So, What class should I take?

[BigFan5o]

So, I am going for my AA in Criminal Justice (because it is something that interests me and doing anything else I wouldn't have the motivation to go to class like I do with CJ classes). I am one year in and it has been a blast so far, but now comes the medical course, and I am wondering what you guys/gals would recommend I take for a class. My choices are Emergency Response for Protective Services (First responder) or the EMT-Basic course I believe without looking at the schedule. Which would you guys recommend?

I'm almost positive that the EMT course is going to be more expencive but, I would more than likely get more out of the course for my money correct? I am thinking about getting into a volunteer FD in my home town, because I want to be able to help people until I become a police officer. Any help on this decision would be appreciated.

[CACBAND]

There's allot of things to think about when picking which one. You'll get a cert from either one that you can use but what does your local volunteer fire department require, do they run medical call at the EMT level or higher (some volunteer deparments around here don't run call as EMT but as "first responders" tell an ambulance gets there and they only require first responder certs)? Have you done any ride-alongs with the local FD, not everyone ends up liking running medical calls? If you’re going to take the EMT class I’d suggest that you take only that class (it’s not any easy class).

I took the EMT (and also structural firefighter class the semester after). I too want to become a police officer though the reason I took the EMT class was a little different in that I want to for the National Park Service and I know that having those certs will help me with getting that job.

As far as cost for the EMT class around here I spent almost $900 for the class, $100 for books, and $60 for a stethoscope (it was a requirement).
Then figure in that the “cost” for spending two full days on practical skills, I spent 9 hours in the local ER and 12 hours with the fire department running calls (we didn’t get many ) and then $70 for the NREMT test.

The class is a big commitment but if you can use the training you get it’s worth it.

[BigFan5o]

Thanks I will take all that into account, are there any officers that want to chime in on this subject?

[AnthonyM83]

I would research what your expected time commitment will be.

I know 3-week, high quality, intense EMT courses that are full-time and require every waking moment be spent studying. I also know EMT classes were you could get by without reading most of the book and only a few hours studying the entire semester.

I personally think an EMT course is good general life-skill knowledge. I've never been told it would make you more hireable, other than showing a bit of extra motivation.

[BigFan5o]

I am not looking for it to make me more "hireable", I am looking to take it because I know that everyone at the FD has at least EMT certs. It is not a paramedic FD (though I think they are thinking about it). I don't know if it is required, but I know the Fire Chief said that if I wanted to take the class the FD would pay for half of the class (good deal?). I just know that I would like to have a little more that First Responder (minimum that is required to graduate), because I know that they may be a time that I will need to know a little bit more that a FR. Thanks guys, this has given me a lot to think about.

[AnthonyM83]

Sorry, I misunderstood. Read the CJ stuff and thought you were doing just PD.

Since FD handles medical to a degree, I would definitely take EMT whenever I had the chance (as long as it didn't interfere with my main classes). Definitely take it.

If they're willing to pay for half, that's a good sign...even if you can afford it, if they pay some, they're at least showing some interest/commitment in getting you on.

[BigFan5o]

Yeah, I can afford it (student loans). I really think I will like it. I will be going for ONLY PD, but not for a couple years, and then I might even stay on as a volunteer but I don't know at this point.

[noelchabanel]

Where do you live? In some places all fire and ambulance service is paid full-time. In others very few are. In some places, the ambulance service is a part of the fire department. In some, it is entirely separate, and is sometimes handled by a for-profit company. In my home town, the ambulance crew is part of the FD, and most members have at least Fire I and EMT-B certification, although we don't have to have both if our interest is only in fire or EMS. I also serve on another volunteer EMS/rescue squad which is entirely separate from that town's fire dep't, but that is unusual in my home state.

You will be able to do much more as an EMT with the EMT-Basic. A first responder is realistically not going to be in the back of the truck very often as primary care giver. However, some police officers prefer it this way, because that means they are free to transfer patient care and leave the scene if needs be once someone who has at least the same level of certification shows up, but I think that is probably more of an issue at the EMT-I level. If you hope to move on in EMS, you will have to take the Basic course. When I took my class, there were two girls under 18 who got their first responder cert, however, they took the exact same class that I took. It met twice a week from 6 to 9 from May to August. I will say it is not an easy class, it is every bit as much work as two or three average college courses.

