Kind of a tough situation.

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dross

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So sometime in the next two weeks I will interview for a spot in a Rookie school that the ambulance service in my area provides. It is a paid gig, and upon completion of the program and recieving my certs I will be awarded a job as an EMT. My situation is this: I have and was obviously born with TOF, since birth I have had four open heart surgeries, and had an ICD implanted five years ago. I know that it will not interfere with my job, but I have had other job oppourtunities go south because I told them about my problems. I understand that they cannot ask me questions pertaining to health history, but the fact that I know how that patient feels better than a lot of medical professionals is one fo the reasons for wanting to be in EMS. Can anyone else see a problem here that maybe I don't. Things such as ethics. I wear a med alert necklace as well as a carry a card for the ICD in my wallet.
 
First let me say this you said "Obviously have TOF" Not obvious to us WE dont know you heh....

Things of this nature are a touchy subject you have underwent 4heart surgeries but while YOU may not think it will interfere or if you KNOW it wont interfere... that isnt your place to decide....I know it sounds mean and it isnt trust me I back you 100percent....

The company will have to weigh in whether your capable, or whether you will be a potential suit should something happen to you during duty and they knew about your medical condition....

-MY- advice to you is this..First off DONT volunteer the info Now when you feel out the application and it says do you have any...yadda yadda put it wont interfere... But CYA..I would suggest going to a Docs office...telling him your goal and having a physical done and have a doc sign off that your okay that way you can place it with said paperwork....

They cant discriminate because of it But they can sure as hell find reasons not to hire you, yanno???especially if they select a "Healthier" candidate so to speak in your place yadda yadda

GOod luck with it!
 
Thanks for the reply. I've already gone and seen my cardiologist, and she behind me 100% as well.
 
Every occupation has a job description. Is there any component that you cannot perform under the requirements of an EMT in the state of health that you currently have?
 
dross said:
Thanks for the reply. I've already gone and seen my cardiologist, and she behind me 100% as well.
Click to expand...

Get that in writing. Good luck, and please let us know how things go!
 
Forgot to mention. Part of the selection involves a physical test in which we are tested in our physical ability to carry equipment, and patients. I say If I can do this then I shouldn't have any problem assuming that my interview go fine.
 
Good luck. Seriously, though... give your cardiologist a copy of either your workplaces' job description or the "Functions of an EMT" from your state or the NREMT website... have your cardiolgist sign off that you can do that - i.e. lift 200 pounds, or climb up 3 flights of stairs with turnout coat and jump bag in ___ time.

Good Luck

Jon
 
good luck

hay this world is not fair but there is no way they should not hire you i have worked in ems for 2 years and i am fat and OCD and they dont hurt me do my job keep your head up
 
Okay..I really hate to step on toes but OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) is a different boat to ride on then heart surgeries ect.. OCD is a mental instability caused by a chemical imbalance that pushes the individual to have an obsessive action and intolerance over something ie a pt that weashes their hands 300 times before opening a door, someone who cannot stand odd numbers and has to have them set equal on volume, a person that Perhaps cant stand the idea of eating anything yellow....

It isnt anything like say schizophrenia Paranoia, or a physical incapability....

This being said if he/she does not have the right paperwork then YES they can find a reason to disqualify due to insurance policies, if said individual gets their cardiologist to sign off then they are good to go....

we are talking about someone with health issues not mental instability

as for "Obesity" as sad as it is to say isnt a medical condition unless it causes upper resp or congestive heart failure or causes an individual to lack in certain health issues...As long as your butt can haul it up 5 flights of stairs or lift a 250pnd person on a stretcher then your peachy.....

also what I would like to add is if youve worked emt for 2years why are you listed as a "Student"?
 
Allright here it goes. Even with my TOF I played high school football (before I got my ICD) I marched in a drumcorps (if you dont' know what this is then go to www.dci.org) and have worked maintenance, and construction jobs. I'm used to lifting heavy things and working physically. I'm about 200 llbs, but mostly muscle. My cardiologist has given me the green light, and has told me that if it ever comes up, then have the company call the hospital, and she will tell them everything they need to know (including faxing them a copy of whatever they feel they need) The only thing I haven't done that the doctors said I wouldn't be able to is join the military (a life long dream) and while in college I participated in ROTC for a semester, and was awarded to Superior Cadet Achievment Award. I hate when people try to tell me that I can't do something. Trust me, when I say that I understand my body better than anyone. Also, I understand the consequences, and wrong decisions, and wouldn't put myself or anyone else in danger.
 
There you go then... if its set and they question have them call your doctor and the paperwork is done for their "Security" and yours... I hope you make it through allright and get selected...Good luck! and Please let us all know how it goes!
 
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