Skymates has a very good rep at the other forum I frequent. There is nothing wrong with ATP, either, if you go self paced, though it's quite expensive. A lot would depend on your CFI. Is it someone who's been around a while or someone who just graduated the 90 day program. Personally, I think it's nuts to pay top dollar at a school where you're gonna get an inexperienced CFI.

ATP is big on safety pilot timebuilding, so that may be where you're seeing more hours in their program, and maybe a higher cost. It's hard to compare apples to apples but it's important that you do what it takes to get that info. An in person visit is a must.

If you're goal is simply EMS fixed wing, don't get a degree. A degree is only necessary to move into the upper level pay jobs in aviation, which part 135 EMS stuff will never be. What you need is ratings and experience to work your way into the job you want. Whether it be a larger academy, like Skymates or ATP, or a smaller flight school, you just need to work your way through the ratings and build time. If you don't understand the process, I'd recommend the home page at www.jetcareers.com

There is no reason your couldn't train part time as you work your current job. Take your time and take on as little debt as possible, you're still young. Work your way up through CFI and instruct part time to build up your hours. Get a job at Skymates for the multi time, they are screaming for CFI's at the other site I mention and pay $17/hr. Maybe more than you make as an EMT.

Find out what the mins are at some of the places you want to work. Make that your goal. More importantly, make friends with pilots that work at these places and let them know you're interested in flying. Find out how they got hired and where they trained. Don't tick anyone off. It's a small world in aviation, and people talk.