SA Firefighter
General Discussion => SAAS => Topic started by: jayc on October 24, 2010, 07:54:17 AM
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Hi guys, I was just wondering how successful flinders
(paramedic studies) graduates are in getting employed with SAAS?
Paramedics is offered as an undergraduate course, so that means some will be qualified to apply for an internship at age 20... Also, with the introdcution of the university prerequisites, are you finding that new staff are all quite young?
I understand that life experience is sort of important , so what can a younger, prospective paramedic do to increase employability? (i.e. volunteer in the CFS etc?)
I'm in year 12 at the moment, and I've applied for medicine and paramedics next year. it's unlikely that i'll get into med, but it is quite likely that i'll get a spot in paramedics, so I'm just trying to find out as much as I can. Anyway, I look forward to hearing your thoughts....
Cheers!
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As far as I am aware, it is getting harder to get an internship and a job at the end of the degree in SA.
I too am trying to get into the Paramedic degree, I am currently an undergraduate Nursing student at Flinders and I work at a major metropolitan hospital. I feel I should be in good stead to get a position pending I get into the degree, but that's not to say I will! I suppose I really hope I do! haha.
I am sure some of the guys who actually work in SAAS will provide better information than I can anyway.
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cool, thanks for the input!
I have considered a double degree in nursing and paramedics - doing nursing for a while and then tying to apply for an internship with SAAS... but i don't think flinders offers the double degree? However, i think you can do 3 years of paramedics and then a 1 year fast track nursing qualification? And vice versa i guess... :?
anyway, good luck mate - hopefully you get a place in the course!
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There was a double degree offered a few years ago, but it is no longer around. You can do the fast track program which I was going to do, but tbh its getting very hard to get into the Paramed degree, so I want to get into it ASAP and then I can come back and finish my nursing later.
Also, I don't think that 'life experience' has much to do with it. Life experience is not something that is quantitative and just comes with age. I have far more 'life experience' than many people my own age and probably older. It would be wrong to assume that younger people don't have any 'life experience' purely based on their age.
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One, maybe 2 next year as SAAS, maybe start looking at WA or Vic as they are desperate for grad staff
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dis0rderly - I completely agree
no care - that's a bummer... there will be maybe 20 paramedic graduates applying? So I wonder what those 18 or 19 unsuccessful applicants will do? I mean I guess SAAS will just have a lot of overqualified PTOs...?
It's a little reckless on Flinders' behalf - the amount of positions they're offering obviously doesn't represent the demand. But then again, 3 years ago... when they took in this year's graduates, they couldn't have predicted the increase in wages, and that all of a sudden it would become a much more desirable job......
Either way, I still want to do the course. I'd prefer not to go interstate... but what do you do? The lower wage wouldn't bother me; but I assume that's one of the main reasons behind the shortage of staff over there.
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welcome to the real world.....getting a place in a Uni course does not equal a god given right to a job for life. Try whinging to the hundreds of other uni course students that only 30 or 40 or 50% of the course students are going to get a job offer. Finish the course, then go find a job like everyone else has to.
As was said, plenty of work in Australia for Degree qualified paramedics that arent afraid to look at other locations in Australia or alternatives other than working for a cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run transport service :-)
Not sure whether SAAS will be vastly increasing its PTS numbers, that would be in contratst to its stated reduction in the NEPT side of things, and the corresponding increase in private PTS providers (with another one to start soon apparantly). If they do, it wont be with highly priced (and therefore costly) degree students.
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I wonder how other state run ambulance services fair compared to SAAS...? Do they have the same selection criteria as SAAS (paramedical science/health science (paramedic) degree)... or do some still offer on the job (cert. IV)training? If so, is there any point in spending 3 years and 25000 dollars completing the paramedics degree here in SA only to end up working at say QAS, where (I think) they still offer that sort of route?
misterteddy - I'm well aware of the job shortages that various uni students may face. I was just pointing out that maybe the universities should be more conscious of this and adjust the number of places they offer accordingly
I don't want to work for a govt.run ambulance service because it's a "cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run service;" I want to work at SAAS or somewhere equivalent in the future, because of the nature of the work. NEPT doesn't appeal to me as a job prospect.
