Starting EMT-B in May

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sportster65

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Hello,

I just thought I'd introduce myself, I am going to be starting the EMT-B course in May and then go on to the Paramedic School. My wife says I am crazy and too old, I am 43, but I have wanted to be a Paramedic since I can remember. I have 4 years experience of law enforcement, and left to become a Real Estate Broker. I closed my business after the market went south and decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a paramedic. I hope she is not right and I am getting in over my head.

I am used to crazy hours, as I now drive a tow truck and work CHP and PD rotations.

Fortunately I work because I want to and not because I have to, but I have always had a strong desire to help others. I currently volenteer for the Red Cross and now want to make a career in the EMS profession.

I look forward to all the upcoming training and will take as much advice as you are willing to give me.

Thanks in advance.

Mark
 
I'd work as a Basic for a little while just to see what it's like before pursuing Medic school, just to be 100% sure it's really what you want to do. Just my 2 cents...
 
While I love to see more mature people choosing EMS as a career, California is a very bad place to do that. There is almost no job market for you there. Well over ninety-percent of all EMS jobs in California are for firemen only, and getting hired as one is hard enough for anyone, much less a 43 year old. And you don't even mention having any interest in firefightng anyhow.

My advice is to do a SERIOUS and exhaustive job market research survey to see if there is even a job for you after all that effort. And, if by some slim chance there is, does it pay enough to take care of a family? Again, probably not. It's just really slim pickins in California, and that is not likely to change in our lifetime.

On the positive side, those with a law enforcement head tend to do well in EMS because being detail oriented, observant, and understanding the value of good documentation -- as well as simply having experience dealing with people at their worst -- are all huge assets in this business. If there is a job for you, I have confidence in your success. And if you still think there is a future for you here, we have a lot of valuable advice to help you on your way. Good luck!
 
sportster65 said:
Hello,

My wife says I am crazy and too old, I am 43, but I have wanted to be a Paramedic since I can remember. I have 4 years experience of law enforcement, and left to become a Real Estate Broker. I closed my business after the market went south and decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a paramedic. I hope she is not right and I am getting in over my head.
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PFFT! I was one of 2 people in my EMT class who didn't have kids. Several were over 40. One guy was in his late 50s. They did an awesome job. Honestly better than me, for the most part, and definitely better than the typical hotshot 18 y/o wannabe firefighter you see in a lot of classes. There's a lot to say for those who have been there, done that, and have actual life experience under their belt.

Just take good care of your back :)

Enjoy the ride!
 
AJ Hidell said:
While I love to see more mature people choosing EMS as a career, California is a very bad place to do that. There is almost no job market for you there. Well over ninety-percent of all EMS jobs in California are for firemen only, and getting hired as one is hard enough for anyone, much less a 43 year old. And you don't even mention having any interest in firefightng anyhow.

My advice is to do a SERIOUS and exhaustive job market research survey to see if there is even a job for you after all that effort. And, if by some slim chance there is, does it pay enough to take care of a family? Again, probably not. It's just really slim pickins in California, and that is not likely to change in our lifetime.

On the positive side, those with a law enforcement head tend to do well in EMS because being detail oriented, observant, and understanding the value of good documentation -- as well as simply having experience dealing with people at their worst -- are all huge assets in this business. If there is a job for you, I have confidence in your success. And if you still think there is a future for you here, we have a lot of valuable advice to help you on your way. Good luck!
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Thank you for your great input, I did alot of research before I decided to rededicate myself to such a demanding career. Fortunately in the area I live the largest ambulance service is a private service and covers 3 counties. I spoke with them and they are always looking for more EMTs to hire. There are also several local casinos who almost every time I check are hiring for EMT positions. Almost all of the areas that would be feasible for me to work are serviced by private ambulance services. I looked pretty extensively before I jumped in to see the job viability and it looks as though there is a place for an individual who is willing and able to do the job.

I do know in the larger major metropolitan areas, the paramedics are with the fire departments, but in my area it is handled by the private ambulance service. I have no desire to ever become a firefighter, that is a tough job and they are to be commended, but it is not for me.

As far as being over 40, I know some industries like to hire us, because we have for the most part sewn our wild oats, and have been responsible citizens for a good portion of our lives. We also know at this point in our lives we are not immortal, have life experience, are not physically over the hill and usually are financially stable.

I have accomplished many things in my life, but this is one thing I passed on earlier, that I have always wanted to do. I live my life for today and don't want to look back one day and say, boy, I wish I would have done that.

So I will continue to pursue my EMT-B, and if there is no future employment in it for me, then I will not spend the money to go through the paramedic training, and continue to volunteer my time doing what I can to help others.
But then again I might just to prove that I can.

Correct me if i am wrong, but if the course instructor is on the up and up, he said there are many possibilities for EMTs in hospitals, if you are willing to spend more time getting yourself educated. Luckily most of the training here is free of charge through the county, and if you score well enough on the testing they give there are many other medical courses available.

Thanks,

Mark
 
I wanted to edit and add something to my previous post, but for some reason it would not let me. I have never considered age a barrier, there was a woman who was 57 and went through the sheriff's academy and graduated in the top 5 of her class. She was told that it was not going to happen because of her age, she did not accept that and was granted a waiver as long as she could pass the physical training. She worked her butt off for 4 months and made it. I know this is a true story, because it is my mom. I know there some skeptics, who probably don't believe me, but she was the oldest person to ever graduate from the Sheriff's Academy for Tulare County. She retired a few years back, and is now back to work at 70, she got her Real Estate License. I asked her if she was ever going to retire and take it easy, she told me as long as she is able and there is something she wants to do, she will continue to work. She also travels the country on some senior bowling circuit, and has hundreds of trophies. She smokes me each time I bowl with her.

She told me years ago, there are no can'ts in life, only won'ts. She must be right.
 
I would say go for it. Your not too old until you are unable to do the job effectively without restrictions. If your talking about the ambulance company I think you are talking about, then yes they are usually always looking for EMTs. They go through them like crazy. The casinos would be fun but the couple that are around me I think they have their own FD and also contract out to the private ambulance company in the area. Have fun and study hard!
 
Oh, come on lori, you know as well as I do the ambulance company we think he's talking about is on a hiring freeze until at least summer. But, yeah, they go through EMTs like a hot knife through warm butter. :)
 
Sapphyre said:
Oh, come on lori, you know as well as I do the ambulance company we think he's talking about is on a hiring freeze until at least summer. But, yeah, they go through EMTs like a hot knife through warm butter. :)
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Yes they claim they are on a hiring freeze but I talked to another EMT who works for them and she said she keeps seeing new people go through orientation.
 
LOL, yeah, I heard there's an orientation soon out here too. No one can figure it out.
 
EMTCop86 said:
Yes they claim they are on a hiring freeze but I talked to another EMT who works for them and she said she keeps seeing new people go through orientation.
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That's because their favorite band is "Skid Row".....


Don't ever tell them you like themB):rolleyes:
 
Sapphyre said:
LOL, yeah, I heard there's an orientation soon out here too. No one can figure it out.
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Yea that is why she told me to put my application in when I'm done with school even if they don't have any openings posted on the website.
 
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