..by physical work I mean do you need to carry heavy things (besides patients!). The reason I ask is because I'm a skinny built guy (24 years..145lbs pants size 30!). I was thinking to become a fireman, but i think that'll be too hard on me, plus i tend to have back pain. So now I think i'll become a reserve fireman and a fulltime paramedic. Any thoughts for those in the field? Recommendations?
2006-08-26 02:10:58 · 8 answers · asked by HoldYourColor 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I have been in EMS ( Emergency Medical Services) for over 15 years. I would suggest starting out as an EMT ( Emergency Medical Tech.), who works with the paramedic but at a more basic level. This is not a profession for everyone, you could see if it is for you and give you the basic knowledge before you try the advanced skills. As far as the physical work involved you do not mention if you are in a rural community or urban community this is a factor. I work in a rural community where the fire departments are still volunteer so it may take a while for you to get the help you need. Also the types of calls very depending on the area which you serve. The stretchers weigh about 100# in addition to the size of the patient. Monitors weigh on average of 20# depending on brand and model. Also you never know how many steps or the distance the patient will be down over an embankment. As far as the back pain goes, proper lifting techniques will help, you lift with your legs not your back, but things you do not think of as being taxing on your muscles can be, for example CPR, you use muscles you didn't even remember you had. So if you are worried about physical activity, you may want to reconsider, EMS might not be for you either.
2006-08-26 14:45:12 · answer #1 · answered by medic_princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a paramedic, and I'm 5'3'' and weigh about 125 pounds. I have some difficulty lifting the 300+ pound patients, but otherwise I can lift people just fine. You are always working with a partner, so you never have to lift by yourself. My boyfriend is a paramedic, too, and he has a couple of herniated disks in his back (from before he started working) and he doesn't have any trouble with lifting.
Sure, there is a lot of physical work associated with being a paramedic, but it's not too bad. You can always work out at the gym to build up muscle strength, too.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-26 13:44:06 · answer #2 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine. You do have to lift patients like you said, but remember you also have to carry your gear to the scene. Usually a first in bag that includes an oxygen tank, and then they monitor. So if you can carry a heavy duffel bag short distances you should be fine. Most of the heavy lifting is done by the fire/rescue and "all" a paramedic has to do is treat the patient. You might even get an EMT or someone to carry your bags for you.
2006-08-26 09:42:30 · answer #3 · answered by nicholas_fahrenkopf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides lifting patients (who can be very heavy) you need to carry equipment such as equipment bags, and the stretcher which is heavy.
Back injury is a very common injury for paramedics and EMTs. If you have back problems then you should maybe consider another field of work.
2006-08-27 00:54:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does involve quite a bit of physical work. If you tend to have back pain, I don't think the reserve firefighter gig will be doable either.
2006-08-26 09:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by The_Village_Idiot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have a partner, and fire men are always at the scene if you need help. You will still need to do lifting and it is physical. Depends how bad your back is.
2006-08-26 09:13:58 · answer #6 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A paramedic need not be hefty and muscular. He only has to be intelligent and skilled.
2006-08-26 09:21:58 · answer #7 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
are you kidding??????? when's the last time you saw a paramedic that wasn't a fat ***?
2006-08-26 09:17:50 · answer #8 · answered by bill b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