LOR question for EMTs

[meliora27]

I have been working as an EMT for a while (private ambulance company) and was thinking of asking for an LOR. I have been a good employee, clean record, no probs, all that good stuff. However, I am concerned b/c for the most part I have no real boss who sees me working out in the field. Has anyone else had this issue?

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[McPoyle]

ya, I did. I have been a paramedic with this service for 5 years and really wanted one from the medical director-felt it might look better. However, because of the nature of his job and my schedule we never really got to know each other. Instead I asked my direct supervisor whom I may have only worked the streets a handful of times with, we were in very close contact. I felt he could better speak to my motivation, compassion, aptitude, despite our not being on the same truck very often.

I think when it comes down to it, this is what adcoms want to hear about-not how well you can backboard someone, or how proficient you are at applying oxygen or any of that garbage. I think they want to hear more about you as a person, and I have a feeling if you have been at your service a while, then your sup can speak to this.

 

[MediumDef]

Do you have anyone with a management title-Clinical director, Director of education etc... I agree the actual Medical Director is hit or miss depending on your company structure and how involved he is in your company but there should be someone higher up in the management structure than road crew who can write a nice rec for you that speaks specifically to some of the things you would like to get across.

 

[McPoyle]

ya, I shoulda clarified that, my LOR is from my "Operations Supervisor"...

 

[AdmiralChz]

ya, I did. I have been a paramedic with this service for 5 years and really wanted one from the medical director-felt it might look better. However, because of the nature of his job and my schedule we never really got to know each other. Instead I asked my direct supervisor whom I may have only worked the streets a handful of times with, we were in very close contact. I felt he could better speak to my motivation, compassion, aptitude, despite our not being on the same truck very often.

I think when it comes down to it, this is what adcoms want to hear about-not how well you can backboard someone, or how proficient you are at applying oxygen or any of that garbage. I think they want to hear more about you as a person, and I have a feeling if you have been at your service a while, then your sup can speak to this.

Totally agree. My LOR is from my captain, and we only ran together maybe once a few years ago. What is important is that he can speak to your strengths/weaknesses as an individual, not your proficiency as an EMT (if you were applying for another EMS job, then that might be more appropriate). If you've had a good, positive relationship with your supervisor, and you feel he/she could write a strong, positive letter for you then go ahead!

 

[shnuffles]

I have been working as an EMT for a while (private ambulance company) and was thinking of asking for an LOR. I have been a good employee, clean record, no probs, all that good stuff. However, I am concerned b/c for the most part I have no real boss who sees me working out in the field. Has anyone else had this issue?

Yes, I had this problem. It sounds like everyone else has given good advice 🙂

 

[meliora27]

I actually have gotten to know the President/Owner of the company more than I have gotten to know the Operations Director. Do you think a letter from the President/Owner would be alright or would it be better to get it from the Operations Director?