medic

Octane Safety Services

At best, a mess of a company. 

The structure is very management focused, with management being king (and dysfunctional), and everyone else there to do a task as required. There is no reward in working, your thought of a number and that's about it. Management often comes across clueless and has no "alternate" plan when issues come off. Most mid-managment comes across tired and lacks care to the job. The management is also focused on "email base" instead of face to face, and this created a major disconnect when i was there between the actual problem and solution. 

At the same time there is no trust in the employees. Sign off on BGLs (seriously) has to be done for employees. So much needless paperwork, now in the convenience of a mobile app (which requires internet, which is not always available, meaning you have to do it once you get back and not get paid for it). The system they use is excessive and poorly fleshed out. The company also requires you to bill for your job, which can be confusing to figure out.

Schedules are moronically planned out. There's a more focus on hiring for the job now, instead of keeping regular employees. Most people are new, and lack experience. It's a good training ground, but never should be a long term gig. Will you work 18 of the 18 days you've scheduled for and your up there? Probably not. They will make you split and then ask two days later for you to come back on your time off. There was no sense of anyone who was loyal because there is just constant switching and hiring. My first warning about internal issues should of been when they gave me a "recommendation" page in my hire on package, from former employees. It was an internal nod that "yes we have issues" but, no need in resolving them.

There's no flights or travel covered (which is a perk at the PCP level that is usually covered. I didn't need it, but if you were from Edmonton or Calgary, i could see it getting expensive), no pay when your stuck sitting around (not even sub), and no firm set scheduled amount of days to be worked. Travel time is paid from shop to office, but it is minimum wage. Each contract will have a different pay or cancel structure in it, so be sure to ask about that before you do it.

Gear is in good condition. Trucks are in good condition.

Pay is less then average, with them being 50-100 lower for most PCP jobs of similar quality. Pay is decided by experience and mandated to be kept confidential. No one did this.

There is paid training (which is beneficial), but it can be done by someone who is lower levelled then you. Often the mentality to training is that everyone is too new to be trusted, and your trained at a level of making you feel dumb. Often this means being trained by someone who's a designation lower then you. I get why this is done, but it's not properly fleshed out.

Professionalism is a huge one. Emails are splattered with happy faces, emjois, gifs, and other unnecessary messages that shouldn't be needed. There's a bunch of yelling in the office, and often emails regarding your schedule or work will not be answered.... however if there's an email about a piece of paperwork, you bet your bottom dollar they will hound you about it until it's answered.

It's a mid size medic company with major mid size problems. It's better then 9-1-1 industrial, but worse or similar to IPS. I would say there are glimmers of hope of being a great company, but they lack an established group of employees outside of management to communicate that and be a brand for them. 

Work for a bit if you desperate, run somewhere else once your established.

I have worked for Octane for almost a year, and there has never been a time that I felt like I was a number to this company or it's management. Whether I am picking up their well-maintained equipment, or assigned to a new O&G lease site, I am confident that my comfort, security and safety is always the first priority to Octane's department managers and owners. 

Their staff accommodations are always clean and maintained by professional cleaners. They are comfortable and secure, and well managed by Octane management to guarantee that every employee has a comfortable stay within a safe neighbourhood. 

For OFA's, EMR's, PCP's or ACP's, work is steady and reliable. Octane's management work closely with the O&G clients and consultants that they hold contracts with. This is done to ensure that the client's expectations are managed, and their standards are upheld, so everyone onsite can work together confidently and safely.

Octane's Fleet department works hard to ensure that you are supplied with everything you need, and Fleet management is always a phone call away if issues arise. No issue is too complicated for Fleet to solve. Fleet management's top goal is to ensure that every piece equipment that leaves their shop is ready-to-use, not expired or obsolete, reliable, and safe.

Octane works in many areas of western Canada, including the territories. With this job, I have been able to travel to many parts of beautiful Alberta, and be apart of teams that energize this country with our resources. While the locations can be isolated, I know that I've never been so isolated that I cannot access assistance when needed. Even in a situation involving a personal emergency, Octane's dispatch will do what it takes to ensure their medics are not left high and dry, and they can return back to their home and family ASAP.

Octane's field supervisor is dedicated to her medics. That's her #1 priority, and she takes it seriously to protect the medics' wellbeing, in or out of the field, or on or off a job. Her close involvement with the medics means she will get to know you, and will provide you with all of the tools you need to succeed as a medical professional. Whether you are a seasoned medic, or green and shiny, she provides a helping hand to ensure your job goes as smooth as possible.