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I don't want to work for a govt.run ambulance service because it's a "cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run service;" I want to work at SAAS or somewhere equivalent in the future, because of the nature of the work. NEPT doesn't appeal to me as a job prospect.
Then you've already made the decision to move interstate?
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I don't want to work for a govt.run ambulance service because it's a "cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run service;" I want to work at SAAS or somewhere equivalent in the future, because of the nature of the work. NEPT doesn't appeal to me as a job prospect.
Then you've already made the decision to move interstate?
I plan on doing the paramedics degree at flinders, applying for an internship at SAAS, and if unsuccessful, looking at NSWAS, QAS etc. I have come to understand that employment opportunities for paramedics with SAAS are scarce, and accept that I maaayyy have to move interstate in the future; I haven't "made the decision" to move interstate.
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I don't want to work for a govt.run ambulance service because it's a "cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run service;" I want to work at SAAS or somewhere equivalent in the future, because of the nature of the work. NEPT doesn't appeal to me as a job prospect.
Then you've already made the decision to move interstate?
I plan on doing the paramedics degree at flinders, applying for an internship at SAAS, and if unsuccessful, looking at NSWAS, QAS etc. I have come to understand that employment opportunities for paramedics with SAAS are scarce, and accept that I maaayyy have to move interstate in the future; I haven't "made the decision" to move interstate.
But you said you didn't want cosy nights in bed and want to join "for the nature of the work"....?
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I don't want to work for a govt.run ambulance service because it's a "cosy, tuck you into bed in night, state run service;" I want to work at SAAS or somewhere equivalent in the future, because of the nature of the work. NEPT doesn't appeal to me as a job prospect.
Then you've already made the decision to move interstate?
I plan on doing the paramedics degree at flinders, applying for an internship at SAAS, and if unsuccessful, looking at NSWAS, QAS etc. I have come to understand that employment opportunities for paramedics with SAAS are scarce, and accept that I maaayyy have to move interstate in the future; I haven't "made the decision" to move interstate.
But you said you didn't want cosy nights in bed and want to join "for the nature of the work"....?
Whether or not working for the SAAS is 'comfortable' doesn't bother me. What I mean is what really motivates me to become a paramedic is the rewarding and exciting nature of the high acuity/emergency work
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so why tie yourself to SAAS and Flinders. To be honest, the Flinder degree has a crap reputation, certainly not helped by the fact that SAAS and Flinders have had a lovers tiff of some substance for a while. Not sure if they have kissed and put out yet
It's a big wide world of pre-hospital emergency practice out there....dont just follow the sheep, look at other Uni's with better degrees, better facilitated clinical blocks, better teaching facilities, better online/distance learning (not hard to beat Flinders effort of none!)
At least 3 services are recruiting now - The Jacks in WA, QAS and ACTAS. WA is quite exciting with a new Clinical Director onboard who should shake the Johnnies up a fair bit. That said....if being a degree qualified paramedic and still running Nanna to the x-ray unit then home again is your thing......feel free to stay in safe and homely SA
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so why tie yourself to SAAS and Flinders. To be honest, the Flinder degree has a crap reputation, certainly not helped by the fact that SAAS and Flinders have had a lovers tiff of some substance for a while. Not sure if they have kissed and put out yet
It's a big wide world of pre-hospital emergency practice out there....dont just follow the sheep, look at other Uni's with better degrees, better facilitated clinical blocks, better teaching facilities, better online/distance learning (not hard to beat Flinders effort of none!)
At least 3 services are recruiting now - The Jacks in WA, QAS and ACTAS. WA is quite exciting with a new Clinical Director onboard who should shake the Johnnies up a fair bit. That said....if being a degree qualified paramedic and still running Nanna to the x-ray unit then home again is your thing......feel free to stay in safe and homely SA
Wow, you've given me some interesting points to consider. I have always wondered about applying for the same degree interstate, at a uni that offers more hours of placement/has a better relationship with their ambulance service than Flinders!
I guess it would be a little naive of me to stick around in Adelaide, and complete a degree that won't necessarily get me anywhere.
