EMT while taking warfarin (coumadin)?

S

sknydave

Forum Ride Along
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Hi everyone! I'm currently a college student in Orlando with hopes of being accepted to a Physician Assistant program in ~2 years. I would love to gain valuable experience as an EMT in the mean time. The program director at the local college is never in her office and apparently does not know how to return a voice mail/email. Perhaps someone here knows if taking warfarin is a problem for an EMT? I had a bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a mechanical piece in April.

Thanks!
 
Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section. I was browsing several at the same time!
 
Does it cause you problems in your normal life? Can you not preform physical activities?

Do you have any real limitations? Can you lift/move items weighing greater than 100 lbs? Can you work in a confined space?
 
I only had limitations for 2 months because of the sternotomy. The only change I have had to make in my life is no more boxing :( Lifting and confined spaces are not a problem.

I know there are police officers on warfarin therapy who have had to fight in order to return to their jobs. I'm just wondering if I will have similar problems...
 
no problem
 
Hastings said:
Not unless you plan on being shot or stabbed.

You'll be fine.
Click to expand...
and if you do know whether you will be shot or stabbed...then time to move someplace else. Warfarin will not affect you in EMS or fire...the risks associated with it are FAIRLY uncommon.
 
mikeylikesit said:
and if you do know whether you will be shot or stabbed...then time to move someplace else. Warfarin will not affect you in EMS or fire...the risks associated with it are FAIRLY uncommon.
Click to expand...

I don't know about that. If I'm somewhere I know I wont be shot or stabbed, I'd say that's a pretty good place to stay.
 
sknydave said:
Perhaps someone here knows if taking warfarin is a problem for an EMT? I had a bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a mechanical piece in April.
Click to expand...

I'm in my 20th year as an EMT (Full time for past 3 yrs). I've been on Coumadin since 1983 due to an aortic valve replacement when I was 20. It's never interfered with my job and never caused me a problem. The day to day dings and scratches are not an issue. I've had falls and gotten hit with objects (usually unintentionally) with no real bleeding or bruising. Employee Health and my department head at the hospital know I'm on it and don't seem to have a problem with it. It shouldn't be something that keeps you out of the field.
 
Thank you for the replies!

Mac, we both had aortic valve replacements in our twenties :)

I knew it wouldn't be a problem as far as injuries or health concerns, it's just the opinions of the higher-ups I was worried about.

Thanks again
 
I wouldn't think it would be a problem, but I'd definitely call your doctor and ask. Prior to becoming an EMT I went to my physician for a physical, just to make sure I was fit (and the program required it). He wished me luck, while lecturing me on the evils of fast food.

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top