Diabetic EMT in California

[snowtobay]

Hey guys,

I recently finished my EMT-B program, so I'm an official EMT! I'm getting city certified in San Francisco this week, and now it's on to my Ambulance license. I don't have any DUI's, and I'm reasonably healthy...except I'm a type 1 diabetic. In their infinite wisdom, California's DMV has made type 1 diabetes a roadblock to getting my license.

Does anybody know any diabetics who have been successful in getting their license? It seems possible, but I would love to get a firsthand view of the entire process.

Lastly, if I am absolutely stonewalled by the DMV... where can I go from there? It seems like driving is an absolutely necessary prerequisite for getting hired at an ambulance company in the Bay Area, so I'm really wondering what kind of options exist besides IFT.

Thanks in advance for your opinions, help, and even lecturing (if you see the need for it!).

 

[Akulahawk]

It isn't just the California DMV that's causing the issue with Type 1 Diabetics, it's the Federal Government. You see, an Ambulance Driver Certificate requires the same medical clearance as a commercial driver's license. The "powers that be" have an issue with the possibility that a commercial driver could have a problem with their blood sugar level that renders them less capable of safely driving their commercial vehicle. Remember, this medical exam is primarily for the people that drive Class A trucks. California doesn't have a separate medical exam for people that are in commercial service but drive (usually) class C trucks - like ambulances.

You will have to get an exemption in order to medically qualify to drive an ambulance with Type I Diabetes. Do a google search for DMV form DL 51 and the instructions are on the first page or two of the form.

Good luck!

 

[snowtobay]

It isn't just the California DMV that's causing the issue with Type 1 Diabetics, it's the Federal Government. You see, an Ambulance Driver Certificate requires the same medical clearance as a commercial driver's license. The "powers that be" have an issue with the possibility that a commercial driver could have a problem with their blood sugar level that renders them less capable of safely driving their commercial vehicle. Remember, this medical exam is primarily for the people that drive Class A trucks. California doesn't have a separate medical exam for people that are in commercial service but drive (usually) class C trucks - like ambulances.

You will have to get an exemption in order to medically qualify to drive an ambulance with Type I Diabetes. Do a google search for DMV form DL 51 and the instructions are on the first page or two of the form.

Good luck!

Yeah, I've been told that it's like getting a CDL without actually needing one. Thanks for the encouragement though, I'll do what I can!

 

[NPO]

If you're insulin dependent you can't get an ADL... Some companies do hire attendants (non drivers) but these are usually smaller shadier companies.

That said we have a medic who I believe wears a pump, but hes not in the field anymore.