Pros
- Currently sole company for 911 transports in Aurora district via contract.
- Most shifts are 12hr's. Only one or two rigs left that are not, which will be changing over soon.
- Overtime is usually always available for medics and often available for emt's.
- Operational supervisors are very personable and supportive of their crews.
- CREWS GET OFF AT END OF SCHEDULED SHIFT ON TIME 95% OF THE TIME!
- Dispatch sends crews back to their station apx 30mins prior to end of shift and do their best to avoid a late call apx 15mins before that.
- Dispatchers for both Falck and Aurora Fire are polite and professional. Snarky comments or negative attitudes towards crews are non existence (to a point of course, don't give them a hard time and they shall return the respect)
- Rigs are in great condition and rarely have problems.
- Company has own maintenance shop and keep rigs in tip top shape.
- 14 min window for clocking in (7 before, 7 after)
- Company hosts numerous training classes needed for certs at their facility.
- Supplies for resupplying rigs at the end of shift always available
- Office personnel vs operations personnel mentality is positive and supportive, not secluded, cut off, arrogant or dismissive like other companies.
- Most crews in the system are enjoyable to be around and interact with
- The hospitals in the area treat crews with respect and value patient handoff reports
- Rigs get to be washed at the local carwash bays by crews with company card as needed
- Decent benefits available, can pick and choose different levels of coverage, 401k available. Be wary of Kaiser's Urgent Care.
- Newer cots, monitors and equipment, all in good shape.
- General Manager is down to earth, respectable, actively supports crews & team members, and is well rehearsed in logic.
- Shift information, calendar, company email and pay access are all in one online resource
- Employee's have access to Online CE's. (note only 10hrs of online CE's can be made for National, 15 state and 15 local/personal for NREMT re-certifications)
- Paid week long on-boarding and training days
- Monthly or bi-monthly barbecue's
- Recognition for performances
- Active social media to which crews can submit their photo's showing their pride in rigs, partners and in general enjoyment in working with the company.
Cons
- Hit and miss if new employees receive all of the company training days/ schedule before starting shifts, more so pertinent to medics.
- In general which ever crew (Falck or Fire) is on scene first will run the call, however this is completely variable from crew to crew which leads to a delicate song and dance on many calls as ultimately Fire has medical control.
- Aurora Fire Rescue schedules do not match with Falck so it can be challenging building rep with crews, let alone remembering names.
- Pay is reasonable but not competitive with other companies, although is a acceptable trade off for having 911 operations
- Falck dispatch relays off the Aurora 911 dispatch and information can get lost in the process
- For some reasons crews need to ask Falck dispatchers for apartment numbers instead of getting the information sent to the MDT's or in the radio dispatch.
- Parking at the main building is terribly limited and street parking is competitive.
