. Many LPNs think they are the real nurses while RNs are paper pushers.

In few other fields have I seen more of an investment in badges of self-announced rank and training, literally worn all over the uniform, plastered on the walls or even on the cars bumpers.

[Rufus]

Doctors usually refrain from that rank struggle. They indisputedly have the upper hand over everyone in that respect and often rage about arrogantly that they are the ones whose asses are certifiably kissable 24/7. And they are right. About asskissing. Not always about patient decisions.

Pity the poor allied health wage earner who has to openly buck a doctor's authority because its the right thing to do. Some will pat them on the back, but the pink slip will be prepared and saved for the first opportunity of a certified mistake being caught by the blacklisted know-it-all, except for those of rarest talent who can constantly dazzle and pretty much avoid mistakes.

Nor does it help that the middle management nursing staff who does the hiring and firing got to their stations in life by being asskissers supreme and cover-ups for the worst that instituions serve up in the way of healthcare.

Of course, in all the health fields you have the opportunity to do good things for people. If you persevere against the institutional interests that seek mainly profit and status, you will get things done for people who had little hope of being as well served by the majority of your colleagues. So you can really carve out a noble mission for yourself in that way.

Just keep an alternate career path on the sidelines, unless you want to finally fold and become another scandal-hiding institutional drone yourself.

In short, alied health is OK for a while. But don't expect it to be as good to you as you have been to your patients.

[Unregistered]

from robin in ottawa canada ,keep the pride,remember the bad calls and never forget you were the f.n.g. not long ago.10-19.

[Karbear]

I am proud of what I do, like anyone and everyone who works with people should be. I do agree that some things need to change, but it isn't going to happen by ripping on eachother here. EMS has came a long ways in a short time. I feel that this is why we are having such a hard time getting the credit (wages and ect) like we should. When I got into EMS it wasn't for the money, it was knowing that people get sick and hurt everyday. Sometimes they can't get to the hospital and they need help. I am proud that I can help them in there time of need.
I will admit I did get caught up in the money thing and the nursing thing about the wages and lack of respect, or what ever you would like to call it. I got caught up in all of that I had forgotten the real reason why I do this job. It is in my heart to be in EMS, my heart is to be a paramedic.
Now I haven't been in the line of work for thousands of years like some have. However I have been in it long enough to see a lot of stuff. Some of the best health care providers are not the SMARTEST ones, who think they know it all. The best health care providers, and I mean all health care providers not just RN's Paramedic's Doc's EMT's or even CNA's, are the ones who will remember that each patient or resident is a person. And treats that person with care from the heart.
All of this bickering between RN's and Paramedic's it needs to stop, but the fact is it won't. There will all ways be a conflict, the thing that we can change is the RESPECT for what the other one does. I was helping out in a ER when we had a patient/person take a turn for the worse, unexpectly. The family was in the room. They was in the room for the whole thing. Seen EVERYTHING! The person we were taking care of, heart had stopped. My friend, the ER RN and I, as well as others (EMT's & nurses) gotten the heart beating again just as the Doc got in there. The point is together WE saved a life together, as a team. And when RN's and Paramedic's work together as a team, not as to who makes more money then the other. Good things happen. If each one of us thinks long and hard why we got into health care in the first place, it was about helping people. It is sad to see the people who have lost that. They don't have it in the heart anymore, and it is ones like that who cause trouble for the rest of us who still do this job, wheter it is a Paramedic or an RN, from the heart. I do this job cuz I love it.

[Unregistered]

[ I do this job cuz I love it. [/B][/QUOTE]
Rock on !!! Believe it or not..I love being a ED RN too!

[Karbear]

I am glad to hear that you are also proud to be and ED RN! And I am proud to hear that you are! I think we all need to be Proud of what we do!

