is it too late for me..

jh0n001flip

jh0n001flip

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I mean I just received my license for EMT last year when I was 25 yrs old..now I'm 26..am I too old for this type of job? the reason I'm asking is because I see a lot of younger cats like 21 - 22 working as an emt..it'll be awkward getting trained by a younger individual:glare: ..
 
No, you're not too old! When I took my basic I was 17, but there was a lot of people in my class in their 40s and 50s. My uncle is 72, and he has been in fire and ems his entire life, and he's still working. I pick at him all the time and tell him that he's the oldest EMT I know. You're never too old to begin a career...as for the getting trained by younger folks...it happens. It feels awkward for me sometimes training people...but its my job and that's what my supervisor tells me to do. Good luck with your endeavors.
 
you are not to old, My partner I worked with yesterday was 50. 26 Is not that old in this profession, I know another Medic that is pushing 55 years old.
 
It's not that you need to be young to do this job, it's that in a lot of areas and systems that pay, benefits and working conditions are such that not very many people can make it a career when spouse, family, mortgage and the like come into the picture and are forced to move on to more viable careers.

In my service however, we have a great many medics who have been in the service for 15 years plus. We have one guy whose seniority date is in 1968. Many of them have shifted to quieter stations or moved into management but they're still around. The main factor leading to so many young medics where I work is the rapid expansion of the service both as the area grows rapidly and since the service was created ten years ago and the area was underserviced by Hospital, Provincial, Private and Volunteer rather than the single Regional service we have now.
 
If you're too old, then I'm just ancient! I'm 39. My newly-assigned partner (an intermediate, I'm a basic for now) is 22. I ask him questions all the time. Don't let the age thing get in the way from your learning.
 
You're never to old For EMS! My dads cousin is almost 60 and has been doing it for ever and a day or two.
 
oops double post.
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jh0n001flip said:
I mean I just received my license for EMT last year when I was 25 yrs old..now I'm 26..am I too old for this type of job? the reason I'm asking is because I see a lot of younger cats like 21 - 22 working as an emt..it'll be awkward getting trained by a younger individual:glare: ..
Click to expand...

I'm 22 as a Paramedic... I often work with EMTs twice my age where I'm essentially "the boss" when it comes to patient care... I've yet to sense any awkwardness due to age.

Age truly means nothing.
 
What Wolfman said. Also, I first certified as an EMT four months past my 26th birthday. That was over eight years ago. I strongly sugest that you earn a four year healthcare degree at some point if you want longevity in the field, as that will both enable you to get off the road, and also secure a higher paying admin position. Not too many can make it for an entire career as a field provider. If you just want to do it part time for the long run, that may work out well for you. It won't be enough exposure to cause burnout.
 
you guys are all right...thank you for your responses.
 
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WolfmanHarris said:
It's not that you need to be young to do this job, it's that in a lot of areas and systems that pay, benefits and working conditions are such that not very many people can make it a career when spouse, family, mortgage and the like come into the picture and are forced to move on to more viable careers.

In my service however, we have a great many medics who have been in the service for 15 years plus. We have one guy whose seniority date is in 1968. Many of them have shifted to quieter stations or moved into management but they're still around. The main factor leading to so many young medics where I work is the rapid expansion of the service both as the area grows rapidly and since the service was created ten years ago and the area was underserviced by Hospital, Provincial, Private and Volunteer rather than the single Regional service we have now.
Click to expand...

yeah I dont want to be an EMT forever. I'd like to be a firemedic and the EMT is just an experience i need. thank you for sharing this to us :)
 
I'm 24, I've been a medic for 4 of the 7 years I've been doing this. All of my partners have been older than me, and there are a number of my co-workers who have kids my age or older.

I haven't noticed any issues with my age. In fact, I would say I've encountered more problems being female than being young. Occasionally a patient will ask how old I am, but not that often.

The majority of the FFs I work with are older too, again, many of them having children my age or older. There has been some good natured teasing on both sides, but nothing serious. I can't help but crack a joke or two when one of the crews keeps a pair of reading glasses in their med box ^_^
 
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