emergency medical technician

paramedic

registered nurse

emergency dispatcher

respiratory therapist

Firstmed Ambulance

FirstMed was my introduction into the healthcare profession, and it was here that I was able to foster and solidify my passion for emergency medicine. I started out doing BLS calls during night shifts. Then, a few months later, I was able to transition into 24 hour 1-1 ALS shifts. During my time at FirstMed, I was able to obtain IM-injection training so that I can administer Covid-19 vaccines (FirstMed is the only IFT company FDA approved to have EMTs administer vaccines) as well as work closely alongside a paramedic partner. While working, I was able to plan my work schedule to allow me to complete my phlebotomy course, obtain my PALS certificate, obtain my ACLS certificate, and complete any online educational training I needed to further advance my career in medicine outside of work (Paramedic Prep courses, etc.). (Advice: Be completely transparent with your career-goals and your upcoming commitments during your first interview/day 1, so that way management can take it into account and help you achieve those goals)

The people and the opportunities at this company are what makes it worth it. Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and with different career-goals, but there is a mutual understanding of putting in the work now so that we can help support each other accomplish our own goals together. 

My quick 2 cents on IFT work: 

IFT is a great way to get your feet wet if you're getting into EMS. Not only do EMTs get to familiarize ourselves with disease processes (CHF, COPD exacerbation, CAD, etc., but we can get a better understanding of hospital treatment/common medications from patient packets as well. IFT is also a great intro into direct/autonomous patient care, bedside manners, identifying changes in patient condition, giving/receiving reports, EPCRs, and the healthcare industry as a whole. EMS isn't easy work. It can feel monotonous, feel underpaid, feel stressful, etc. but that is also anywhere/any company you go in EMS (IFT or 911). There are some calls that are really great and stick with you, hold onto those calls. So, be ready to work. Do your due diligence, do it well, then move on and pay it forward by helping other new EMTs get their foot in the door and patientcare experience in. 

Management works fairly with your schedule as long as you communicate with them at a reasonable time. Show up ready to work, communicate actively, treat everyone with respect, and you're going to fit in great. The CEO is really passionate about the company/EMS/employees and the Ops Supervisors do a great job of helping new EMTs get settled in (or they can direct you to another resource if need be). The FTOs I've had and met are FTOs because they genuinely care about wanting to help create better EMTs. They do the job exceptionally well and work to pass on their knowledge to new EMTS. 

Huge shoutout to my Ops Supervisor, FTO, and paramedic partner (you know who you are!) 

It's easy to get bitter about work (that's every job), but if you take care of yourself, take care of each other, and remind yourself why you're doing what you're doing, you'll do well. 

You get out whatever you put in. Take advantage of every opportunity, and always be open to learning regardless of your level of experience. Why settle and be good at something when you know you can be great at it. 

At the end of the day, FirstMed has made me a better EMT and stronger human being, and I'm grateful for it.

I've been working at First Med Ambulance Company as an EMT for a while now and I must say, it has been a unique experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

Every day is different in the field of emergency medical services, and working at this company truly emphasizes that. We're constantly on the move, responding to a variety of situations, from medical emergencies to accidents, and everything in between.

The workplace culture is commendable. We operate as a team, knowing that lives are on the line and every second matters. It's not just about individual effort, but about how well we work together. The camaraderie is impressive and helps make even the toughest days manageable.

Training opportunities are plentiful. The company ensures that we are up-to-date with the latest medical procedures and protocols, and provides a constant learning environment, which I deeply appreciate. As a medical professional, being armed with the most current knowledge and best practices is crucial.

As for management, they have shown considerable leadership, especially during times of high stress. Their decisions prioritize both the safety of employees and the needs of the patients we serve.

However, I won't sugarcoat it - the work-life balance can be a challenge. The hours are often long, and shifts can be unpredictable. But that's a reality of the profession we're in, and First Med does its best to accommodate our needs and support us.

In terms of response to challenges, the company's response during the recent global pandemic was admirable. We had ample PPE supplies, and protocols were constantly updated to ensure our safety and that of our patients.

