Questions about working for DCFD EMS

[doc1490]

I've seen quite a bit of negative information about DCFD EMS, both on threads here and in the national news. I have also heard, on the other hand, that the city is improving the quality of its EMS service and personnel. With all of that in mind, I'm really not sure if I want to move to DC to take the job or not. It's certainly tempting, but I had a few questions I'd like answered before I start seriously following up on the matter. I'm particularly interested in feedback from anyone currently or formerly employed by DC EMS that considers themself a medical professional (i.e. interested in advancing EMS as a profession).

Here are a few specific questions...
1) Are all paramedics required to attend FF school?
2) Are paramedics able to guarantee placement on an ALS ambulance?
3) What is the work schedule? (including OT, etc.)
4) What are the protocols/how aggressive are they?
5) How is the relationship between fire and EMS personnel?
6) How is the relationship between EMS and the receiving hospitals?
7) Does the department pay for any additional training or education beyond the basics?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[ShowMe]

1) All paramedics must go through 6 months of fire school, followed by 6 months of probation on an engine company, plus several months being precepted on a Medic Unit.

2) All paramedics are guaranteed placement on an engine company. Only legacy single-role medics work on transport units.

3) Work schedule is 24 on 72 off. OT for paramedics is whenever you want it, generally in 12h shifts, 7-7

4) Protocols are dumbed down to the minimum possible. No controlled substances: valium, narcotics.

5) The "management" bends over backwards to accommodate the firefighter/paramedics. FF/PMs don't ride on transport units, nor take details (they ride the same engine, every day); while the FF/EMTs spend almost half their time on an ambulance, and typically only spend 1/3d their time with on their regularly assigned company. There is quite a bit of resentment towards the FF/PMs

6) The hospitals think the EMS personnel are idiots.

7) No.

Starting pay for FF/PMs is $48,732, for a 42h workweek and all the OT you care to work. The department recently promoted a large number of FF/PMs with 5+ years on the job to Captain (bypassing Sergeant & Lieutenant - causing more resentment). Paramedic Captains make at least $86,823.

Retirement is 62.5% at 25y, +2.5% for each year to 80%.

The area is expensive, especially if you prefer a zipcode that hasn't had a murder in the last 6 months. However, with the schedule, you can commute from WV, PA, Central VA, Eastern MD, Western MD, etc.

[dr-exmedic]

Originally Posted by ShowMe

4) Protocols are dumbed down to the minimum possible. No controlled substances: valium, narcotics.
...
6) The hospitals think the EMS personnel are idiots.

7) No.

Hmm, wonder if there's any correlation there?

[rjstine65]

It is quite possible...

[edpmedic]

Check out the Fairfax County FRD. Much info can be found on this thread:

http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77487

56 hour workweek, firemedics make $53,887 out of the academy, plus 4800/yr in cert pay, along with 2/hr to ride the engine, and 3/hr to ride the txp unit, and night diff. All in all, around 65-66k out of the academy. The schedule is 24's, WOWOWOOOO. Protocols are decent, most everything is standing orders, and I've never had a problem getting OLMC authorization for anything. All necessary ConEd is given on duty at the training center (EMSCEP).