EMT jobs when you're under 21

KevinEMT

KevinEMT

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I'm 19, EMT certified, and I really want to start moving forward, but every ambulance company I check out in my area says you need to be 21 or older. Is that a drivers insurance reason? It sucks. Is there anyway I could just call permanent shotgun until I'm 21?
 
It is an insurance reason. You might be able to find a place that will hire basics as attend only, but that only works if they have BLS trucks in service. It's not a guarantee that they will hire attend only even then ,though. Keep looking and check hospitals as well for ER tech jobs.
 
Every company around here hires 18 and up. Keep looking or like he said check hospitals.
 
We hire people under 21 for EMT and AEMT spots. EMT is only special events though. Also Special Events companies, ERs, Water/Amusement Parks all generally have EMTs that don't need to drive.
 
I got a job as an attendee and driving for an IFT at 19, though that may have been a bad decision on their part. Been in an ED since, and got offers for AMR full time and events. So they are out there, just gotta dig. If you ask me the better option would be to get your undergrad or Paramedic if you truly can't get a decent job yet. Don't waste time!
 
Some companies wont let you drive until 21 burt yo can be in the back.
 
Many companies have insurance policies that require drivers to be over 21. The problem with "permanent shotgun" is that first off, there are going to be times when you have to drive. For example, if you're working for a company that runs ALS, it'll be a scheduling nightmare to ensure that you are never scheduled to be on a medic truck. Second off, it's not fair to expect someone to always drive, while you get to tech calls and ride passenger. Especially if you're hired and work with senior, more experienced people, you can't expect them to be "ambulance drivers" all day.

I'm sure there are places in your area that hire under 21. But if not, unfortunately you'll have to wait. Good luck with your search!
 
ER Tech might be your best option.
 
Try Summer camps, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA's etc. Gives good experience and a summer job;

Try Philmont Scout Reservation (or Florida Sea Base, or Northern Tier, MN; or The Summit) those are the Big BSA Camps, and they pay decent.

I actually took 2 summers off my FT and PT jobs and did summer camp staff as EMS staff. I made $400 a week ($440 2nd year); but after figuring out gas and not eating out and not buying food, I came out quite ahead each summer.
 
hall in bakersfield is 20, falck..im not sure but less than 21
 
johnrsemt said:
Try Summer camps, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA's etc. Gives good experience and a summer job;

Try Philmont Scout Reservation (or Florida Sea Base, or Northern Tier, MN; or The Summit) those are the Big BSA Camps, and they pay decent.

I actually took 2 summers off my FT and PT jobs and did summer camp staff as EMS staff. I made $400 a week ($440 2nd year); but after figuring out gas and not eating out and not buying food, I came out quite ahead each summer.
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Philmont and the other High Adventure BSA camps are 21 for medical staff and strictly enforced, also the year I worked at Philmont they were very picky about most new applicants being some level of advanced provider. Smaller council camps are technically 21 as well, but oftentimes if you know a guy... if you can land a camp spot, BSA or not, they're a pretty neat experience and you can definitely "stretch your legs" as a provider.
 
I think someone already mentioned it but you can find a BLS company. For the most part they hire EMT's under 21, you won't be doing 911 mostly it will be dialysis, hospital discharges etc. It sucks and it gets old but its a good way to get your "sea legs" and it can introduce you to a place that is better than where you're working and takes EMT's under 21.
 
It's insurance. Try getting a tech job at an ER if your local companies won't hire until your older.
 
Also, I'm not sure of where you're from, but if you have the opportunity, try to volunteer at a volly ambulance corps. That way when the time comes and you start applying, you haven't just been sitting on your cert for three years. ED experience looks good if that's the route you go down, but a lot of companies are going to like to see that you've spent some time in an ambulance, and you'll have some references as to your skills in the prehospital setting.
 
Just keep looking i guess. I'm under 21 and i work for an ALS service, but your area may be different.
 
Anjel said:
Every company around here hires 18 and up. Keep looking or like he said check hospitals.
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That's only because the only requirement to be hired as an EMT in Michigan is a pulse.

There are places that might hire you. In my experience, non-profit companies tend to be more apt to hire people <21. I'd start looking there. Don't write off hospitals or clinics either. What state/area are you looking for a job in?
 
I understand your pain. Check to see if your local hospitals will let you be an ER tech. I know in New York you have to have a phlebotomy cert to be a tech in the ER. It sucks, but oh well. In the meantime you could volunteer on rigs and gain experience. Trust me it will make your life somewhat easier. Good Luck.
 
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