I definitely don't want to be just 'running nanna to the x-ray unit and home again'; if I were to do 3 years of paramedics, only to be employed as a PTO in SA, it would be sort of unfulfilling, or, anticlimactic... i dunno... I mean there are numerous health care degrees that I could apply for - physio, OT, podiatry, radiology - but, like PTO, it just wouldn't be as fulfilling as being a paramedic
I'll definitely look into the QAS, and have a long think about how their courses differ from ours.
Cheers mate
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good luck Jayc
as noted by some of the others -FUSA's reputation is not that solid in terms of academic ability - and judging on the quality of some of the students of late.....[shudder]
The reality with this career/profession now is that with it being post-graduate -the competition will only increase significantly. SAAS is prob less competitive than somewhere like QAS given that 5 uni's currently pump out over 500 graduates a year for just 120 positions in the sunshine state.
as for your comment about the motivation of rewarding and exciting work...don't worry - it will pass after about 8 years and you'll just become cynical and cranky like the rest of us public servants who enjoy a nice lunchtime walk from Vic Square to Parliament house on a Tuesday!! :evil: :evil: :evil:
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thanks alot, boredmatrix :-)
"as for your comment about the motivation of rewarding and exciting work...don't worry - it will pass after about 8 years and you'll just become cynical and cranky like the rest of us public servants who enjoy a nice lunchtime walk from Vic Square to Parliament house on a Tuesday!!" - Haha! Well, we'll see :lol:
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In all seriousness, (for this post only) the other consideration you may want to investigate is career progression.
I am but a simple Fireman, and do not know the numbers, but look at the number of positions available for specialisations such as SOT/ USAR in SAAS and then compare them with other interstate organisations. Based on the fact that Vic/NSW/Qld are states with significantly larger populations and a larger area to cover, they are, by this fact alone, able to offer you more positions in vastly different roles down the track...
The other thing that lies behind the interstate suggestion is that you're obviously still young and essentially unattached (I imagine you dont have kids!) which means you're in a unique position to begin your employment in ANY service you want country wide. You'd be mad not to look at those that will be able to offer you better career progression than SAAS.
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In all seriousness, (for this post only) the other consideration you may want to investigate is career progression.
I am but a simple Fireman, and do not know the numbers, but look at the number of positions available for specialisations such as SOT/ USAR in SAAS and then compare them with other interstate organisations. Based on the fact that Vic/NSW/Qld are states with significantly larger populations and a larger area to cover, they are, by this fact alone, able to offer you more positions in vastly different roles down the track...
The other thing that lies behind the interstate suggestion is that you're obviously still young and essentially unattached (I imagine you dont have kids!) which means you're in a unique position to begin your employment in ANY service you want country wide. You'd be mad not to look at those that will be able to offer you better career progression than SAAS.
6739264 - Thanks for the input! SAAS employs fewer paramedics than QAS etc, so, althogh there may be fewer positions for 'specialisation' here, it would be proportional to the (smaller) number of paramedics employed.
I've never considered career progression in great depth before. Paramedics would be a unique sort of job, in that I can't see it getting boring or being very monotonous. Consequently, keeping the same role or title for a long time wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. I'll look into how paramedics reach ICP or SOT status; but that's probably getting a bit ahead of myself!
You're right - I am young; I'm only 17 and I guess I am unattached; I don't have any kids... I hope, haha... and I I even have a couple of family members dotted around the country :-). I certainly won't rule out the possibility of future interstate employment - judging by some of the comments re: job availabilities in SAAS, it sounds like working interstate might not be a choice or liberty; but rather the only option!
I'm not sure if there are any SOT/ICP paramedics on this forum? Boredmatrix sounds like an experienced career paramedic... it would be interesting to hear about how he got to where he is!
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In all seriousness, (for this post only) ...
Numbers.....you do this again and we are going to lose respect for you... :lol:
JayC...numbers does raise a number of good points and they are well worth considering. The SOT and ICP processes in SAAS are very nefarious and somewhat incestuous. I'm sure to become a successful SOT candidate you need a picture of one of the senior management team in a compromising position with a farmyard animal. Contrast that with ACT for instance, where everyone joining the service is on a career path to become an ICP, and as part of your normal job rotation (thats right, no spending your career in a single station in BumfXXknowhere, protected from scrutiny) you rotate through the Snowy Rescue helicopter.
