current Alaskan wishing she was back in RI

[stbbrn]

I grew up in RI and moved here to Alaska @8 yrs ago... Wishing I was back there right now. My husband and I were back there just a few weeks ago vacationing and visiting family (Definately not one in the same) and now that I'm back here I'm wishing I was back there! lol
The FOOD!!! Oh how I miss the food!! I love that restaurant Fire and Ice in Providence, and I totally miss New Port... Now there's a fire dept my husband would Kill to work on. I'd like to work in Westport Mass myself... my family is all there and I just love the town.

Anyway, moving back there next year... will have to wait till then.

[CollegeBuff]

We'll be looking for you! lol

[kghemtp]

How are things going in terms of RI EMS & figuring out what you'll do for a class when you get there?

Why so long before moving? I mean, I suppose the end of the year is only 3 months away!

Good luck!

[stbbrn]

I've been in touch with my EMS State Coordinator and he said that since the curriculum change he's not heard of any of the states (especially Mass or RI) accepting any of the class room time for the national EMT-I, and because of how much is involved the state won't help me....SOOOOO.... I've decided when I get back there I'm just going to go for my Paramedic. Might as well considering how much is involved in getting the EMT-I.
So, anyone know of a good Paramedic class??

[CollegeBuff]

You should look into an EMT-Cardiac class when you get here. It's true that RI does not certify EMT-I's, but Cardiac is so close to that AND Paramedic (kind of inbetween the two, I'd say) that getting a C license can open up any door you'd need in-state.

[stbbrn]

I didn't even think of the EMT-C! That's a good idea... I should look into that... Any suggestions for where to take classes?

[CollegeBuff]

I took my Basic class at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence- great instructors, class was a little big to start but by the time we finished the drop-outs had made it managable. I've heard good things from Cardiacs who've taken that class there as well. Other than that I'm not honestly sure where else it's taught.

[CFD Hazards]

I took it at Brown University in 1992. It was run by the State, I think they just used the auditorium at Brown. I am not sure if they still run the class there. The "C" class is quite expensive; try to get on a department or ambulance company and let them pay for it. The state does not use Paramedics because with very few exceptions, you are no more than 15 minutes from a hospital from anywhere in the state. There are times that I think cardiacs waste time trying to do IV's and such when we could have had the person at the hospital in less time than playing doctor. Thankfully, I don't have to ride the boo-boo box any more.