Where should I intern?

[EMT_yea_you_know_me]

I am currently in my second year of Paramedic school, just started 3 weeks ago. Next term we will have to give our preferences for where we'd like to do our internship and I'm really at a loss of how to choose. I currently volunteer at a paid/volunteer city Fire/EMS system that is relatively small (5 stations, 45 paid FF/EMTs). For a town of 50,000 it's relatively quite with about 3500 medical calls per year. We do have a very good, wide set of protocols that is somewhat unique in this state and rather well funded including: 12-lead EKG w/interpretation, IV pumps, bone-injection guns for adults, RSI, and aggressive pain mgmt. including drugs like Fentanyl. In addition, I was told that out of our program, about 60% of the interns get hired where they intern. I would like to work for my agency, but hiring has been put on the pinch for budget reasons for the next several years and I am interested in other agencies around that might have more narrow protocols, but more call volume, better pay, etc.
So I am unsure of how to proceed. My EMS Chief wants me to intern here, but I know they obviously don't want to lose their investment in me as a volunteer, though I don't want to wait in line for a job either. Plus, I don't want my internship to take twice as long because we only have 1 trauma call every 3 weeks and 1 chest pain call a week.
Sorry this is so long, but I would love any feedback or perspective.

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Never eat more than you can lift.

[N2DFire]

Well I came up through Paramedic school the "old fashion way" before a degree type program was offered and all we did was hospital rotations (Lots of em).

Anyway - I was talking to a friend of mine a while back (who teaches at a local Paramedic Program) regarding the intern (or ride along) portions of their class.

This guy told me a story of one student that did a rotation with a very "high profile" agency and all the student could do was observe - no hands on at all.

I won't offer any advice on where you should go, but I will tell you this - check very heavily on what you will and won't be able to do during your intership.

Good luck what ever you decide.

Take Care - Stay Safe
Stephen
FF/Paramedic

[mys2ry]

I hear that Eugene Fire EMS is a good system to work for. Applied there a few years ago, they seemed like great people, very friendly, easy to talk with. Unfortunately I never got called back after the interview. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/frown.gif You may also want to look at Tualatin Valley. Two former co-workers work for them and are very happy. Hope this helps.

[Engine 101]

My beat advice call around to various fire departments find out what there protocals are about having Johnny and Roy Interns (Paramedics) serve there internship, Thats the best way to find out