Questions about being an EMT

[E.G-ville]

I am a Pre- Physician Assistant sophomore at UF. I am considering dual enrolling next semester at UF and a local community collage to become EMT certified. My only concern is that I am a 5'5" 130lb 19 year old woman and I am concerned that due to this I may not be able to find a job as an EMT once I am certified. I am by no means weak, but I certainly don't have as much upper body strength as a guy. Do any of you know any petite woman EMT's? I was also wondering what a typical day looks like for an EMT and if you are required to drive an ambulance as an EMT?

**I posted this in the wrong forum previously. I actually recieved a good response, but I want to make sure I put this question in the right forum

 

[8jimi8]

Just for your partner's sake you should probably do some weight training and be able to lift your half of a 150 lb man. I believe in my EMT-B class they noted that 150lb was the max limit that 2 rescuers should try to lift alone. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure all of these hulks out here on emtlife regularly lift much heavier with only 2 responders.

In short, it legally shouldn't hold you back, but physically if you don't carry your weight, your partner's will suffer injuries.

 

[Cohn]

Well... I know many tiny female EMTs and there will always be two people there, you and probably a medic. Thing is... if you need help ask for it! Never lift if you don't feel comfortable lifting!

 

[LucidResq]

I know many medics and EMTs much smaller than you.

Make sure you work hard on your body mechanics and form when lifting, and start a strength training program for sure. I know a female medic who is probably about your size or smaller that actually teaches a formal class on special lifting techniques and such for the smaller people and women of her agency. You could always speak to smaller folks and ask if they've learned any tips or tricks.

In general, most EMTs on ambulances spend their shifts hanging out in quarters or parked somewhere on the rig waiting for calls. Some agencies are busier than others, and some days are busier than others. I have a friend who likes to visit the local museum between calls when he's working IFT.

Most ambulance companies will require you to drive. There are some instances in which EMT-Bs working for an ambulance only ride, but they're rare. There are a few other environments that hire EMTs that do not require driving, such as the ER.

 

[94H]

I know people at my company who are shorter than you and can probably lift less.

Anything over 250 at my company and they send you a second crew to help lift.

 

[Cohn]

I know people at my company who are shorter than you and can probably lift less.

Anything over 250 at my company and they send you a second crew to help lift.

or seaworld

 

[E.G-ville]

Thanks for all the help! It makes me feel a lot better about my chances of being hired!

...."or seaworld" so mean

 

[abckidsmom]

I know many medics and EMTs much smaller than you.

Make sure you work hard on your body mechanics and form when lifting, and start a strength training program for sure. I know a female medic who is probably about your size or smaller that actually teaches a formal class on special lifting techniques and such for the smaller people and women of her agency. You could always speak to smaller folks and ask if they've learned any tips or tricks.

In general, most EMTs on ambulances spend their shifts hanging out in quarters or parked somewhere on the rig waiting for calls. Some agencies are busier than others, and some days are busier than others. I have a friend who likes to visit the local museum between calls when he's working IFT.

Most ambulance companies will require you to drive. There are some instances in which EMT-Bs working for an ambulance only ride, but they're rare. There are a few other environments that hire EMTs that do not require driving, such as the ER.

This is so right. Body mechanics are more than half of strength in lifting.

 

[buttery1]

Just for your partner's sake you should probably do some weight training and be able to lift your half of a 150 lb man. I believe in my EMT-B class they noted that 150lb was the max limit that 2 rescuers should try to lift alone. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure all of these hulks out here on emtlife regularly lift much heavier with only 2 responders.

In short, it legally shouldn't hold you back, but physically if you don't carry your weight, your partner's will suffer injuries.

I agree, definitely start squatting some weight. This is America... hahaha most of the 150lb people aren't sick.. Haha it's the big ones!

 

[spike91]

I've met many EMTs with significantly smaller statures. As long as you can aid in lifting you'll be fine.

 

[ERMedic]

I know some smaller EMS providers than you. It's all about the proper lifting technique you'll learn in class.

 

[Trip]

I am a Pre- Physician Assistant sophomore at UF. I am considering dual enrolling next semester at UF and a local community collage to become EMT certified. My only concern is that I am a 5'5" 130lb 19 year old woman and I am concerned that due to this I may not be able to find a job as an EMT once I am certified. I am by no means weak, but I certainly don't have as much upper body strength as a guy. Do any of you know any petite woman EMT's? I was also wondering what a typical day looks like for an EMT and if you are required to drive an ambulance as an EMT?

**I posted this in the wrong forum previously. I actually recieved a good response, but I want to make sure I put this question in the right forum

My volunteer fire company has two EMT's that fit your description as well as one that comes close and is in her late 40's. Size doesn't necessarily matter. And, when all else fails, there's the driver to help. The ambulance company I work for has two or three...

 

[Veneficus]

or seaworld

That is classic.

 

[gary1969]

My personal opinion is to be very careful with your back. After I retired from EMS, I had 5 hours of back surgery. I am or was a very strong person and lifted with little problem. But I have seen people who's lives were ruined by improper lifting or talking people out of vehicles at awkward angles (rapid extrication). Maybe you can take the course and not work as an EMT ? A PA pays a lot more !

 

[Charmeck]

Maybe your service has a bariatric truck available. We have one that has ramps and a winch, no lifting required!

 

[Jackson]

I'm female, 5'1, and can deadlift about 145lbs. Just do strength training if you don't feel adequate.

 

[TransportJockey]

Yea, this is a little older, but the only thing that you posted that might be a problem finding work as an EMT is your age.

 

[LSalander]

I just failed a physical agility test at a company that requires you to lift a 250lb gurney (striker with a sand-bag patient dummy) up two flights of stairs, twice. They said even though normally you would call for backup if needing to lift that much weight, they needed to be sure you could do it if necessary.

I'm a 5'4 130lb female who runs regularly, does pilates and yoga, and works at a ranch doing heavy lifting and physical labor 3-4 days a week. I do not consider myself fragile or weak, but I got my *** handed to me by a freakin' gurney. Very defeating...

Is this the normal test with ambulance companies (in San Diego)? I'm worried that I just won't be able to do the job if this is what it takes.

Needless to say, getting a set of weights today :excl:

 

[Trip]

Is this the normal test with ambulance companies (in San Diego)? I'm worried that I just won't be able to do the job if this is what it takes.

Needless to say, getting a set of weights today :excl:

Not at my company. We just need to pass a DOT physical and be somewhat healthy. I don't know of too many medics that could pass that in Upstate NY. Just keep trying. It's a rewarding career.

 

[usafmedic45]

My only concern is that I am a 5'5" 130lb 19 year old woman

One of my former partners was a 55 y/o, 5'1" 97lb ovarian cancer survivor. You probably look like the Incredible Hulk compared to Irene. Don't worry about your size.

or seaworld

I would totally work on one of those marine mammal rescue teams. I prefer my blubber padded patients to have blowholes. LOL