Pros
There's flexible scheduling, where you can usually move your shifts around, and even pick up extra ones on a weekly basis. To that point, I suggest going Part-Time, as you can always pick more shifts if you need them. Weekly paychecks are a positive, but it's also designed to deny employees from acquiring too much OT. You'll also meet some partners, logistic staff, and a very short list of supervisors that are worth knowing. And as always, you'll get experience.
Cons
Where to begin.... 1) Patients are customers first (that's what you'll hear in orientation), meaning dispatchers and supervisors will try to rush you along just so they can present a bill for service, and get you going to your next call. It doesn't matter if the patient is 45+ mins away on an emergency call, just get it done is the attitude. 2) Dispatchers- by far the worst con. They sit in a AC/heated room, intermittently watching CNN on a big screen, while thinking they are gods. They don't communicate among themselves, so be prepared to have 5 different dispatchers. who may or may not have any field experience, key you up over the radio asking for your status and trying to tell you how to do your job. They'll also mark or change your status without checking with you. If you have 'NE' (new employee) next to your name, you're chum in their eyes. And don't ever think they'll let you go back to base on time. 3) Most supervisors are so dissatisfied with their lives, they take it out on you. They can be rude & disrespectful without even a cause or something minute that they exploit. Got a complaint or concern? Give it to a seemingly uncaring supervisor, who stares at their phone or computer as you're talking. 4) Ambulances and equipment are beat to the point that they can endanger the crew and/ or patient lives. What's worse is that you hardly get the bare 10 minutes necessary at the start of your tour to check your gear and bus; all the while, your name, tech card, and reputation are on the line if something goes wrong. If the DOH ever gets wind of this... 5) Pay: $10.50-11.50/hr for an EMT-B, which is less than some retailers and fast food joints. Need I say more? I could write more, but I'll leave it at that.
