Wow, you guys are amazing

[Dean Harris]

Especially you Tim. I was amazed to here my email read aloud on the mediccast, and for Tim to respond so quickly.

A little bit about what I do and what the Navy does.

My main job in the Navy is an IT, I'm a communications guy. But, besides that, I am also a firefighter and a stretcher bearer (I called it first responder, as its easier to understand).

Anyways, I have very little time left before getting out of the navy (little over 2 months).

I did look into going to the local hospital, and if I have time, will do so.

I think what I was asking is, will my qualifications that I have documented, can they be transfered civilian side?

[Rob]

I think you'll find that generally speaking your qualifications will not transfer. It's the doom of the military, the teach you to do really cool things but keep you unable to use those things as a civilian so that you'll stay in the military. First Responders are an "iffy" classification as it is, like EMT-I's. Each state has different requirements and parameters to be one, if they even recognize the level. I went through school with an ex-Navy Corpsman who had just finished two tours in Iraq, he could start IV's, administer drugs, decompress chests, the whole ball of wax and the state wouldn't even grandfather him as an EMT-B. Depending on where you go, you'll have varying degrees of success, but I wouldn't hold your breath. The good news is, it's fairly easy to get your First Responder or EMT-B, especially if you have experience and taking the class will serve as an excellent refresher training which may catch a couple of things the military may have skipped.

[Dean Harris]

Fantastic. Yeah, I can start IV's, take vitals, do primary and secondary assessment, etc.

Hell, I can treat the 8 gitmo wounds. But none of it will transfer? Okay, no biggie, thats what the GI bill is for.

[Tim Toth]

First, thanks for your service. I retired an E-7 after 24 years in the USAF Medical corps. If memory serves me correctly, everyone in the USN was a firefighter and litter bearer, if not a damage control team member as well. ( I spent time with the SEALS while assigned to USAF Special Ops). Regarding EMS certifications, the other response is correct...You will find that as a GI, you have received an abundance of specialized training, but it is only usable while performing your assigned duties, on an installation or on-board ship in your case. Almost all State EMS offices are very protective of their "fifedoms"' and reluctant to accept training that is not backed by another State (even that is a tricky venture at times). Many States offer assistance to retrain veterans, so check into that option as well. Good luck!