[Unregistered]

Hey, Karbear... well said

[Unregistered]

Thanks so much. It was so nice to find your site and read that someone else feels the same way that I do. I love being a medic. I have been is EMS since 1993 and love it! I work in Vegas and cant wait to get to my shift each day I work. Ryan NREMT-P

[Unregistered]

Pay scale and years of schooling do not necessarily equate with competent, compassionate patient care. I've worked with people with master's degrees that had an appalling lack of basic knowledge and common sense. One professional I worked with thought a patient meant he was dying when he said he had to defecate. Education is great and that comes in many forms; some people are book smart with very poor practical application.

I am not a paramedic or a nurse and have great respect for both professions. I must say though I have new found respect for paramedics after requiring their services myself recently for the first time in my life. They were fantastic and knew exactly what to do and I really did feel that my life was in their very capable hands. I felt the ER doc was pleased with their work too and knew and respected the guys that brought me in.

Please don't underestimate or disrespect these guys; they wouldn't stay in the job for long if they didn't know what they were doing. They work hard for not a whole lot of money and yes, I think it is a calling.

Grateful former patient - Nevada

[Unregistered]

I know this thread is over 2 years old but I had to reply. First I am a 911 paramedic and an ICU nurse in a very busy city/market. To respond to the very original post regarding jealousy and looking down by other professions, I just don't buy it. If you went through all the trouble of wanting to be a paramedic that's great be happy. Likewise most nurses and MD's are just fine with their jobs as well. Any unhappy nurses out there? You bet. Now show me the profession that doesn't have any unhappy members.
We as paramedics love to compare ourselves to doctors and it's just not true. We don't even come close. As a paramedic educator I try to teach my students some humility: sometimes we ARE just ambulance drivers. Its ok. You CAN be an ambulance driver and a good person. I swear. I really don't care about all the awesome skills paramedics have if they come bundled with arrogance. And this infatuation/hubris of stating that we as paramedics save lives: When the Big Man says its time to go...baby, its time to go. I am ok with telling people I am just here to help you get to definitive care.
By the way, I have worked in Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta and common courtesy will get you a lot farther than "street smarts" will there Serpico.
Comparing nurses and paramedics is just plain silly. Two different roles, two different jobs. Just look at the diversity found in each profession: paramedics working in clinics, general transfers, hospitals, etc..nurses working in hospitals, home health, pharm sales....both nurses and paramedics have a lot to offer their communities in a variety of fashions.
So please, be proud of what you do. Spread the word: we need more nurses AND paramedics, but walk the path of the humble man and you will increase the respect from others 10 fold. In any case, just plain chill out.
Good luck and God bless.

[Unregistered]

I found your comments very interesting. Especially about AMR. I live and work in the UK and a couple of years ago decided to try and start a new life in the USA following the American Dream with my two boys. I got a company (AMR) interested in me and even paid to take an NREMT course here in the UK at a USAF base so that they would recognise my qualifications. Bottom line was that I passed and became registered as an EMT-B and flew to Virginia to interview and test, only to come back home with a job offer but no sponsorship for my Green Card Visa!
I've since applied to various ambulance companies to try and get sponsorship to live and work in the US, but to no avail. I'm managing to keep my NREMT qualifications up, and through the USAF base I've managed to expand these to include my PHTLS Instructor, ACLS and PEPP. If anyone out there has any ideas of how I can progress further and get a sponsor I would be eternally grateful. All I want to do is to provide a better life for my boys by moving to the United States and to work there as a Paramedic!

[later]

both are tough jobs no doubt, however as a brand new medic i went into the field (working for a private company no less) and saw first hand the respect that both occupations have for eachother as well as the beef, put it this way, nurses have a wider skill range because there are with patients much longer but are always under constant order from a doctor on what care they provide. now paramedics do generaly make less (unless you work for the fire department in california) at any rate we dont work directly under a doctor, and are not as limited as nursres and we can adminster life saving drugs at crucial moments without getting a john hancock from some doctor. anyways I guess what i;m getting at is that both professions involve a cetain type of person. and that nurses need to get of there high horse and paramedics need to stop thinking they play god in a jeep

[Pamulars]

Your article was just what I needed!!! I am currently in nursing school, but not doing very well. I fell behind because of family problems early on. Anyways, Paramedic was my second option, but I was feeling a little low about it. Like you said, some nurses look down upon paramedics. Thank you for this article!!! It makes me feel proud to begin Paramedics school!!!

