can a person with only partial use of his non dominant hand still be a EMT

[Quattro08]

like the title states. looking for a career change. and am really interested in going through EMT school. talked to the instructor at the school I will be attending and he thinks I will be fine. but my worry is that he cares more about recruiting enough people to get funding than actually thinking I am capable of doing this. in short here is the story: while working at a motorcycle shop and went to test a bike I was hit by a truck which dissected my carotid artery and had a stroke on my right side of the brain. Im right hand dominant so I live a pretty normal life besides having lost some use of my left hand. would say the left hand came back close to around 80%. whats your take on this? you think Im capable of doing this job or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

 

[NomadicMedic]

It depends on if you can pass the preemploynent physical. If you can lift and carry without issue, you should be fine.

 

[blindsideflank]

Perhaps our best nurse has hands that I believe are a result of thalidomide. One hand basically has fingers the size of toes and the other has less. He functions very well in the ER, including starting IV's etc.
But I agree, lifting would be my biggest concern. Although 80% for some is still far above many peoples 100%

 

[STXmedic]

I had a student once with almost no use of her non-dominate hand. She was a good student, but definitely had some difficulties. She made it through and is currently employed as an ED Tech. I don't know if she ever applied for an ambulance or not, though I would imagine lifting a stretcher would be difficult, if not impossible for her.

 

[Ewok Jerky]

As long as you can work the controls of the gurney and start and iv/handle meds you should be fine. I would imagine "80%" of function is good enough (depending on which 20% you lost).