Starting out in the EMT field

[maloeh]

Hello everyone,
Well, just like a lot of other people I've been laid off from my current job and have decided to make the change to the EMS field. What I'm looking for in some information regarding job prospects and training/certifications required to become an EMT-A. I've already done alot of research on it, and know where I'll be applying for training (SIAST Wascana Campus) however I'm trying to get my training costs covered through my EI benefits and the province of Sask. I'm aware that the EMT-A is a 2 step process (PCP first then EMT-A) but is there any other training I need? What about hiring prospects in SE Sask and salary ranges (all info I need to submit my application for training funding)?

I have some other questions, but I don't have everything with me right now. I'll post what other info I need later tonight.

Thanks in advance!

[Paraone]

As far as I know PCP is the same as an EMT-A. You might need your EMR in Sask. first before you apply to the EMT-A program. EI should cover your cost to the program. I know of one guy who had EI pay for his firefighting program down in Texas!!

[maloeh]

ahh...ok it's starting to make more sense now. So in Sask there are 4 levels of paramedic. PCP, ICP, ACP and CCP; All of which are paramedics just with different skill sets? In terms of job prospects is it more beneficial to have one designation over another? I don't want to focus on getting the highest level and then find I'm too expensive to get a job...lol

[northernmedic]

ICP was formerly known as EMT-A in Saskatchewan. You need to get your PCP first. In SK there is no EMR prerequisite for the PCP course.

[crenom]

it's good that the reason for job loss was "laid off" (not that any job loss is positive) since most courses are two years and you are only eligible for 2 year courses through second career if you have been laid off. i wasn't technically laid off but i'm still getting EI so i can only take one year courses which sucks but still helps a little

[FFEMT51]

sask is phasing out EMT-A (ICP) some time soon. By the time you are done your PCP and in the field. The changese might be totally done. Might be best to hold off on the ICP course for now...no point in wastin a few thousand bucks. In our next in house inservice, PCPs will be getting some scope upgrades.

[facture]

As far as I know PCP is the same as an EMT-A. You might need your EMR in Sask. first before you apply to the EMT-A program. EI should cover your cost to the program. that's my opinion,I don't know whether to help you.

[unglunk]

The ICP is a HUGE waste of time in SK now. It's only recognized in this province and nowhere else. It's not, and will not ever be, CMA accredited. If you apply to any other province for a license through labour mobility with it, they will still only recognize you as a PCP because that is the new national standard. Yes, you will have a few skills that you might need in some provinces like Alberta for example that would otherwise place restrictions on your license, but that province would give you those skills when you arrived there anyway, provided by whoever employs you.

In SK, they have slowly been giving us PCP's the ICP level skills over the past few years, and the ICP will soon be phased out. The most recent skills being the King Airways and the drug Entonox.

I guess if you can get EI to pay for both courses why not, but I certainly wouldn't spend my own money on the ICP. My current employer will pay for the ICP for an employee in exchange for 3 years of service, but when I was made this offer, I opted out of it; you don't want to be owned by an employer, especially a private one.

The biggest part of jobs in SK is that most of the 100 plus services here are private. This often means doing things outside of your job description such as cutting the grass of the operators seperate rental properties while supposedly on shift, cleaning the secretaries personal vehicle, shampooing the bosses office carpet, making 1st aid kits for his side business for his personal profit at trade fairs( using the Ambulances supplies if I may add), among many other unspeakable things, all on SK healths dime if I may add.

My suggestion is this, google SEMSA job corner for job options, contact each prospective employer looking for specifics like whether they are privately owned, district ran, unionized and FULL TIME; full time is tough to come by, and if you do find it, it's usually somewhere you don't want to work. Full time means having to give you benefits which a lot of the private fellas don't want to do, God forbid! If I was to stay here in SK, I would only work for a district ran service that was unionized.

I hate to sound negative, but these are the facts as I have seen them in the 10 years I have workied in SK. I'm currently waiting for my Alberta license to arrive.

I hope this helps.