Name: Gary FinneyEmployer: Huntington Beach Fire DepartmentThumbs...

Name: Gary Finney

Employer: Huntington Beach Fire Department

Thumbs up: “Saving lives. It’s very rewarding to go to the hospital afterwards and talk to people we’ve rescued, especially when they’ve pulled through a tough one. We have the love of our community and serve as positive role models to children.”

Thumbs down: “Fatalities, especially children and suicides. It’s also difficult dealing with the victim’s distraught relatives and friends.”

Next step: “I’m participating in a quality assurance program, and when that’s completed, it would allow Orange County paramedics the authority to administer pharmaceutical treatment at the scene, prior to hospital contact. It would save time and lives.”

Advice: “Anyone considering this profession should be able to think clearly under duress.”

Salary range: In Orange County, paramedics are paid about $40,000 to $56,000, depending on experience and employer.

Fringe benefits: Paid retirement, medical, life, dental and vision insurance.

Hours: Most work a 56-hour week, working 24 hours straight on alternating days, five days a week. Then they receive six consecutive days off. Paramedics spend the night at the fire station while on duty and are on call during their off days.

Educational and training requirements: Paramedics in Orange County are required to work as a firefighter for at least one year before being considered for paramedic training. If accepted, candidates receive full-time training for seven months, which includes a two-month internship. Paramedics must pass a state certification exam and keep their certificate current by taking at least 48 hours of additional training every two years. They are retested by the state every four years.

Expected demand: Limited because of city and county budget cuts.

Job description: Respond to all emergency and fire calls, administer emergency treatment and transport the injured to hospitals.

Major employing industries: City and county fire departments.

Advancement: Paramedics may advance through department ranks to become captain or battalion chief.

For information: Contact Saddleback Community College Fire Science and Paramedic Training Program. (714) 582-4581.