Yea I believe he was already an EMT. We have different ranks within EMS and the skills each rank can perform. With Paramedic being the highest certified. The letter that said "no EMT-I no job" was referring to him obtaining his Intermediate level. Here in NC that is the level where you can began to initiate IV's in the field and certian medications. Basically moving from a Basic Life Support Service to an Advanced Life Support Service. That term you hear all the time with BLS and ALS.
Sorry to rant but I love my work. lol