Be wary about thinking every day is a new adventure in the job. Currently, that is one of the biggest reasons for being disillusioned given by new grads after a few years on the road. Doesnt matter how u dress it up, the boring and repetitive stuff will always be just that - and theres a good deal of it; it's not all about getting your SPRINT car airborne over a traffic island at an intersection - or maybe it should be :evil:
I'm sure Boredy will offer you his pearls of wisdom regards his career.....just be wary if he asks you to try on the sheep costume :-P
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In all seriousness, (for this post only) ...
Numbers.....you do this again and we are going to lose respect for you... :lol:
JayC...numbers does raise a number of good points and they are well worth considering. The SOT and ICP processes in SAAS are very nefarious and somewhat incestuous. I'm sure to become a successful SOT candidate you need a picture of one of the senior management team in a compromising position with a farmyard animal. Contrast that with ACT for instance, where everyone joining the service is on a career path to become an ICP, and as part of your normal job rotation (thats right, no spending your career in a single station in BumfXXknowhere, protected from scrutiny) you rotate through the Snowy Rescue helicopter.
Be wary about thinking every day is a new adventure in the job. Currently, that is one of the biggest reasons for being disillusioned given by new grads after a few years on the road. Doesnt matter how u dress it up, the boring and repetitive stuff will always be just that - and theres a good deal of it; it's not all about getting your SPRINT car airborne over a traffic island at an intersection - or maybe it should be :evil:
I'm sure Boredy will offer you his pearls of wisdom regards his career.....just be wary if he asks you to try on the sheep costume :-P
Haha! Well, if I ever did end up getting employed by SAAS, at least I'd know my colleagues have a good sense of humour :lol:
Thanks for the info, i really appreciate it.
i'll look into ACTAS... do they employ grad students? In fact, do any canberaa universities offer a paramedic course? :? Sounds interesting though!
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The odds of getting a job aren't good in SA because we continue to use volunteer labour in large numbers. In Victoria, NSW or QLD many country locations would be a career station.
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This is a good thread, i am not in and emergency service in a paid role and i kinda get the dream of not wanting a dull job and doing cool stuff etc. Remember it isn't so much about what you are doing ( that does count) but who you work with. Also every job has its bad/boring bits and SAAS/MFS... .will be no different.
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No Care - I definitely wouldn't have voted for Foley&Rann... if I were old enough to vote that is haha... I agree that we, like vic, nsw, qld, should employ more qualified paramedics (but then again, my opinion is a little biased :-P).
An article I read the other day made a similar point, saying: if they aren't willing to staff our stations with career paramedics, they're "not just hurting [prospective paramedics], they're also hurting the essential services to all people that this government has a duty to deliver."
This is a good thread, i am not in and emergency service in a paid role and i kinda get the dream of not wanting a dull job and doing cool stuff etc. Remember it isn't so much about what you are doing ( that does count) but who you work with. Also every job has its bad/boring bits and SAAS/MFS... .will be no different.
thanks bittenyakka, those are some good points;
I think this job would attract a very particular type of person, and I like to believe, that if you were to become a paramedic, you'd work alongside like-minded people. And you're right - I'm sure this job has its boring bits; but (in my opinion) the positives would outweigh the negatives. :-)
I'm reaaallly looking forward to uni next year, and to developing a better understanding of this job after some sort of practical placement! .......assuming I actually get a spot in the degree that is
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The odds of getting a job aren't good in SA because we continue to use volunteer labour in large numbers. For example goolws is a SAAS volley station with 600+ jobs per year workload ( and struggle to man their ambulance), in Victoria, NSW or QLD they would be a career station with guaranteed staffing and paramedic level care. But as foley said in parliament today "sh# t happens"
we use volunteer labour because in most cases, paid staff cant be enticed to move away from the comfort of a hospital 4 mins away. Goolwa (1500 jobs a year, not 600) and Strath (around 1100 cases a year) are exceptions, and theres no doubt that in a year or so they will have a mixed model of manning as SAAS continues to make the process of being a Volunteer more difficult, and the good people move on. But lets face it, the next busiest Vol station is Mallala, tell me we are going to get enough people to man there when we cant fill spots at Murray Bridge now? Given Goolwa works harder than Woodside, maybe we should swap and return Woodside as a Vol station :-D
Most states use volunteer workforces of some description in their Ambulance Services. With our city-centric population, we have no hope of meaningfully increasing the number without a serious attitude change from some staff, and some serious $$ from the Gov.....and if they happen, well, I'll line up at the airport to watch the pigs take off and land in my retirement.
