A friend in need...

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My brother-in-law who has been an EMT for about 3 years asked if I thought he should consider enrolling in a Paramedic course. He's worked in a well known pediatric hospital in a nonclinical environment for almost 10 years but has become a victim of consolidation and the current economic crisis and was recently "released".

Under normal circumstances I'd say go for it but there is a catch..... he's 56. Given the cost and time frame ( 2 year program ) I'm not sure there's a positive cost / benefit here. People should do what they love... and he loves being a volunteer EMT... but I don't know what the prospects of being successfully employed might be.

I'm stuck... I don't want to discourage him but I think his expectations need to be realistic. His age, given the physical requirements of the profession are a reasonable consideration. Maybe another area would be more realistic.... thoughts ?:unsure:
 
Well.. I am a brand new medic - May of 2008, and I am now 51. I am working in an extremely busy environment. We run 30 calls a 24 with 3 crews of 1 EMTB and 1 medic each. We run 48 hour shifts, and currently, all medics are on manditory overtime because we are so short. The environment is brutal, the coverage area is huge. All in all, its probably as demanding as this stuff gets (warzones excepted). I am doing great! I work at staying in shape, am vigilant about my rest and nutrition.
A fellow medic is almost 60. He is doing great.
On my ride time during school, one of my mentors was 70 years young. She was a 911 medic and a darn good one.

Are you getting the drift here? Age is a number. Individuals are what matters.

I don't know what his job prospects are because I don't know the area he is in, but if worse comes to worse, I could probably get him a job tomorrow.

Tell him good luck!
 
Personally, I would recommend Nursing or Respiratory Therapy. Not that EMS is not a nice profession but I will admit it is harder as one gets older for financial reasons. What would take him 10 years to make; he could accomplish in less than three years.

R/r 911
 
Well, I don't think anyone can get rich in EMS. Not unless they "save" a wealthy person and get a handsome reward... Nah, only in movies. :D

Finances aside, I agree with Kaisu - age is a number. I am 50 something and am just getting into EMS. Not to brag, I am probably in better shape than most. I mind my nutrition, try and get good sleep, and keep my weight down. I am on a treadmill five times a week and lift weights three times a week. I am told a look a lot younger than my age.

The fact that your brother-in-law is still seeking new challenges speaks volumes in answering your question. Keeping the mind fertile is a big part in staying young. I would say to him "go for it!". He is WAY too young to be thinking he's too old.
 
Ridryder911 said:
Personally, I would recommend Nursing or Respiratory Therapy. Not that EMS is not a nice profession but I will admit it is harder as one gets older for financial reasons. What would take him 10 years to make; he could accomplish in less than three years.

R/r 911
Click to expand...

Hey Rid. EMS is my version of the Walmart greeter job.... :lol::lol::lol:
 
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