Don't take the class from some diploma mill. Even if you manage my some miracle to pass the national registry (assuming your state uses it) and get licensed, you will be putting other people's lives in your unqualified hands. That said, there are good abbreviated courses that cater to people who have already been certified/licensed. There is nothing necessarily wrong with them, but they aren't going to be for you.

As far as the class helping you to become a police officer, I can tell you that when I went to my board interview, the interviewers were most interested in my EMT work. They specifically directed their questions about my work habits toward my work as an EMT rather than toward my paying daytime job. If you are good, I think being an experienced EMT (not simply taking the class and doing nothing with it) would be an extra boost in your favor.

That said, I did not take the class because I wanted it to help me in my career field. I took the class specifically because I wanted to be a volunteer EMT. I didn't even know at the time I wanted to be a police officer. Along the way though, I discovered I loved going on emergency calls, could make accurate quick decisions in critical situations, was good at documenting patient care on the paperwork, loved being part of the team, was not easily stressed out when it REALLY counts, even enjoyed answering calls to the county jail :eek:, and although I rarely know how my patients turn out because of HIPPA, I feel like I make a positive difference to help them get though some of the worst parts of their lives. Becoming a police officer just seemed like the natural thing for me to look into when I really thought about it. I intend to continue volunteering permanently, even after I get hired...heck, even after I retire!:D.

[noelchabanel]

I don't know if it is required, but I know the Fire Chief said that if I wanted to take the class the FD would pay for half of the class (good deal?).

If you aren't even on the department yet, it is an EXCELLENT deal. I know we would not pay for anything until we were sure someone was going to stick around.

PS Just be sure you don't take the class, agree to join, and then duck out on them, Fire/Rescue chiefs know EVERYONE. He won't forget you, and the whole town will hear about it for years;).

[BigFan5o]

If you aren't even on the department yet, it is an EXCELLENT deal. I know we would not pay for anything until we were sure someone was going to stick around.

PS Just be sure you don't take the class, agree to join, and then duck out on them, Fire/Rescue chiefs know EVERYONE. He won't forget you, and the whole town will hear about it for years;).

I have every intention of sticking around for at least 3 years. The chief said that if I wanted to sign a contract stating I will be there for (3 years) they would pay for my Fire 1 class (first fire class).

[Hockey9019]

I have every intention of sticking around for at least 3 years. The chief said that if I wanted to sign a contract stating I will be there for (3 years) they would pay for my Fire 1 class (first fire class).

They'll want you to stay longer then that...trust me ;)



Have you looked into Public Safety? I know its not THAT common, but departments such as Kalamazoo Michigan Department of Public Safety (One of the best in the nation IMO) run Police, Fire, EMS, all in one.

Even if you get hired on with that FD, you can still pursue the LE side, and do the P/T-O-C deal too. I know several people who do that.

If you get hired F/T on a FD, you can always still be a Reserve. And still be well-liked being that you're a FF ;) :p

I'll second, third, fourth whatever it on the EMT.


Just beware...the National Registry is a SCAM

[BigFan5o]

Thanks hockey!

[noelchabanel]

I have every intention of sticking around for at least 3 years. The chief said that if I wanted to sign a contract stating I will be there for (3 years) they would pay for my Fire 1 class (first fire class).

Sounds like all that is left is to apply and start attending the weekly meetings!! See you Wednesday!! :D:p

[BigFan5o]

10-4, I will be there! ;)

[CACBAND]

About the National Registry, yes it sucks but it also has an upside.

Having it will help you out if you move, check out their US map here. Some, if not nearly all states, will still require take at least a class on their states requirements or protocols for EMTs but it can be a big leap if you ever need/want to move. Also my state (AZ) requires National Registry at all levels (EMT-B, I, and P) to get your state card.