Overall, working at First Med Ambulance Company is a fulfilling experience. It's not a job for everyone - the demands are high and the pressure can be intense. But if you're dedicated to emergency care, value learning, and thrive in a team-based environment, this company could be a good fit for you.

This is a company where you can better yourself.   Highly recommended for new EMTs who want to learn the ropes of the rig and the corridors of healthcare. Many walk in and out, or in and out and back in (an industry problem), but if you want to be a good EMT and latter move somewhere with your medical career this is the place to stay for a few years. There is flexibility from management, they care for and want to work with quality employees. If you can’t do full time, chose part time or ask for 24 hours shifts.  Learn the trade at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Explain your constraints and aspirations, you’ll get advice and support. Earn your place in the FIRSTMED family, and you will be treated well. 

From personal experience, working at FIRSTMED gave me a boost to knowledge and confidence, and made my resume look good. Much more so actually than I realized when I was working there.  BTW the management is used to employee complaining - let’s face it, this is not an ideal industry - and takes it well, especially if you have a point. 

In retrospect, as a new LVN looking for good employment, I had the chance to appreciate my EMT experience much more. I could answer a lot of experience questions at interviews with “as an EMT” I did this and saw that. And I could walk in some facilities and smell the “bad air” from the door, no need to waist my time or risk my license working there. 

So if you are an EMT looking for a good place, give FIRSTMED a try. I did, and never regretted. The hours are long, the pay is … insufficient, but your’ll get a bunch of good stuff out of this company. It makes up for the money you don’t make on the rig. And gets you proud of your badge and steel toes ;) 

I have worked with firstmed ambulance for 2 years and throughout that time I dont have anything bad to say about this company. Started out as a 19 year old inexperienced emt fresh out of school. Got the best field training officer(FTO) and learned a ton, stayed attendant for year and half and then moved up to driver and Now an FTO. I think it's one of the best companies out there. A lot of room for growth within the company. 
Pros-
(there are many but here are a few)
● they hire inexperienced young emts and teach so much that will be carried with the emt throughout their careers, 
●There are opportunities to move up within the company over time, 
●It really feels like a family in the way that no one goes through hard times alone and there is always someone to talk to, 
●The types of calls one will get throughout a shift will be different everyday. I have yet to have the same day twice we are always in new areas. You will get very good navigating around LA county without need of GPS, 
●The people we come in contact with and get the chance to help on a daily basis is very rewarding. From medical aids(minor to serious situations)- psych transfers-discharges-long distance transports-CCT- and once in blue moon dialysis, 
● FM works around school schedules and offers various shifts with various start times (8-10-12-24 hour shifts),
● Power gurneys and newer rigs 

Cons-
Pay is not the greatest but its comparable to the companies out there. Emt is not the best paying job but with all the overtime opportunities it makes up for it.

I have worked as a field EMT for 6 years at 4 different companies and by far Firstmed Ambulance if the best company. The experience EMTs gain running the diverse types of calls here are exciting, informative, and really makes one feel like they Really made a difference in the community. Types of calls ran many 5150s, medical aids from from private residences, b&c, SNF,  Jails, flight crews, still alarms, or back up 911 (especially during fire season in LA). EMTs build there critical thinking skills here because most of the time your first on scene and are medical athority so you must make the decision for what's best for PT ( call fire? Scoop and go? Mar or specialty hospital.? PD assist? ALS?). The company trains and trust their EMTs to go out everyday and help people, respect their opinions with a great open door policy, company BBQs,  works with school schedule, and is actually in front of you whenever you need something. The 2 stations are beautiful with 2 kitchens, 24s private rooms,  clean bathrooms, a gym, nice units, own mechanic. But honestly the real charm of this place is the people, I've n very felt such a family vibe anywhere. Everyone knows each other and the owner and managers really get to know each EMT in a genuine whole hearted manner. EMTs are always open to help new EMTs a very friendly environment. I love working for Firstmed ambulance! The experience I've gained, friends I've made, contacts I've built, and memories I have shared make Firstmed the best company for any new or salted EMT who wants love work again. Give it a shot!

