Questions!

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Permalink Reply by Skip Kirkwood on January 19, 2010 at 5:44pm

First, don't let the big bad (probably in terrible shape) boys scare you. Stay in shape, and make sure you can demonstrate that you can do the physical aspects of the job - carrying multiple bags and devices (oxygen kit, drug kit, cardiac monitor, etc.) up stairs or wherever, AND being able to handle your end of a 65 lb. stretcher with a 200 lb + guy on it.

You don't say where you are. Don't wait to get 'experience' before you go to paramedic school. No matter what some say, the entry level professional credential for EMS is a paramedic certificate. You might get some valuable experience as an EMT, depending on where you are and what you're doing, but then again you might just waste valuable time.

For what it's worth, I recently promoted to a District Chief position a young woman who was a great field paramedic despite being like 5' and not much more. It's about knowledge, skill, determination, etc. If you want to get in to specifics send me a private message.

PS You'll probably still be working long after those guys who are laughing at you have blown out their backs and gone on disability.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on January 20, 2010 at 8:13am

Ashlee
If you can get a job as an EMT basic that's great but in some area's those jobs are just non-existent. If that's the case in your area then Skip has a good point about going on to medic school. Better to be in school for 2 - 4 years working towards your ultimate goal than to be spinning your wheels for a year or two looking for an EMT basic job. And a lot of the progressive EMS services won't hire basics. Their entry level certification is a Paramedic.
You mentioned that you're in great shape so stay that way. The trap that a lot of field folks fall into is eating fast food and junk food coupled with a poor exercise regimen when they're off duty. A lot of the Workers Comp injuries that medics experience stem from the fact that they are out of shape.
EMS can be a mentally and physically challenging career but if you enjoy what you're doing it's well worth it.
By the way, if you're working in a nursing home as a patient care tech/CNA or whatever they're called in your area then my hats off to you. That to me would be a really tough job. I'll take the cold, the dark and the rain over that any day.
Good luck on your journey
scott

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Permalink Reply by Ashlee on January 20, 2010 at 7:41pm

Thanks guys... Im actually from PA... I know my instructor told me in emt class that if you go right into medic after not having experience you will basically fail.... Witch is fine but I cant get the experience if noone will hire me.. I want to be able to be working as a emt and go part time and then be in school for medic... And scott, I am a CNA and believe me it is a very very tough job, esp because I work on the skilled floor... I get all the nut jobs (haha)...

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Permalink Reply by Bill J. Hufford on January 21, 2010 at 7:30am

Classes I would recommend PHTLS or BTLS Get your CPR Instructor these are very beneficial courses for a EMT starting out. The more certs you can get under your belt the more marketable you are. And for your size, That should not be a factor, You can do it just keep being persistant. Bill J. Hufford www.medtact1.com

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