McGregor Institute of EMS

Maria Nadeau _{on Google}

Oct 16th, 2021

I've been to two college ambulances now (the first I had to leave after a TBI and transfer to a new school) and it's much more like a social club than an ambulance agency. If you're a pre-med student just looking to boost your resume and who doesn't need the financial support, then idk, maybe this place will work for you? But if you want to get really involved in EMS or are considering a fulltime career one day, then I strongly, HIGHLY recommend you check out another agency. That way you'll get a wider range of experiences with a wider population. A lot of 911s on colleges are psych (panic attacks, depression and intoxications). Try Stewart's in Somersworth, American Medical Response in Portsmouth, or better yet, go to your hometown or any local ambulance service. There's a shortage of EMTs so they're probably hiring! Be aware of the differences between private vs. Public ambulance services though, there are pros and cons for both. In either case, you don't have to do this for free. For the people at these other agencies, this job is their daily life and it puts bread on the table. They're not so cut-throat and competitive, but at the same time they genuinely care a lot more. I spent about a month in Durham (I'm in Boston now and loving every minute of it) and one night I was not feeling well. I clearly communicated this to multiple members and asked for permission before going home early. I missed a call, but I was a 3rd rider anyway so they didn't need me. That very night I was transported to an ER, where I stayed for 5 days. I was legitimately, very unwell. When it was time for them to decide whether I could officially join, the senior, administrative members (more experienced EMTs/medics who have been to other places than a college campus) approved but the students did not. They treated me as if I just didn't care and that I was too arrogant to think that I needed to participate fully.
Like I said, student-run ambulances are more like social clubs. There's a lot of petty drama and unreasonable competition.