Uggh...expect to soon be unemployed!

[LaterBloomer]

That's exactly the gentleman I was referring to in my post. Could you imagine how crazy-making it must have been for him in the years between the February and the September attacks? Kind of like Cassandra. Imagine having to deal with (probably!) rich guys with BIG senses of entitlement. Having to ride herd on folks like that must have been difficult.

I'm not sure, but I think it was a photograph of him on the cover of the book.

[mrs.b]

Oh no! I'm sorry to see this, Rebel. Hopefully they are able to rework the position to at leave give you some time to find something you would rather do. I'm sure you're looking at them already, but virtually all industrial facilities have an EM in some capacity. I'll watch my employers' global postings and send word if any pop up that fall in that category.

Hang in there!

[marianne202]

Rebel, I'm sorry to hear this. I remember when you got this job. I had to laugh at your remarks about being an EMS cabbie! I can totally relate!!! When I was in EMS we used to say the same thing. What about teaching? EMS instruction usually always needs instructors either lecture or practical. What about working for the city / county EM? What about a FEMA job? You've got a great skill base and I have no doubt you won't have too much trouble finding a new job. I will be sending you positive vibes. Good luck!

[Daithi]

Are there federal laws that require Emergency Manager positions within cities, hospitals, and other facilities? I'm just wondering if there is a business opportunity to allow several companies to save costs by hiring "your firm" to provide the service for them.

[LaterBloomer]

I want to be like lots of you when (if?) I grow up. I offer tea and sympathy, you offer practical advice on how to resolve a problem. We're lucky to have you.

[Daithi]

Here is an article from the Huffington Post that discusses how unprepared nursing homes are in terms of their disaster plans (unreliable transportation contracts, lack of collaboration with local emergency management, lack of contingencies for residents who develope health problems, etc.). From the article it appears most facilities have an emergency plan "on paper" that meets federal requirements, but don't really have everything in place to truly be prepared in the event of an emergency. The article is actually pretty good in terms of describing a need in the market that needs to be met. If you live in a city with hundreds of nursing homes you could provide several of them all the planning, training, serve as the coordinator to local emergency management, etc. You could help facilities not just meet federal regulations but truly be prepared to ensure the safety of their residents. How many facilities would be willing to pay for the service is a big question.

[rebel100]

Rebel, I'm sorry to hear this. I remember when you got this job. I had to laugh at your remarks about being an EMS cabbie! I can totally relate!!! When I was in EMS we used to say the same thing. What about teaching? EMS instruction usually always needs instructors either lecture or practical. What about working for the city / county EM? What about a FEMA job? You've got a great skill base and I have no doubt you won't have too much trouble finding a new job. I will be sending you positive vibes. Good luck!

I was chatting with a guy I went to medic school with the other day and we both agree that being a Paramedic would be the best job in the world if the patients were really sick enough to warrant our presence and there was no manager scolding you on the radio to turn another transport. We have both even tried Critical Care Transport, 911, etc... he currently works air ambulance out of Arizona...the patients are too stable to offer a consistent challenge. With that said I may go back, the pay for CC is pretty good and I have the contacts...I just don't feel called to it anymore.

I used to teach EMS at a career school, but they vacated the area. For three positions (1-2 times a month in the lab) there were 40 applicants, all qualified...but the three that got the job were from the agencies that send the most students to the school. I'm not willing to work that hard to earn a position that's occasional at best. It's just the reality of local EMS education.

They were great ideas though (...you know I think of you as one of my mentors )

[rebel100]

Here is an article from the Huffington Post that discusses how unprepared nursing homes are in terms of their disaster plans (unreliable transportation contracts, lack of collaboration with local emergency management, lack of contingencies for residents who develope health problems, etc.). From the article it appears most facilities have an emergency plan "on paper" that meets federal requirements, but don't really have everything in place to truly be prepared in the event of an emergency. The article is actually pretty good in terms of describing a need in the market that needs to be met. If you live in a city with hundreds of nursing homes you could provide several of them all the planning, training, serve as the coordinator to local emergency management, etc. You could help facilities not just meet federal regulations but truly be prepared to ensure the safety of their residents. How many facilities would be willing to pay for the service is a big question.

Your absolutely right, unfortunately...and this has been my great disappointment...no one really cares. The goal seems to be spend the least amount possible to meet the compliance requirement. I think it's the classic "it won't happen to me" syndrome. I have considered your idea, might even give it a try...but I think there are probably easier ways to make a living.

[rebel100]

I may take some time off actually....try and start something on my own. The MBA coursework has reminded me that with enough research you should be able to identify and exploit opportunities. I may be headed back to the ranks of the self employed. I have several broad ideas, and a couple really seem to have some merit. I'm also re-engaging in real estate investing, something of a hobby or incidental pastime that I can ramp up to turn a little profit.

I'm actually sort of charged up over the prospects...

[keithk]

Really sorry to hear about this rebel, I remember when you posted about the 5-on-1 interview and how inspirational it was...this was when I first started testing.

It's good to see that you're getting excited about the new possibilities though, go get 'em!