Midwest to LA!?!?

[Marce30]

$800 ? You must be joking. That wont get you anything.

[Adamb113]

Thanks for all the help! I think I've decided on west Los Angeles junior college just north of Westchester. Good call on the Westchester area John!

[HarryKerry]

All LA City Fire paramedics are also trained qualified firefighters. You will have to go through the same training as those whose ambitions are firefighting at LA City training facility. Then you get to be a paramedic.

Since you mentioned your experience as a lifeguard, LA County Fire oversees the LA County Lifeguards, so maybe you might have an opportunity there. LA County lifeguards are HIGHLY trained capable and the training or standards you are expected to meet aren't a walk in the park.

IF you mange to navigate LA City or County Fire, both departments have elite specialized teams for swift water rescue and operations from several airships with a variety of rescues. Your background in several areas might make you a more attractive candidate. It isn't easy for either department to find people who are up to the task of the training or have much experience. In other words, there is a lot of chaff they have to reject, so if you are really capable and smart, you could have a better chance than others.

You will not be able to just walk in laterally at either LA City or County Fire. Everyone MUST go through the academy. They will really have to "re-train" you pretty much from scratch.

[nurserosie]

Good post.

Oc fire also trains their own medics. All are firefighters first

Also. Huge difference here between emts and paramedics. Not sure if this is the case all over

Paramedics are the ones that save your lives. Emts transport

I happen to love those guys!, both hubby and I have needed them..btw. The paramedics and firefighters both respond and come to your home! I call them the boys in blue. Come roaring up in a fire truck and medic vehicle. With lights and sirens!,

If transport needed they call private ambulance. At least in oc and riverside county.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by nurserosie

If transport needed they call private ambulance. At least in oc and riverside county.

Yeah, that typically depends if where you live is serviced by a department with a private 911 contract, which many areas of Socal are, but there are also many areas with city/county dedicated RA units.

Some private ambulance companies are first rate (gerber, etc) and others are meh. The better ones are great routs onto a public rig. The bad ones - well, have fun making low wages and idling at nursing homes.

[Adamb113]

Thanks again everyone for all the help! I've officially decided and paid for an emt course in Westwood LA UClA campus! Might try finding a place in Brentwood!