21 Age limit: what to do?

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jimhalpert625

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Hey everyone,

I'm a newly minted EMT-B who will begin looking for part time work in Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano county starting in the fall. I'm currently 20 years old (turning 21 in 9 months) and I understand that many ambulances have a 21 age minimum for driving reasons. However, I've also heard they make exceptions. One of my friends was offered multiple jobs (AMR included) when he was 20.

I'm also not incompetent or unsafe, and proving this to an interviewer should be no problem. I'm a licensed helicopter pilot and have been flying helicopters since I was 17. How much will my age affect me getting a job?
 
Once you find a company that employees people under 21 (for insurance reasons) your age shouldn't be a big factor at all.
 
I think the CA ARNG has an air ambulance unit near Sacramento, you could always enlist in that unit and by the time your done with all the training you'll be 21, plus military experience always looks nice on a resume and can help set you apart and more desire able candidate when there's more candidates being interviewed than open slots
 
DesertEMT66 said:
Once you find a company that employees people under 21 (for insurance reasons) your age shouldn't be a big factor at all.
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I'm talking more about exceptions within companies that do have the age restriction (such as AMR, Medic Ambulance, etc.). Is it a matter of discretion or is it a bureaucratic minimum that cannot be breached under any circumstances?

Jim37F said:
I think the CA ARNG has an air ambulance unit near Sacramento, you could always enlist in that unit and by the time your done with all the training you'll be 21, plus military experience always looks nice on a resume and can help set you apart and more desire able candidate when there's more candidates being interviewed than open slots
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I thought about that, however it would involve an extended break from school so it's out of the question at the moment.
 
jimhalpert625 said:
I'm talking more about exceptions within companies that do have the age restriction (such as AMR, Medic Ambulance, etc.). Is it a matter of discretion or is it a bureaucratic minimum that cannot be breached under any circumstances?



I thought about that, however it would involve an extended break from school so it's out of the question at the moment.
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I'm not 100% sure with what your asking but I'm going to give an answer from what I think you are answering.

Companies use different auto insurance. Auto insurance that covers people under 21 cost more. The bigger companies (ie AMR) are able to pay more for insurance so they can get a policy that covers <21. Other companies either don't want to or can't afford the more expensive insurance to cover people <21.

If you are not covered under insurance you can not legally drive the ambulance (same as a POV. You need to have a license, registration, and proof of insurance).
 
DesertEMT66 said:
I'm not 100% sure with what your asking but I'm going to give an answer from what I think you are answering.

Companies use different auto insurance. Auto insurance that covers people under 21 cost more. The bigger companies (ie AMR) are able to pay more for insurance so they can get a policy that covers <21. Other companies either don't want to or can't afford the more expensive insurance to cover people <21.

If you are not covered under insurance you can not legally drive the ambulance (same as a POV. You need to have a license, registration, and proof of insurance).
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Yes, that's what I was wondering. Thanks
 
Hello there!
Today is my b-day and i am just turning 21! Please believe me when I say "I totally understand your pain"

When it comes to the age restriction? It's not more of a based preference on their behalf.

When it comes down to it? It's more so a requirement from their insurance company for an employee to be over 21. If you're not 21 in that case, it's more so because they would not be able to cover/insure you.

You can be the most qualified person for the position in the world. But if they cant insure you they can't hire you.


I actually just moved out to sacramento! I would try looking into norcal ambulance. Sacramento does have too many ems companies out here. I highly recommend looking for something more closer around SF/Oakland/San Jose.

You'll have way more options :)
 
Speaking of "Sacto", didn't AMR lose the 911 contract recently?
 
mycrofft said:
Speaking of "Sacto", didn't AMR lose the 911 contract recently?
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They just hired for part time positions not to long ago, however I'm not sure if they lost the 911 contract.
 
Going through the same problem too. I just finished EMT-B school. I am only 19, won't be 21 till next September, seems so far away haha.

I live in Solano County and was really interested with applying to Medic Ambulance, but they require you to be 21, and a few other bay area companies require you to be 21, so when looking for jobs I am pretty limited for the next year or so.

Some of the larger companies do not require you to be 21 like DesertEMT66 stated. I think Paramedics Plus in in Alameda Co doesn't require you to be.
I live in Fairfield, not to far from Contra Costa, and I think I heard that Rural Metro has the contract now for Contra Costa county, so I am looking to apply there too.

Anyways, good luck! If you find anything good let me know! If not, its only 9 months away!
 
Pappaly said:
Going through the same problem too. I just finished EMT-B school. I am only 19, won't be 21 till next September, seems so far away haha.

I live in Solano County and was really interested with applying to Medic Ambulance, but they require you to be 21, and a few other bay area companies require you to be 21, so when looking for jobs I am pretty limited for the next year or so.

Some of the larger companies do not require you to be 21 like DesertEMT66 stated. I think Paramedics Plus in in Alameda Co doesn't require you to be.
I live in Fairfield, not to far from Contra Costa, and I think I heard that Rural Metro has the contract now for Contra Costa county, so I am looking to apply there too.

Anyways, good luck! If you find anything good let me know! If not, its only 9 months away!
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From my understating, Rural/Metro has extended their IFT operations into Contra Costa county, but I do believe AMR still holds the county 911 contract. Perhaps Aprz who is more knowledgable about Bay Area operations can confirm or deny this.
 
CodeBru1984 said:
From my understating, Rural/Metro has extended their IFT operations into Contra Costa county, but I do believe AMR still holds the county 911 contract. Perhaps Aprz who is more knowledgable about Bay Area operations can confirm or deny this.
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You may be right. Someone from Rural/Metro talked to a few of my buddies from EMT-B school and said they were doing some hiring for Contra Costa, I guess it could be just for IFT. Either way I would be interested, I could use the work experience, even if its not 911 right now.
 
Pappaly said:
You may be right. Someone from Rural/Metro talked to a few of my buddies from EMT-B school and said they were doing some hiring for Contra Costa, I guess it could be just for IFT. Either way I would be interested, I could use the work experience, even if its not 911 right now.
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They're a good company to work for in my opinion.
 
My last partner was 20. We have a few 20 year old EMTs. I'm one of if not the youngest medics at 23. I think one of the new hires that just cleared is like 6 months younger than me.

Like desert said, once you find a company whose insurance company doesn't require employees to be 21 you should be alright. It's not easy when you're >21 so being 20 doesn't make it any easier but it's not a deal breaker either.
 
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