Pros
-The best (and only) reason to work here is to get your foot in the door and get some EMT experience so you can later move on to bigger and better things. -Pretty easy to get shifts covered and time off if you don't mind losing the money -You'll make friends
Cons
-The pay. Its pretty standard for the industry in the area, but its still not a livable wage. I cannot think of a single co-worker that didn't live with his/her parents or have a second (or third, or fourth) income -Confused company identity. The company can't decide if its Ma/Pa shop or a corporation. This means that new policies will be enacted in a casual Ma/Pa way and when the policies are not being followed the corporation side of the company will make an example of someone -Lack of transparency. I don't have a problem with this. What I do have a problem with is claiming to be transparent when you're not. Utilizing the company's "open door" policy to make an inquiry and then getting vague at best answers. -Hypocrisy. See above about lack of transparency. Additionally, they will ask you to please keep them in the loop about things. They will ask for your feedback. They will "be open" to any suggestions you have. But be very wary with sharing anything that goes changes anything...even if it is for the better -Favoritism. Royal operates mainly in 2 counties. All the supervisors work in 1 county except for 1 supervisor who is part time in the second county. This means that employees in county 1 are favored because they have more interaction with supervisors. It is up to the employees in county 2 to drive further to make themselves known when promotions come up or previously mentioned "examples" are needing to be made. -How promotions are decided. Generally, promotions go to the "yesmen". They're not looking for critically thinking additions to their team and new ideas and honesty are not usually welcome, in spite of what they claim. -Supervisors are not good resources. You are constantly told in training to call a supervisor if you're in a situation that you need help with. Don't do that. Call a veteran EMT instead. The supervisors don't know county protocols. Especially for county 2. Every supervisor will tell you to talk to the part time county supervisor for any questions regarding county. He isn't always available. And he is not currently a certified EMT (most supervisors allowed their certifications to lapse). The supervisor that goes over PCRs will "counsel" you about decisions you made and tell you things that will risk your license, is not best for your patients, and is just inaccurate. Most supervisors will tell you to do something that can risk your license if it means being able to bill for a transport and make money. Most supervisors will also say these things are "in the grey area of EMS". No. They're not. Protocol specifically states you cannot do this. Also, no, they will not have your back if something goes wrong. They will investigate the matter without telling you its even an issue, figure out how to distance themselves from you, and probably fire you. -Allocation of money. There is a pimped out ambulance with various colored lights for ambiance. There was a large investment in tablets/software/custom-built tablet stands that were a big fat failure. All of that could have gone to newer safer equipment or employee bonuses. -Unsanitary policies. You are required to cover every patient with a Royal blanket. Every ambulance is equipped with 2 blankets...which you are expected to use between patients without washing it skin flakes and all.