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Rob Bozicevich, Paramedic, Rural/Metro Ambulance
Job: Paramedic, Rural/Metro Ambulance, Roswell
What I do: Real life as a paramedic isn't like TV. Rob Bozicevich, 35, says it can be dramatic -- even bizarre -- but it's usually routine. He and his colleagues respond to fires, accidents, crimes or "anything you can imagine, from somebody with a stubbed toe to somebody who's been shot in the head," he said.
He responded to a recent shooting in Forsyth County that left four dead. "It looked like a movie set; it didn't look real," Bozicevich said. "We see some things nobody should have to see."
Some of the calls are from lonely people who "need human contact." Others can take an odd twist, such as a woman with multiple personalities who pepper-sprayed herself.
"You have to like working with people," Bozicevich said. "There are some very interesting people out there, and we see them every day."
As a paramedic, Bozicevich can perform airway intervention (called "tubing" on the TV shows), use defibrillation for people with erratic heartbeats, administer medicines and IV fluids, and perform CPR. His company's crews -- two to an ambulance -- are often the first or second units on the scene of 911 calls in Fulton and Forsyth counties.
Bozicevich works a 24-hour shift, then is off for 48 hours. While on duty, he estimates, he is in contact with patients -- treating them or transporting them to hospitals -- about half the time. "The other 12 hours, we're waiting to be in patient contact."
As for TV, Bozicevich said the show "E.R." portrays paramedics fairly but is overly dramatic, "only showing the kicker calls."
What got me interested in this: After taking pre-med courses at Kennesaw State University, Bozicevich was working at a restaurant when he got excited about the stories that a firefighter friend told about his job. Bozicevich enrolled in emergency medical technician (EMT) school, then moved on to paramedic training.
Best part of my job: "We have freedom," Bozicevich said. The company's medical director sets protocols, but it's up to the paramedic to make decisions in the field. "Nobody wants bad things to happen to people, but, when it does, we're there. We bring a lot of hope."
Most challenging part: "Not getting frustrated about the way people take care of themselves," he said. "Overweight, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle -- it's going to kill you."
He also expressed frustration about drivers who don't get out of the way of emergency vehicles. "When you see lights and sirens, pull to the right," he said.
He also said that paramedics "could be utilized so much better," because of regulations on what they can and cannot do for people.
What people don't know about my job: "It's not as glamorous as TV makes it out," he said. He said the field is wide open for people with the desire and strength -- mental, emotional and physical -- to do the job.
What keeps me going: "I was called into this job," Bozicevich said. "I know it's where God wants me to be. . . . I do a job most people can't stomach. I find a way to help people."
Preparation needed for this job: Paramedics have more training than EMTs and are able to administer drugs, perform more procedures and analyze patient data. EMTs generally assist paramedics and can administer oxygen and immobilize patients who may have back or neck injuries.
While a college degree isn't necessary, considerable schooling beyond high school is. EMT school takes nine months to a year, and paramedic training takes an additional year to 16 months, depending on the programs.
Both EMTs and paramedics must pass national certification tests and be licensed in Georgia.
Once on the job, there are requirements for continuing education -- about 48 hours every two years -- in fields that include pediatrics and cardiac care. A CPR certificate also must be renewed every two years.
Bozicevich said Rural/Metro Ambulance helps its employees stay current with their training, which is available from the company, Grady Memorial Hospital, local fire departments and online.
- By Karl Ritzler, for ajcjobs. Got an interesting job that you love? E-mail your story to jobseditor@ajc.com.