They are *always* raising the industry standard due to their dedication to health and safety in the oil and gas industry of western Canada. They want you, the medic, to succeed and remain safe. Don't assume that a smaller company can't compete with the bigger guys. The bigger guys will make you go through a phone tree to access assistance while out in the field. Octane's assistance is always a short ring away, day or night.  I'm proud to be an Octane Primary Care Paramedic, as I know this company is a significant piece of the puzzle in the advancement of my career.

Employees: 
Octane Safety greatly values the quality of its services and therefore makes sure that all medics going out to a job are well trained, well equipped and protected.
They have a very robust training program (2 to 3 days) to help the new hire in his new environment.
The starting wage is average or slightly above with the very good possibility of pay raise.
Employees are surrounded by a supervisor, mentor, and office personnel ready to provide assistance when needed.
They have a risk management process in place to ensure the protection of medics working in high-risk areas ( bear kit among other things).
The schedule is flexible. You can work up to 21 days when is busy and have the option to work in the shop when it is not

Equipment:
All trucks are very clean, inspected and well equipped when leaving the shop.
All Trucks also have safety kits for the Medics/employees to protect themselves while waiting for help in case of an emergency.
Staff houses are well maintained, with spacious bedrooms.

There's some up and downs to the company, however, it's due to the fact that the company is still continuing to grow and develop, its bond to face challenges. 
Pros:
1) It's a excellent place to start your career as an EMR/ OFA/ EMT, it looks good on you resume.
2)the company tries really hard to keep things up to date and in order
3) the supplies are well stocked. With Octane it's expected to do an inventory check so that all missing supplies can be refilled. 
4) Dispatch is very friendly and quick to respond when needed most.
5) they care about how you're doing, I usually ask tons of questions regarding several different situations. they've sent someone down before to help me understand what to do and whom to contact if I was couldn't find a solution to the problem.
6) I have enough time to study 12-lead and ACP prep materials, books
7) there's tons of support as you learn
Cons:
1) the beginning can be a bit confusing at times, like all companies but once you've got a good grasp. things are more relaxing and easy.
2)with so little tasks, its boring.

I've been with Octane for 2.5 years and in the industry much longer.
If you are a newbie, Octane is the BEST company for a new hire. There is no better training you'll receive. They make sure you know what's what about EVERYTHING pertaining to your job. 
The supervisors are very helpful and are there when you need them for anything.
The wage is very competitive to the industry! 
They also do interactive contests/ activities, which I believe is very important to keep the staff involved.
The staff houses are very well kept after, with cleaning staff that come in once a week.
The MTC's are top notch. They don't miss a beat when it comes to cleanliness!! 
Finally, the dispatchers are what keeps the company moving smoothly and efficiently. I think they can make or break a company. These girls works their butts off for us!!They will work with your schedule. They value work/life balance.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Nothing at all. Be prepared for disappointment 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Poorly managed company. It gets stressful to tune out the “noise” from management and office staff. 


What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
You have to be part of a click to get good job offers. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Unstable. Work varies between contracts. Mostly oil field jobs. Be prepared to be dispensable

Will work with your schedule. You need to watch your back, you will get the blame for sloppy work of other Octane employees. 
Each member of management will pass you off on another if you need helps/have questions.
Some units are new and nice, some are old, dirty and ripped interior. Mtc's are nice.
So many rules at shop, ie-you cant drive here, cant park there, have to leave your keys.

I currently work for Octane and have for while now. I have had a great experience with them so far. Expectations for work are clear and you are given everything you need to be successful here. Management is more concerned with teaching and improving their employees than getting them in trouble and encourages you to seek out help with any issues you may have. Accommodations provided are above industry standard and make for a much better rotation.

I started off at octane as a shop hand waiting for my licensing exam, and they were more than happy to hire me as a shop hand while they waited for me to be certified. The owners/management are super supportive, happy to help and easy to talk to. I've been working as a field medic for about 7 months for them and I truly enjoy my job, they keep you busy as much as possible and are very accommodating for your needs!! Highly recommended working here 

Petty office staff and owners that enjoy micromanaging you. Think mean girls from high school, except in adult form with control over your work schedule. 10 emails for 1 job site, when one is more than sufficient. And don’t even get me started on their “unwritten rules” that you’re just supposed to know. 

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