[JRose]

Figured it was time to actually sign up and say hello to everyone! I've been lurking and dreaming for far too long with no real way to ever move -- I just made up my mind two weeks ago that I'd quit telling myself I was going to try and actually try! In that short time I've found out alot, but for everything I've found out, there's something new that eludes me! Such is life, right?

It wasn't my intention for the first hello post to ramble on like this, but why not ask a few questions in the first post? They've been burning in my mind for quite some time now! The first question is simply, "Do I have a chance at all?". I don't have a college degree and my only work experience that's really viable is data entry and emergency medicine! (I'm an EMT, not a doctor! Don't be impressed!) Are EMT's widely needed in New Zealand? I appreciate all your help already, and I haven't even gotten an answer to this direct question!

Thank you, everyone, your help is much appreciated.

--J

[StevieD]

Welcome to the forum and good luck :) Can't help you with your questions but sure someone in the field may be able to help you.

[peebles16]

Welcome along from us too :)

Karen

[jackie m]

Hello & welcome from me too :)

Jackie

[dusk]

Hello and welcome J, sorry i don't have any useful information on the EMT sideof things.

whats your 'first pass' points score like? (assuming you've done that and don't mind sharing of course!)

[JandM]

Hello, and welcome.:)

I found these links. The first one really spells out their attitude to employing EMTs from overseas backgrounds, with some useful links of its own about getting residency. The second one looks to be a private company which also might give some openings - maybe worth contacting them direct.
http://www.stjohn.org.nz/jobs/international.aspx
http://www.ambulance-emt.co.nz/faqs.aspx

[dilanium]

Hello and welcome!!!

[JRose]

Thanks for all the welcomes!

My first point score differs simply because I don't know if my girl would come with me. If she did it would be 110, and if she didn't it would only be 60. (Which I know is far too low, but if I'm not mistaken with a job offer it raises 50 points?) Even with those scores I didn't really take into account work experience, since, well, I didn't want to calculate it! When (if) I ever truly apply ofcourse I'll be forced to sit down and think about all the dates and times.

Thanks with the help everyone, and keep in mind, I'm an EMT now, but I don't want to be my entire life. (I'm 22 and have already seen some things that give me problems sleeping!) I'm guessing there's no way to enter if you've not a degree and a chunk of work experience! Anyways, thanks for your responses!

[dusk]

ah well you don't have to stick to that same career forever once you are n NZ, depending on which route you go in of course, you can change jobs after a given period of time

its important to accrue as many (provable) points as possible to get you as close to or above the points target, so if you have any work experience that will help with the points, you should definitely use that :D

and yes job offer - 50 points

[JandM]

I'm guessing there's no way to enter if you've not a degree and a chunk of work experience!

But there is. Only, you have to work through the system, grit your teeth and find out where you stand. (Don't think I'm not sympathetic about not liking all the forms and regulations. I'm in the middle of HAVING to learn about aspects of tax and inheritance on behalf of my elderly mother, and my mind screams every time I see another of those closely written pages. But needs must.)

On one of those websites mentioned, it specifically tells you about all the training on offer as an EMT. Other trades will also train you up once you get in on them.

Have you considered going to NZ on a tourist visa, looking for work while you're there, and applying for a work visa from within the country?

[JRose]

JandM: Thanks for taking the time to respond, not to mention looking at the sites that were previously posted! I've considered going there on a tourist visa and looking for a job, but to get a permit you'd still have to go through the same grading system, wouldn't you? Unless there's something I'm missing, (Which is entirely possible, I tend to look at all the minor details and sometimes miss the bigger picture!) I'd still have to accrew 100 points or more in order to work there, correct? Thanks so much for your time.:nice1

[Leanne]

Welcome and good luck with everything! :D

[beccalou]

Hello:)

[dusk]

J, not really - if you went in on a vistors visa you would be able to apply for a job there, and then apply for a work visa, to allow you to start working

once you have you can then start the EOI application and have the lovely extra points for already having a job in NZ (just to note - the job does need to be I think either permanent or for a period of over 12 months)

just to be clear, there's temporary work visas, work to residence visas and permanent residence, the latter two are more difficult to get than then former

[AndyR]

welcome to the fourm! it may be worth contacting Geneva health to see if they do any services for EMT's. Good luck!

[JandM]

Yes, I agree with Dusk. You can BE there, and GET a job offer, which gets you your first work visa, so that you can begin working. That gives you your start in the country without having to have the points up front. That's what you'd missed.

[Philip10]

What's an EMT

[slider]

Hello and welcome to the forum :)

[JRose]

Thanks everyone for your help! I think I missed that part, or skipped over it for some odd reason; maybe I heard something negative about it somewhere so crossed it off the list! I've been doing some glancing on Yahoo answers and other sites, and probably heard something negative about going that route.

And, not to sound too silly but are EMT's referred to as EMT's over there, or are the Ambulance Technicians? I can't really find a concrete answer on that, either. Again, thanks everyone for all the help and support.

[dusk]

This is what I found on the ANZSCO (http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/1220.0Search02006?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=1220.0&issue=2006&num=&view=) list...
UNIT GROUP 4111 AMBULANCE OFFICERS AND PARAMEDICS

AMBULANCE OFFICERS AND PARAMEDICS provide emergency health care and transport for injured, sick, infirm and aged persons to medical facilities.
Indicative Skill Level:
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

attending accidents, emergencies and requests for medical assistance
assessing health of patients, determining need for assistance, and assessing specialised needs and factors affecting patients' conditions
performing therapies and administering drugs according to protocol
resuscitating and defibrillating patients and operating life-support equipment
transporting accident victims to medical facilities
transporting sick and disabled persons to and from medical facilities for specialised treatment and rehabilitation
instructing community groups and essential service workers in first aid
attending public gatherings and sporting events where accidents and other health emergencies may occur
ensuring that ambulances are adequately maintained and stocked with medical supplies, and that equipment is in good working order
preparing written reports on the state of patients' injuries and treatment provided

Occupations:
411111 Ambulance Officer
411112 Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic (Aus) / Ambulance Paramedic (NZ)

411111 AMBULANCE OFFICER
Alternative Title:
Paramedic (Aus)

Provides specialised transport services and emergency health care for injured, sick, infirm and aged persons. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 2

Specialisation: Patient Transport Officer (Aus)

411112 INTENSIVE CARE AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC (AUS) / AMBULANCE PARAMEDIC (NZ)

Provides intensive pre-hospital health care to injured, sick, infirm and aged persons and emergency transport to medical facilities. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 2

does any of this sound appropriate?

[Asli&Mark]

Hello Jrose,

Although I cannot give you any advice I would like to welcome you to the forum :)