2006-11-07 17:57:06 · 5 answers · asked by Norman C 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Hell NO! I'm 48 and plan on takeing it next year.
2006-11-07 18:02:10 · answer #1 · answered by landersonjr1958 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! I personally know of several paramedics who are over 40 years old. One is a grandmother in her 60's!
However, there are some things you should consider before you become a paramedic.
Being a paramedic is very hard physically. It's tough on your joints, your back, and your knees. It's not uncommon to only have two people to lift a stretcher containing a 300 pound patient. On a typical day, my partner and I have to lift at least 15 people (sometimes down several flights of stairs) weighing from 100 to 300 pounds. You also have to account for the weight of the stretcher (100 pounds). At the department where I work, firefighters are usually available to help with some of the lifting, but that's not the case everywhere.
The hours are long. I work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. It's a tough schedule for a single person, not to mention a married person with kids. If you have an understanding spouse or girlfriend and don't have to worry about childcare, then it's much more feasible, but childcare costs can really add up on a paramedic's salary, and it's tough to find someone willing to watch your kids for an entire 24 hours. Sometimes, you can find more flexible shifts (8 hour and 12 hour shifts) but this really depends on where you work. At my department, the standard is the 24 hour shift, but there are two slots available for 10-12 hour shifts.
The pay is on the low end. This varies considerably with where you work. In Alaska, paramedics make from 15-30 an hour, depending on if they work in the city or out in the Bush. In Alabama, where I reside currently, paramedics make 10-15 a hour + overtime. The average is probably around 15-20 an hour. Paramedic/firefighters with fire departments make more, and paramedics with private services such as AMR or Rural/Metro make less. Realistically, can you pay your mortgage, car payments, etc, on a paramedic's salary?
It's a very stressful job, which can take a toll on you mentally. I'm fortunate enough to have a fiancee who is also a paramedic. He understands the stresses of the job, and I can talk with him about my day without having to worry about upsetting him or grossing him out. Some spouses are not so understanding, and they won't understand why you are upset sometimes, or don't want to talk. Alternatively, their idea of a good time might not involve your talking about the latest trauma alert.
I know I made it sound like the worst job on earth, but it's not. I love every minute of it! There's nothing like being a paramedic, and despite all the challenges, I don't regret becoming one. There's nothing like knowing that someone's life was saved as a result of your knowledge and skills.
Hope this helps!
2006-11-09 18:34:07 · answer #2 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no!! i think there is no age to be a paramedic... to save lives there is no age. cause age is just a number.
2006-11-08 02:31:29 · answer #3 · answered by cookeez55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're in good health without back problems etc., then go for it!
2006-11-08 01:59:39 · answer #4 · answered by OU812 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure as long as you're not a drug addict or anything.
2006-11-08 02:01:54 · answer #5 · answered by Lobster Dinosaur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