Looking for some of your wisdom

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3dhb

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I have been watching this board for a while...a lot of good advise here...I’m hoping i can draw on your collective wisdom. Here is some background and my question(s).
Ill apologize up front if I’m providing information that is worthless, I’m just trying to give you’ all enough information to be able give me some advise…Ok here goes:
I’m 45 years old have a BS and MBA and worked in the government (space) industry for 17+ years. 2 years ago I was presented with an opportunity that I felt I couldn’t pass up…well, I should have passed it up…but the good news is that it has brought me to my current cross roads. I have always been intrigued by medicine, health, and the health care field…had it not been for a couple of early twists of fate I likely would have pursued a career in the health industry rather than government. So that brings me to current time…For as long as I can remember, I have had this nagging voice in the back of my head telling me to pursue being a paramedic…Now I’m thinking about listening. I have spoke with a few different people associated with EMT schools but as you might expect, I’m getting the sales pitch…so for you that have “been there done that” or for you that are in the beginning stages of “doing it”…here are my questions…oh yea, one last thing…I live in Orange County California and have school age children…so I need to work/study in this general area:
1. Am I crazy…wait, don’t answer that one
2. Is my age a barrier
3. What is the right way to “break in” into the field…I do need to draw an income, but it can deal with a low wage
4. I would like to start as soon as practical…which schools would you recommend
5. I have children…I see these ads for 24 hour shifts, how do these work? Are they family friendly?
6. Anything I have forgotten to ask?
Thank you all in advance for taking the time to give me your thoughts
 
I'm going to address the issue that popped right out for me. No, your age is not a factor. As long as you've kept yourself in shape, it's absolutely not. And why do I say this? Because the man that personally trained me was in his late 40's, been in EMS for 6 years after a long career in construction. He is not only the highest paid medic in the area, but one of the best. I respect him a great deal. No, there is nothing wrong with a late start.
 
Got you beat by a couple of years...

and I started even later than you will.

Go for it.

Find a community college program, I think you may have missed the fall semester by a week or so but check anyway.

I would strongly suggest that you do an EMT class first, whether you want to work as an EMT before or during Paramedic training is a hotly debated topic and one you'll need to work out for yourself.

I would avoid like the plague any of the so called "trade" schools, they have a profit motivation in ensuring that their students pass, not in making them qualified to actually work, just to pass.

There are any number of adjunct careers that are available once you get your EMT cert and/or your Paramedic license if you decide that working on an ambulance isn't your thing.

Good luck.

John E.
 
3dhb said:
2. Is my age a barrier
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Yes and no. No, it's not a barrier in the traditional sense, yes it is if you want to advance to being a paramedic and still work in Orange County. All paramedics in Orange County work for the various fire departments. When someone calls 911, they either get a fire department ambulance (Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, a few others) or they get a fire engine with a private ambulance company providing the ambulance staffed with EMT-Bs (most places, including OCFA territories). Companies in Los Angeles and Riverside hire paramedics, though.

3. What is the right way to “break in” into the field…I do need to draw an income, but it can deal with a low wage
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Be flexible and apply. There are essentially two types of companies in Orange County. Those that hire everyone and those that hire almost everyone. While I haven't lived/worked in OC for about a year now, the only company I can imagine not hiring right now is Schaffer, and that's because they lost/gave up their Costa Mesa 911 contract. Lynch and Pacific will almost always be hiring and Care is continuously hiring.
4. I would like to start as soon as practical…which schools would you recommend
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I honest can't recommend a school one way or another since I don't know enough about the different EMT-B courses to rate them. I do suggest, however, to look into taking an anatomy and physiology course at a local college or university as soon as possible (preferable before taking an EMT-B course). All of the communities colleges should offer anatomy and physiology (either as a combined course (A/P 1 and A/P 2) or as separate courses. Another place to look is to try enrolling in a course through one of the university extension programs (e.g.UCI Extension) or summer programs (unlike courses during the regular year, these generally have openings. At least at UCI, the courses were also generally ran twice as fast as during the regular school year (e.x. a 4 unit course might have 3-4 hours a week for 10 weeks. During the summer, UCI runs 2 5-week summer sessions, so that class would meet for 6-8 hours a week).
5. I have children…I see these ads for 24 hour shifts, how do these work? Are they family friendly?
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Not sure, but there are also plenty of other options for shifts with the most popular being 12 hour shifts.

Good luck:excl:
 
As an EMT, you are going to be taking a MASSIVE MASSIVE pay cut. You need to be very aware of this. In OC and LA counties, EMTs make between 9 and 11 dollars/hour. Privately employed paramedics make very little as well, about 11-15 dollars/hour. The only career track for paramedics in southern California is a fire department, and you may be past the optimal age for that. Now, you will find MANY opportunities in private ambulance companies, but its back breaking work doing interfacility transport, for very little compensation. In other parts of the country, and even northern California, there are opportunities for career medics and you may actually get to do 911 ALS. You will not be able to support children on an EMT's "salary" (if you can even call it a salary).

Now, harsh realities aside, its a rewarding job that you will enjoy. Talk to a few paramedics that work for Care Ambulance (drop by they will love to speak to you). They are in your area and will give you a accurate picture of being a private paramedic in OC. Best of luck to you. Any specific questions please ask us.
 