I have been working for firstmed ambulance for 11 years now. I started as an emt back in 2011 and I have seen the company grow to what it is now and it has definitely been one of the top companies in LA county. They have secured many contracts thru managements hard work and they continue to strive to be the best we as a company can be. Firstmed is a great stepping stone to continue your career in EMS as a paramedic or gain field/leadership experience to go to fields such as fire/Md/PA/RN/PD. I continued my career as a paramedic with firstmed and I plan to stay with them for a long time. They treat me with respect and always pay me on time. They work with me with my schedule and always understand when I have to call out for doctor appointments, ect…

Firstmed management is always there when you need them. HR is there during the week to answer all your questions. We have mechanics there to fix any ambulance issues on site. Our Rn is the RN/paramedic coordinator and she is great. She has made many advancements and she is on top of everything to keep the paramedics well prepared for our critical calls. Our managers are all emts/paramedics which is great because they know how it is in the field. 

Overall, i give the company 4.3/5 compare to all the companies I have worked for. Apply for yourself and you won’t regret it. 


Please see my resume, in which I have detailed a typical day and my duties. 

I learned that no matter how bad MY day seems, the patient's day is worse so stop whining and do what you can to make her/him more comfortable in any way possible.

If I may brag, I did very well academically in EMT. But I learned more about WORKING as an EMT from my co-workers than any training I had, including the company's training thanks to supportive coworkers.  Then, to turn around a few months later and find yourself teaching something you learned to someone else is great. 

The hardest part of my job was physically sitting in the rig.  

The most enjoyable part of the job was building a rapport with patients. Speaking to a patient in the proper manner, understanding that many of them are in a new and stressful environment (we did a LOT of psych transfers)  and actually having many patients ask for my supervisor's name and contact info because they wanted to let him know I was helpful was rewarding. Learning to do a job not just right, but well and in the correct manner, and then helping out a "Newbie" with a similar problem six months later is very enjoyable.

Started here as a call taker moved up to lead dispatch and I also get field time as an EMT here and there with this said there is plenty of opportunity for growth within the company. On top of that management is great from communications supervisor to HR, Operations managers to the actually owners who are there and actually care about the EMTs. Management also makes firstmed feel like a family with their open door policies you can go up to anyone in management and speak your mind and never get turned down. The people here are great to work with such a good atmosphere at all times. Now to be brutally honest the people who have bad experiences with firstmed are the ones that hate their job, sandbag calls, suck at patient care, or always try to go home early,call out sick all the time etc. so In other words they have no one to blame but themselves for the bad experiences firstmed goes very far to accomadate every single employees needs. Firstmed is a great place to work but like everything you have to put in the work nothing will be handed to you. It’s a privilege to work at firstmed ambulance. (If I sit here and mention everything great about firstmed I’d have a 3 page essay)

The reality of the the job is very apparent and clear yet the company and management is deceptive and arbitrary. Advertises salary's as "on average" which can be justified when you incorporate the owner of the companies income with the normal working employee. Endlessly moving the goal post on what they expect from you as an employee with absolutely no compromise. The company will never see you as anything more than an expendable object needed to maximize their gains.  No commonality or  spirit, no passion, no communication. An endless revolving door of employees, expectations, and false securities. You will be ensured hands on management with interval opportunity yet the goal post will always be set one notch further  

Firstmed is one of the newer ALS programs in LA County and their management does a great job of working closely with their staff to ensure operations are carried out at the highest level. The front office takes employee feedback seriously and will do everything they can do make sure your day goes by smoothly. Coming into work with a mature and professional attitude does not go unnoticed by management and results in a stable and secure work environment. 

Firstmed offers all the industry standard company perks along with flexible scheduling for people who are in school or other activities outside of work. There is plenty of overtime to be had which ranges from extra shifts in the field to standby assignments at film shoots and sporting events. 

Long story short, the positive work environment combined with some of the best pay available make Firstmed a great new program to establish yourself with.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Emergency medical technician 10 salaries reported	$20.39 per hour
Paramedic 1 salary reported	$32.50 per hour
Registered nurse 3 salaries reported	$59.17 per hour
Emergency dispatcher 8 salaries reported	$21.91 per hour
Respiratory therapist 1 salary reported	$36.00 per hour

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