Kuvira Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 I apologise if this is in the wrong place, I wasn't sure. I've been thinking for a while what I want to do with my life. I've been through two years of university but I didn't want to do what I was doing as a carreer so instead of wasting two more years I quit. Since then I've been at my job. I don't want to get comfy at my job. My brother has gotten comfy at his job, I'm actually concerned he might never do anything else. I don't want to get comfy and stay there forever. I want to start school again next september. I've spent months doing research and I think I've come to the conclution that I want to be a paramedic. First of all I would like to know if there are any paramedics here? Do you like your jobs? Do you have any advice for a woman who wants to be a paramedic?Second of all there are fitness requirements that are needed to be a paramedic. I think it looks something like this www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9sSRJHDaOgI am a 160cm tall 50kg woman. Is this even possible for me to do if I trained hard enough? If so where do I start? I have access to a basic home gym machine, an eliptical, 8 pound dumbells, a rowing machine, a 30lb sandbag (literally a bag I filled with sand), a jumprope and some stairs. I am trying to save as much money as I can since I have to save up enough to go back to school as well as pay my depts off from the first time. So I can't afford the gym right now. When the program starts I think they have a gym I could use but I want to be better prepaired before then. Can anyone help me figure out a routine to get me started and ways to improve it once I get better? Quote Kuvira Magical Girl Recruit I Level 0 II STR 0 II DEX 0 II STA 0 II CON 0 II WIS 0 II CHA 0 II Don't forget, always somewhere someone is fighting for you.As long as you remember her, you are not alone. - Puella Magi Madoka Magica Link to comment
JPrev Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 Being a paramedic can be a tough, stressful job. EMS is general isn't always what people think it'll be. Not that it's a bad a career, but it's something you should spend some time observing and talking to people about in person. I loved my time as a basic and still keep my cert going - you know how many people I've seen hit by a car out here in Boston? - but neither staying a basic nor becoming a paramedic would've been right for me. Some of my friends went on to become paramedics and have enjoyed it, but after a couple years I think they're all looking to branch into something else. Look into how you can do some observations before deciding to commit to the process. Quote Link to comment
Raincloak Posted October 1, 2015 Report Share Posted October 1, 2015 In my area, the only way to get full paramedic cert is to become a firefighter. Which is a whole nother bucket of biscuits, especially for a woman (they do have several women in the FD, and the ladies there seem happy, but the physical demands are extreme and yes, there is sexism to cope with). I chased it for a while, but have put it on hold because the CPAT requirements are beyond my current powers. Maybe next year...Becoming an EMT is easier and is the logical first step on that road. Around here, you can take an intensive three-month night course at a community college and get EMT Basic certified for about $1,000. YMMV. You may be able to get scholarships or an employer who will pay to train you. EMT cert will enable you to get hired by an ambulance company, although last I heard the wages weren't great (still beats retail or fast food work, of course). If you wish to become a paramedic, this looks good on your resume and gives you a preview of what you'll get as a full grade paramedic (about a two year process, I believe).It's hard on your physical and mental health. You will lift many heavy things. You will be up all night, exposed to a lot of slime, bad smells, loud noises and sharp objects, and have nothing to eat but fast food. You will handle dead and dying bodies, including children. You will talk to a lot of people who are under extreme stress and mind altering substances, and will behave accordingly. People will cry, threaten, scream at you, barf and spit and poop on you, and occasionally hit and bite. You will see the results of very bad things that people do to themselves and to each other, and then next week you will see the same people doing the same things AGAIN. If you can cope with this day after day and retain both your work ethic and your sanity, congratulations, you might be paramedic material. Quote Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Hylian Assassin 5'5", 143 lbs. Half-marathon: 3:02It is pitch dark. You are likely to be eaten by a grue. Link to comment
Rocker3722 Posted October 2, 2015 Report Share Posted October 2, 2015 I know a lot of firefighters and the working environment is pretty much the same especially because they help EMTs a lot with medical emergencies. You need to be strong enough to move an injured person, the stronger the better and be able to stay on your feet throughout the day. My understanding is that most of the time you don't need to pick people up; dragging people is more common so I'd say that's a good minimum for strength. You also need to be calm under pressure and dedicated enough to take and pass the classes. As for pay it depends on the company. To help you prepare watch some first aid videos on youtube if you don't already know first aid. You'll become more familiar with the job and get a head start on the training. GOOD LUCK!!! Quote Lvl. 2 Elf Ranger"Ouch! What, did something happen?" Link to comment
tinak Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 I've been a paramedic for 30 years. I'm also female. I've had partners your size and they are perfectly capable of doing the job. As women, we are able to accomplish the same tasks as the men. Sometimes it just takes a little ingenuity. It means lifting with your legs instead of your upper body. It means using the patient's weight to your advantage,etc.The most difficult aspect of the job is mental. It requires being able to look past the horrific injuries or circumstances to do your job. It helps to have a good support system of co-workers, family and friends. I would suggest completing the EMT Basic course and then either get a job as a basic or volunteer with an organization. This will give you a chance to see if this career is a fit for you without having to spend 2 years and thousands of dollars on education. 2 Quote Link to comment
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