My name is Brian, and I'm thinking about switching careers and taking some EMT/Paramedic training. My questions is if I'm actually too tall to fit in an ambulance if needed. I'm 6'5", which I know is not super tall, but is tall enough to get pretty uncomfortable in places that a "normal" sized person would not have any trouble with. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Too Tall?
- Thread starter blayden
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lightsandsirens5
Forum Deputy Chief
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I'm 6' 2". I know you've got a boot of height on me, but honestly, I wouldn't let your height stop you. Anyone over about 5' 5" will have to watch their head in the back. And anyone over 2' 0" will have legroom problems up front, but like I said, don't let height alone stop you.
That's my opinion.
That's my opinion.
bigbaldguy
Former medic seven years 911 service in houston
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I'm 6'4" and it's a pain but not an issue.
SomeGuy9005
Forum Captain
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I'm taller than you and I manage just fine. I spend most of my time in the back sitting on the bench. I do admire people who can stand upright back there ... lol
Christopher
Forum Deputy Chief
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It all depends on how well you handle nicknames.
med51fl
Forum Lieutenant
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I'm 6'2" and it has never been a problem. I had a partner who was 6'6" and it was never an issue for him as well.
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I'm 5'9" with my boots on and can stand straight up in the back of our boxes.
Have to duck under o2 trees and grab handles but other than that upright.
We have plenty of tall EMTs and Medics. My current partner is about your height. And his big complaint is posting not working in the back.
If you want to do it don't let your height hold you back.
DesertMedic66
Forum Troll
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Being 5 foot 5-6 inches myself I feel your pain ( :rofl: )
I haven't seen tall medics have a hard time. It's jut something you have to get used to.
I haven't seen tall medics have a hard time. It's jut something you have to get used to.
I wondered this same thing before I became an EMT too. I'm 6'4, and it's not that big of a deal being tall in the rig. You basically sit down unless it's a serious call. The only down side are the boots you have to wear, which gives you an extra two inches! Most of the smaller guys love them cause they're taller, but us tall people don't want to be taller in this situation. Once you have a rid along you will get the feel for the rig and find out it's not too bad.
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The tallest guy I've worked with is 6'6". Well, two of them. Neither have ever voiced any issues about their height.
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Even with a sick patient you should be seated and belted as much as humanly possible. Not much requires you to be standing in the back of the box while moving.
That's in a perfect world though. The one we live in is far from that.
Hats are head killers in the back of the ambulance. The brim hides stuff from your peripheral vision and can lead to some headaches, literally. Yet I still wear mine all the time.... :wacko:
saskvolunteer
Forum Lieutenant
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I'm 6'7" and it isn't that bad. Everybody hits their head, we just do it more often 
Plus being a big dude can be handy on calls. It can also be a bit of a curse. If you aren't partnered up with someone at least close to your height, some lifting and moving is a bit of a pain.
Plus being a big dude can be handy on calls. It can also be a bit of a curse. If you aren't partnered up with someone at least close to your height, some lifting and moving is a bit of a pain.
emt11
Forum Lieutenant
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I'm 5'5 and I've had a partner that was 6'7. Worked just fine after a few trial and errors of figuring out the best way to do everything.