As for Comrade Foley....if the Union let him off the hook with that comment...then they get what they deserve.
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The odds of getting a job aren't good in SA because we continue to use volunteer labour in large numbers. For example goolws is a SAAS volley station with 600+ jobs per year workload ( and struggle to man their ambulance), in Victoria, NSW or QLD they would be a career station with guaranteed staffing and paramedic level care. But as foley said in parliament today "sh# t happens"
Believe their call numbers topped 1500 calls last year however being the most profitable saas station in the state i think they want to leave it volly for as long as possible.
Ninja edit.. oops didnt see that misterteddy had already corrected call numbers :-D
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And without volunteer ambos, there would be many rural communities in SA who would have no ambulance service within their community, as funding would be unlikely to be made available for a paid crew, aside from the issues already outlined.
Pip
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This has also helped me guys.
My only problem is I can't afford to leave the state to study (have my job, great work colleagues, family, friends) and my income is vital to my mum and I when it comes to everyday expenses.
Despite the fact that FUs degree doesn't seem to be that happy atm, I feel its probably the most appropriate.
Also, despite my shortcomings with Strath, I have applied to work at Goolwa as a volly. Interesting to see that Goolwa does more jobs than a metro station!
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This has also helped me guys.
My only problem is I can't afford to leave the state to study (have my job, great work colleagues, family, friends) and my income is vital to my mum and I when it comes to everyday expenses.
Despite the fact that FUs degree doesn't seem to be that happy atm, I feel its probably the most appropriate.
Also, despite my shortcomings with Strath, I have applied to work at Goolwa as a volly. Interesting to see that Goolwa does more jobs than a metro station!
check out Charles Sturt Uni, they have a very good Distance Learning Paramedic Degree
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Well might see at goolwa disorderly i have just applied in the current intake to volly there
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This has also helped me guys.
My only problem is I can't afford to leave the state to study (have my job, great work colleagues, family, friends) and my income is vital to my mum and I when it comes to everyday expenses.
Despite the fact that FUs degree doesn't seem to be that happy atm, I feel its probably the most appropriate.
Also, despite my shortcomings with Strath, I have applied to work at Goolwa as a volly. Interesting to see that Goolwa does more jobs than a metro station!
Have you applied for next year's intake, disOrderly?
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Yeah, I have applied to the current intake too Al, so I'll hopefully see you there!
And yes jayc, I put my application in when they opened in August I believe.
I have checked out CSU, only thing is I would prefer to actually go to uni and meet people. Plus I have too many distractions at home! I am looking at it for a worst case scenario. I suppose even the distance CSU degree is better than the FU one?
It frustrates me that FU only accept people purely on grades. I am getting better grades at uni than I ever did at school (at the moment I am 5.5GPA) yet I am still concerned it isn't enough! It's silly to know that two girls were removed from the course because they could not tolerate trauma pictures shown in lecture, yet here is someone who is already working with SAAS, in a level 1 trauma ED (used to seeing gory things!), is familiar with some SAAS equipment (Ferno stretcher, Vac Mattress, Oxygen, blue transfer sheet, restraining net), familiar with SAAS culture ( radio etiquette, callsigns, positions, vehicles, terminology and staff), has a broad practical knowledge (3 lead ECG lead placement, oxy flow rates etc) an increasing theoretical knowledge and the ability to talk to patients and other healthcare workers, yet its still near impossible to get in :( could an interview process not prevent people who can't handle it from getting in and allow the people who can instead?
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It frustrates me that FU only accept people purely on grades.
and herein lies the problem. Gen Y's who can study and spew forth knowledge - yet can't talk to a psychotic or violent aggressive patient! Life experience is significantly under-rated - not to mention the lack of empathy and the "whats in it for me?" attitude!
on the other side of it....the same attitude/lack of experience also means you can laugh your arse off at them when they get covered in Spew or Vomit because they don't know how to do it any other way!!
