advice about strength and height

[mwmedic]

One of the Medics I work with can't drive our 4X4 truck because she can't reach the pedals.

 

[taylorhoss1]

One of the Medics I work with can't drive our 4X4 truck because she can't reach the pedals.

realllyy? how tall is she? after I become an EMT I was intrested in driving the ambulence, but I can barely reach my pedals in my car. hahah.

 

[Seite]

So in your opinion... what height does short stature become an issue? The strength is not a problem but I'm 4'10.5" and before I start looking for a job I'd like to know if there is anything to keep in mind. My EMT-B test is next month and I really want to have a career in EMS but not if it means compromising my partner or the patient. Like I said the lifting is not an issue and I did very well academically but should I look for a job in a hospital as opposed to an ambulance?

Thanks!

(P.s. first post so don't be too mean... please?)

 

[systemet]

So in your opinion... what height does short stature become an issue? The strength is not a problem but I'm 4'10.5" and before I start looking for a job I'd like to know if there is anything to keep in mind. My EMT-B test is next month and I really want to have a career in EMS but not if it means compromising my partner or the patient. Like I said the lifting is not an issue and I did very well academically but should I look for a job in a hospital as opposed to an ambulance?

Thanks!

(P.s. first post so don't be too mean... please?)

I think it becomes an issue at the point when you can't lift. And it's hard to say where that point is. A couple of six foot tall 200lb men will probably be able to lift a larger amount than a couple of 5 foor 6 130lb men. But, really, it's mostly technique.

And when the patient does get too heavy, and this happens for everyone, there's the option to use another EMS crew to help, or enlist fire, police, or bystanders. Many services now how bariatric trucks for the super mobidly obese. At some point caring for extremely large individuals moves into the realm of technical rescue.

Like everyone in EMS, you have to be willing to accept that there's a small element of personal danger. You may be at greater risk because of your smaller stature. But, in my opinion, the vast majority of the time that physicial conflict occurs it's because a paramedic or EMT has decided to run their mouth instead of exercise some basic personal skills.

 

[systemet]

I've got to add, as well -- lifting, carrying stuff, moving people around, are a small part of the job. Your clinical judgment and personal skills are far, far more important. Even to the point that you can cover for a relatively weakness in physical strength by focusing attention on being superior in these areas.

 

[taylorhoss1]

I think it becomes an issue at the point when you can't lift. And it's hard to say where that point is. A couple of six foot tall 200lb men will probably be able to lift a larger amount than a couple of 5 foor 6 130lb men. But, really, it's mostly technique.

And when the patient does get too heavy, and this happens for everyone, there's the option to use another EMS crew to help, or enlist fire, police, or bystanders. Many services now how bariatric trucks for the super mobidly obese. At some point caring for extremely large individuals moves into the realm of technical rescue.

Like everyone in EMS, you have to be willing to accept that there's a small element of personal danger. You may be at greater risk because of your smaller stature. But, in my opinion, the vast majority of the time that physicial conflict occurs it's because a paramedic or EMT has decided to run their mouth instead of exercise some basic personal skills.

i definetly agree with you. i'm only 5'3", and the skinniest girl ever, but i've been working my way up for lifiting. my emt program requires 125lb lifting, and so far i can lift around 115. but when becoming an emt, wouldn't the job be mostly lifting? since i'm so tiny, i definetly wouldn't mind having someone assist me. haha