[James Syrus]

I dont know why I even dropped by this board again other than the fact it was just "there" when I was surfing.

At the time (2004), I took exception to the original poster slamming nurses in general and pontificating on how wonderful he was because he was a paramedic.

Chances are this loser no longer even works in the field as it really is (unfortunately for the paramedics in the private sector) a dead end job.

Nursing is really the only way to go outside of being a doc. I cannot believe what hospital nurses are making now. I think that the profession waited until I left to start my own business before they started raising the salary level.

In any event, starting your own business as a nurse will pay you the greatest reward from both a personal and financial aspect. Currently, as an RN, I now earn more than most surgeons in this country. I doubt that any paramedic can claim the same.

Go into nursing and use your imagination. the sky is the limit to what you can do and earn.

[Dave]

No one is God. No one in the chain is "more important" than the rest. The purpose of the emergency medical field is to improve the quality of life for those who need it most. Paramedics and EMTs move those people into the hands that may ulimately heal them. Take out the Nurses and Doctors, and the patient has nowhere to go. Take out the Medics, and the patient has no way to get there. You are all as adults acting childish and stupid. The original post was one persons opinion relating to their job. Opinion being the key word. It's their point of view. And while bashing them for having a point of view, you spew venom while impressing upon everyone else YOUR point of view. This is absolutely ridiculous. The purpose of this site is to encourage people to do as they wish with their lives. Make them happy. Do what they can to contribute to society. All you've done with your diatribe and negativity is probably make many people rethink their passions for a career that is noble and neccessary. Please do a kind turn for everyone else who may ever read this and keep your hate to yourself. Only then have you become better than someone else, when you can act with respect and dignity, and be only held accountable for the best of intentions.

I say, regardless of pay, respect, rank, promotability, or whatever, PLEASE, if you feel the need to be a Paramedic, do it. Do not let those who are unhappy with whatever aspects derail your efforts to better yourself and your community.

Dave.

[paramedic in missouri]

Why is there so much hateful banter between the paramedic side and the nursing side on this board?

Sure, nurses might earn a little more money. That's cool. Whatever. They also have a pretty hard row to hoe most of the time, too. I've been a paramedic for 12 years and I've not had a single day yet where I truly did NOT want to go to work. I like my job, the people I work with are fine, no hassles most days, we have a nice department with a lounge, bunkrooms, television and a Nintendo Wii (thanks Doc!) for our spare time. Who can complain?

Our ACLS, PALS, all of it is paid for by our department.

Our retirement is a pension and we don't pay out of pocket for it. I know, market-based retirements can be more profitable, but given the recent economic woes of Enron and the like, I'm really glad to have a pension.

We don't pay out of pocket for our medical insurance either. Our district pays for it.

I like the work of being a paramedic. Yeah, sometimes it bites, sometimes I feel horrified, and a few times I've felt truly sad the next day because of the terrible ways people sometimes find death, but hey that's life. Overall, I feel great about my career and my life.

I also went to nursing school. I have an ADN that I don't use. I went to school, got the ADN and just never used it before i got deployed, and now I don't think I'll use it still. I like being a paramedic.

Our community treats us well. I feel respected and genuinely liked when I wear my uniform in town.

Nurses- they probably do make a bit more money, but I know for a fact that $105,000 is not the norm for them. Seriously, go to a hospital ER, pull an RN aside and say "hey excuse me, but do you earn in excess of $100,000 per year?" and see what he or she says.

As far as their pay, nurses are nurses and their pay is their business. I don't feel they are jealous of us any more than we are jealous of nurses.

Hey guys, I'm a paramedic, a pretty decent one at that, and I'm proud of my job and of the people I work with (rural ambulance district/3rd). Cheers!!