So I am going to start working as an EMT in a couple of weeks. They are very strict on looking proffessional, you know like tucked in shirt, clean shoes, clean shaven. So do you think it is unprofessional to have a messy hairstyle? will they care? I just don't want anyone to get upset at how I look. what do you think?
2007-05-01 16:09:00 · 12 answers · asked by crazymonkey 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
First off, I know many EMTs and paramedics who have long hair (both male and female). It's never come up as a "safety" thing - if a patient wants to hurt you, he or she will find a way, whether it's grabbing your hair, or conking you with an oxygen bottle...cutting it short won't keep a patient from attacking you.
I work as a paramedic for a company that requires a uniform, shined boots, etc, and I've got a messy, razor cut, short hairstyle, and aside from the occasional jokes, no one from management has complained.
It all depends on how "messy" your hairstyle is - as long as it is in compliance with your company's rules, then it's probably OK. Lots of ambulance companies will require a male to have his hair length above his collar, and females to keep their hair up, plus no "unnatural" hair dyes.
One thing to keep into account is having to get up at 3am to answer calls - no time to fix your hair...that's why my hair is short :)
2007-05-02 12:31:43 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see this as a question of professionalism, it's the trust of your patients. The overwhelming majority them will be in a nervous, if not highly agitated, frame of mind before you even arrive. In many cases, the best you will be able to do is contain the anxiety at this level. Would you not want every possible advantage going in?
Your appearance represents how you feel about yourself and the people you meet. We're post 9-11. You're not just an EMT, You're a potential hero. Look the part. Good luck.
2007-05-02 21:12:53 · answer #2 · answered by look at yourself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Follow their standards and rules. I know it may seem strict, but follow it. In your line of work, I never even noticed the person who picked me up in an ambulance. Years ago in a terrible car accident. I was more worried about what was going on with my body at the time. I could not even tell you what the EMT's looked like to save my life. Someone who is having a stroke is not even going to give your hair style a second thought. However, if that is what your company wants, for you to keep clean and a nice and acceptable hair do, I would do it.
2007-05-01 23:20:02 · answer #3 · answered by hbuckmeister 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Professionalism is important. Messy hair is trendy right now, at least "I'm a model, I just fell out of bed and ran some gel through my hair" messy, and not "I have a mullet and don't know where my comb is" messy. I see men in suits all of the time with that "messy look". It's okay with me, as long as it is coupled with the rest of the things you mentioned: tucked in shirt, clean shave, etc. etc. Congratulations!!
2007-05-01 23:14:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you call a messy hair style, if it will scare your patients or make them nervous that you are working on them it is probably not good, try and stay as conservative as possible while on the job and wear it messy outside of work and you'll be safe. Remember it's not about you, it's the patients, you wouldn't drive up with rap music blasting out of your ambulance would you?
2007-05-01 23:20:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
short (2-3")and messy = okay for EMT....long(over 3") and messy = no good. Just my opinion. But i have been in several ambulances and seen plenty of EMT's and I have never seen one with long messy hair.
2007-05-01 23:26:52 · answer #6 · answered by who? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. Are you talking "Owen Wilson" messy, or some stinky ol' do with chicken bones and gum trapped in the locks?
2007-05-01 23:13:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it all depends on how strict whoever ur working for is. i dont think its un professional but if u work for someone whos a big stickler they might tell u to cut it or something, but i personally think its fine
2007-05-01 23:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by Just Me 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's something to think about.
Suppose you have an unruly, disoriented patient who tries to grab your hair?? He's bigger than you are and strong as a bull???
think about your safety.
2007-05-02 04:37:10 · answer #9 · answered by TedEx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as it's a "neat and clean" type of messy..... shaggy type of hairstyle not homeless type of hairstyle
2007-05-01 23:13:34 · answer #10 · answered by SC82 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