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It frustrates me that FU only accept people purely on grades.
and herein lies the problem. Gen Y's who can study and spew forth knowledge - yet can't talk to a psychotic or violent aggressive patient! Life experience is significantly under-rated - not to mention the lack of empathy and the "whats in it for me?" attitude!
on the other side of it....the same attitude/lack of experience also means you can laugh your filtered off at them when they get covered in Spew or Vomit because they don't know how to do it any other way!!
In my opinion, one's ability to confidently and appropriately deal with altered patients etc has a number of determinants. I think trait assertiveness, intelligence are most important. Some will acquire good people skills at a younger age; so it's impossible to accurately judge someone's social (adapt)ability on the basis of age or life experience.
Getting back to my first question, what is SAAS's views on this? Are they likely to employ a graduate fresh out of uni, with no life experience...?
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lol...are they likely to?
It is the ONLY way they do it! The only exception is mature age students...but again- fresh out of uni.
And you're right about the traits that people have...some young ones are wise beyond their years.....but that seems to be increasingly rare these days!
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It frustrates me that FU only accept people purely on grades.
and herein lies the problem. Gen Y's who can study and spew forth knowledge - yet can't talk to a psychotic or violent aggressive patient! Life experience is significantly under-rated - not to mention the lack of empathy and the "whats in it for me?" attitude!
on the other side of it....the same attitude/lack of experience also means you can laugh your filtered off at them when they get covered in Spew or Vomit because they don't know how to do it any other way!!
I have become quite skilled at the art of vomit avoidance. I am yet to be vomited on! And I have had a heap let rip haha. I must admit, talking to psychotic/violent/aggressive people is something I want to know how to do well. I generally don't have to do it and I suppose thats because I have the (relative) safety of 6 security guards, shackles and midazolam :P I have acted as a councellor many times thought to old blokes who miss their dead wives or women who have pulled their teeth out themselves. So I have that going for me!
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lol...are they likely to?
It is the ONLY way they do it! The only exception is mature age students...but again- fresh out of uni.
And you're right about the traits that people have...some young ones are wise beyond their years.....but that seems to be increasingly rare these days!
haha yes,,, good point. Maybe i should have worded that a little differently... What I mean is, would a mature age be much more likely to get a job than a 20 year old grad, simply because they have more life experience? Or would they look moreso at things like GPA etc...? If there aren't many positions being made available, they can be picky - and I hope this doesn't mean the younger applicants will miss out.
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Jayc my advice to you would be same if you walked into police recruiting right now. Go get a job in the real world even working at Coles, learn some customer and team skills, join a sports club and get some adult time behind you before applying.
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no care - that's cool. I appreciate your honesty. I'm still going to apply (at FUSA) though. Be it I get employed interstate or wherever, I still really want the job. And it is possible - to be successful at a young age. It has to be; otherwise they'd have an age limit. Anyway, I'm confident in my interpersonal skills, and so on :-)
If everything goes well, I will have been a lifeguard for a number of years when I finish uni.
I want to volunteer for an emergency service as well... but where do you go/where are you eligible to go, if you live in the metropolitan....?:?
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Although this will provoke a torrent of abuse and angst try looking at the EMT Ambulance Service. All volunteer, training to diploma level and some lifesavers who work on shift during the winter months. A number of ex members who have obtained jobs with QAS and NSW services. 8-)
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Mmm...they seem like nice people who want to help those that can't afford Ambulance trips, but I wouldn't want to be having some sort of medical emergency with them :P
Having said that though, the experience of how to talk to patients and providing assistance to those in need is not only rewarding but a good experience you can take with you into further study and work.
Also, as far as I am aware, it doesn't matter where you live when it come to volunteering with SAAS, but obviously you want to try and get as close as you can to the town you are going to :P
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Jayc cant volunteer with SAAS as he is
1) A minor
2) Doesnt have a full unrestricted drivers licence (no L's or P's)
sorry
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hopefully the same applies with the Bumblefoots too.....but I rather suspect not
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...the last one of them I met was about 16.
