Currently I am an EMT-Basic at a busy hospital and I also have one year of college left before I can get a job as a police officer. I am only 19 years old and have a lot of years in front of me but want to do as much as I can. I plan on getting a job as an officer within the next year. I would also like to take paramedic training soon. I was wondering if anybody out there is both of these or what other peoples thoughts are on this.
2007-07-06 14:06:07 · 8 answers · asked by Ramajama 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Sweetie I hate to break it to you but you won't be an officer in the next year if your only 19. You have to be 21 at the time of your graduation to be a police officer. Least in the US you do.
I know several people that are Paramedics and Police Officers but say it's extremely hard. In becoming a paramedic you have to do clinics which require you to be at the hospital or riding the ambulance. This has to be worked around your shift as an officer unless you have comp time built up and can take off.
Depends on which department. I've seen departments work two weeks rotation and some work one month rotations. Don't think you can sign up to be a "day" officer. Doesn't work that way. But I respect your decision to make a life for yourself. You may find it easier to only do one career though. Both jobs take a rather hard tole on the body. Physically and mentally. Good luck
2007-07-06 14:16:39 · answer #1 · answered by CrimeLab 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can become a police officer before you are 21. I know several officers who came to work before they were 21. If you enjoy being an EMT and you are in the process of becoming a paramedic the logical step would be to become a firefighter/paramedic. Many departments now handle the ambulance service and staff with firefighters so you can rotate off and only work on the ambulance about 1/2 the time. In large cities there is a burn out problem for paramedics. I have a brother who is a retired police officer, a nephew who is a police officer, and I am a retired firefighter.
2007-07-06 18:05:43 · answer #2 · answered by lestermount 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on being just 19 and having your EMT license. My daughter became an EMT at 18 and now she is a flight medic. She loves it.
If you want to combine two jobs, normally, fire fighters have paramedics on staff. I'm not aware of any police officer/paramedics.
You will need to take your EMT II before you get to paramedic, and it is tough. It will be your toughest test yet.
But if you are determined, and study, you will do great.
Check out fire fighters in your area. You can also go ahead with your schooling while you are working as a EMT basic, and your chances of getting on as a firefighter will be increased because of your EMT skills.
Fire duty is less hazardous than police work (so many policemen get shot by punks), the pay is great, you get to save lives, and you can always volunteer to jump into remote regions, which is pretty exciting. Especially for a young, single person.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
2007-07-06 18:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by Alex 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard of Police officer who are certified Paramedic but as for doing both jobs at the same time thats gotta be impossible you would wear yourself out. Become and officer do the classes for paramedic training if you decided that being a police officer is not for you you always have being a paramedic to fall back on. Both jobs are equally important and take alot of guts, but you should take into consideration that when your a cop your hours are never the same, and you could have court on your days off or before you normal shift even starts. Also how the heck are you 19 with one year of college left?
2007-07-07 05:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No reason to become both
If the paramedic stuff interests you, go ahead and take it now while you are young.
If you then become an officer and find you don't like it, you'll have the paramedic thing to fall back on.
Now, firefighter EMT makes much more sense.
2007-07-06 14:54:26 · answer #5 · answered by cop350zx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive been an EMT for 4 years and i was considering joining the air force and becoming a MP but i decided against it. I get a much greater joy helping people live as appose to killing them.
But i wish you luck!!
2007-07-06 14:14:43 · answer #6 · answered by Katie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have several friends that do both. It is very noble of you to consider taking on this task and I wish you the very best of luck. Take Care & God Bless
2007-07-06 14:10:50 · answer #7 · answered by ஜSnazzlefrazzஜ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do what ever you want to do I won't tell you what to do I am not your father.
2007-07-06 15:04:15 · answer #8 · answered by Steven C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