My husband has worked EMS with between 24 hour and 72 hour shifts. That's the downside. There were those nights when he was up all night and a simple 24 hour shift meant a full 12 hours of sleeping and being Mr CrankyPants the next day. But on the whole, those days off in between shifts gave him a tremendous amount of time with our two boys. Instead of being there in the evening only, he drove them to school, got their meals, kissed the booboos, helped housebreak the puppy and do the shopping.

In my opinion, the best thing you can give your kids is the example of their parents achieving personal happiness in their careers, regardless of what that career is.
 
1. Am I crazy…wait, don’t answer that one
probably. you're willing to give up a pay rate commensurate with a bs/mba and pushing two decades of experience for a barely above minimum wage job.
2. Is my age a barrier
i have a standard answer tho this one. i dont care whether you are old, young, male, female, disabled, pregnant, black, white or bloody rainbow colored. if you can physically do the job in all regards, game on! if you cant, stay home.
3. What is the right way to “break in” into the field…I do need to draw an income, but it can deal with a low wage
you have to go to basic emt school. there isnt any other way to start. from there, you have to decide whether to advance right to medic, work a bit, etc. and you have to find a job(which can be the tough part in some areas, but certainly not in mine
4. I would like to start as soon as practical…which schools would you recommend
i leave that one to someone in your area
5. I have children…I see these ads for 24 hour shifts, how do these work? Are they family friendly?
different companies run different shifts. some base shift bidding on seniority. some companies hold the 24's for the senior guys, as an 8 work day month is a pretty strong perk. other companies fill shifts on a first come first served basis. family friendly? i cant speak to that. thats a personal decision. can you be away from your family for an entire day? can they do without you? nobody can answer that for you.
6. Anything I have forgotten to ask?
loads. but some things you have to learn for yourself.
 
Your age isn't a problem. Find an "emt-basic" at local university or community/junior college and take it. This is the entry level class that will answer all your questions and get you started. If you finish this one semester class and you want to continue to paramedic, that's great. If you don't, then at least you will be an emt and know how to handle a medical emergency.
 
Never too late!

I think everyone has given some pretty sound advice, all I can say is if it is in your head it must be also in your heart. Good luck and welcome to the tribe! :)
 
BossyCow said:
In my opinion, the best thing you can give your kids is the example of their parents achieving personal happiness in their careers, regardless of what that career is.
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I'll drink to that! :beerchug: Outstanding advice! That's exactly what got me back into EMS. The pay is not what it should be...I, too, work the infamous 72-hour shift weekly to compensate for the pay. I work twice the hours now than at my previous place of employment (supervisor at a company that supports MR/DD individuals) but I'm twice as happy now.


I concur with what the majority has said; if you're in good enough physical shape then go for it!
 
1. Am I crazy…wait, don’t answer that one
Yes, but that means you will fit right in.

2. Is my age a barrier
Are you in good physical shape, can you lift 150lbs. unassisted? If so, then it should not be a problem.

3. What is the right way to “break in” into the field…I do need to draw an income, but it can deal with a low wage
You WILL have a low wage, sorry, its just the nature of being an EMT. The best place to start is to see if there are any services around you to join, they may pay for an EMT class for you.

4. I would like to start as soon as practical…which schools would you recommend
I cannot recommend any, but I would suggest doing your homework before jumping in any old class. If they have a website-check it, phone number for questions-call it.

5. I have children…I see these ads for 24 hour shifts, how do these work?
Are they family friendly?
It all depends on where you work. Check where you are interested in working.
 
Thank you all

Wow...what great coments and advise! Thank you all for taking the time to respond...
I am going for it!
Ill be taking all of your advise...heading over to care ambulance in the next week or two to talk to the folks there...also checking into the local schools and schedules!
Thanks again
 
Someone in your position, I am 41 and decided on that change. I am doing things a little different...joined the service I want to get on with full time as a volunteer for a few months to see how things go. I did my B school at community college. My service has great educational program with its own facility. So I am getting experience, then in Jan '09 I start intermediate class, in the fall take their medic A&P. And finally Paramedic class starts in Jan '10.
Check around and see if any serives in your area offer a training program like that. My service, as long as you are full time, part time, or do atleast 36 hrs a month as a vollie, they cover all your training expenses, including the Paramedic classes, which I know in some parts of the country are extemely costly.
 
There's a tremendous advantage to coming into this profession as a choice rather than an urge and doing it at mid-life. The advantage will mostly show in your attitude. That, in itself, will significantly magnify your powers as a healer.

All the rest are nuts and bolts that you'll work out.

Enjoy!
 
3dhb said:
Wow...what great coments and advise! Thank you all for taking the time to respond...
I am going for it!
Ill be taking all of your advise...heading over to care ambulance in the next week or two to talk to the folks there...also checking into the local schools and schedules!
Thanks again
Click to expand...
I really hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck sir! Please keep us informed. Where there is a will there is a way
 
Update to request for wisdom

I want to thank all of you who provided sage wisdom to my original post...Since my original post, I entered and completed a Local EMT program, took and passed the NREMT and just got my certs from the county of Orange (in California). I have spent the last week trying to stop by and apply in person to a number of the ambulance companies in my area. Hopefully I will have an offer in hand in the next week.
So again, thank you all for your advise and words of encouragement, they were very helpful, and I appreciate them all...
 
Thanks for everyones wisdom

3dhb This is a great thread (for us older guys). My situation mirrors yours and my biggest question was the age issue. I start EMT-B this month and will turn 46 by graduation. Thanks to all the great posts and info from everyone, I feel more at peace with my decision. Please keep us posted as to how things are going. I would like to know some of the turns & twists you encounter.
 
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