For some reason he didn't have all his teeth either....
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The other day, I met one that didnt seem that old either.
He had all his teeth however. :P
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yep, a bit too young at the moment. Next year though, I could apply at Stirling maybe. That's not toooo far away.
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Hey Jayc,
Mallala, Yankalilla, Goolwa, Strathalbyn or Mt Pleasant would be the closest vol stations for SAAS if you live in metro adelaide
Stirling is a career station...
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Oh right... I'm not sure where I got Stirling from then, haha :?
Thanks for the info! Much appreciated, straps
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Hey Jayc,
Mallala, Yankalilla, Goolwa, Strathalbyn or Mt Pleasant would be the closest vol stations for SAAS if you live in metro adelaide
Stirling is a career station...
and Meadows
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Assuming you are 17 now, you won't be able to apply next year either because you will need your full drivers license which you can't get until you are at least 19, assuming you get no demerit points whatsoever. There is no other way around that unfortunately, believe me, I've tried! It sucks :(
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ahhh, that's devestating...
Can you begin the education/qualification process before you reach the necessary age?
And does anyone know what sort of training you receive? Certificate/diploma in emergency pre-hospital care or something...?
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ahhh, that's devestating...
Such is life!!!
Nope no way around it. No you can not start any training until your 19 and have a full licence.
Volunteers complete the Certificate II in Emergency Medical First Response. After a period of consolidation they then complete the Certificate IV in Health Care (Ambulance).Both are nationally accredited qualifications.
SAAS no longer teaches the Diploma of Paramedical Science (Ambulance) program, the old Paramedic program. You now need to go to Uni and complete the Paramedic Degree to get a job as a Paramedic (at least in SA)
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Having said that, don't assume you won't get in because you are young when the time comes. I know 2 volunteers that are around 20 and another that is below 30. It just depends on the person right?
As we have said before, age is not necessarily a pre-requisite for maturity/life experience. I've seen people many years my senior do frustratingly stupid and immature things that I would not have even considered doing at 14 let alone 19 :)
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Thanks for all the info, no care.
As we have said before, age is not necessarily a pre-requisite for maturity/life experience. I've seen people many years my senior do frustratingly stupid and immature things that I would not have even considered doing at 14 let alone 19 :)
yeah, well said!
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Although this will provoke a torrent of abuse and angst try looking at the EMT Ambulance Service. All volunteer, training to diploma level and some lifesavers who work on shift during the winter months. A number of ex members who have obtained jobs with QAS and NSW services. 8-)
That is very interesting Blackfoot it seems that I have seen no one from the group get employment in queensland or NSW only know of members that have come from those locations with ICP or Cert 4 BEC SJAANT, Diploma and myself with Cert4 eqivalent SJAANT. In a way should not have got involved with this group down here. :lol:
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Although this will provoke a torrent of abuse and angst try looking at the EMT Ambulance Service. All volunteer, training to diploma level and some lifesavers who work on shift during the winter months. A number of ex members who have obtained jobs with QAS and NSW services. 8-)
Excuse me Blackfoot EMT Ambulance is not an RTO so its training conducted by its training officer is not actually recognised anywhere in Australia so please refrain from stating your members are trained to diploma level because they are not!
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SAAMBO that was very well put. Unless things have changed since I left in 2009 they are not an RTO. But I am over this mob. And good luck to their future there of. :roll:
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This has also helped me guys.
My only problem is I can't afford to leave the state to study (have my job, great work colleagues, family, friends) and my income is vital to my mum and I when it comes to everyday expenses.
Despite the fact that FUs degree doesn't seem to be that happy atm, I feel its probably the most appropriate.
Also, despite my shortcomings with Strath, I have applied to work at Goolwa as a volly. Interesting to see that Goolwa does more jobs than a metro station!
I can sympathise with you over Strath. Back in 91 - 92, I did my Ambulance training with that Station in the first few month there I helped with a lot of field duties as the other students were still doing recruit training so had to wait for them to commence the EC&T level 3 Course. I copped crap from a member when I commenced my course as I was an outsider. If you are from out of town you are out of the clique at this station. :-o