Any EMTs/paramedics out there?
 

So I have a question...I'll be starting an EMT program soon and I'm worried about a few things.

I'm required to have a background check...does that include medical things? Will a severe TBI as an infant show up on that?

What if for some reason it is asked if I have ever had a head injury? Do they think it will keep me from functioning in that kind of working environment and not let me complete the program? Should I just leave it out?

Part of the paperwork asks if I have frequent or severe migraines/headaches...which I do. That won't affect anything if I'm honest will it?

Thanks :)

I've been through EMT training long ago. My daughter did it a few years back. I doubt the background is about health. It will be about criminal record and drug abuse and DUI's and sexual crimes.

You will do yourself a great disservice is you try to hide any of your symptoms. If you make it through EMT Basic then can't get past EMT Advanced or EMT-Paramedic, you will have invested time and money for naught.

If your goal is ambulance EMT or Paramedic, that will be a stretch considering your brain history. The sounds and flashing lights and stress will be difficult to tolerate if you have any struggles now.

Please be sure you can tolerate the environment of your eventual job goal before getting started.

My best to you.

The ADA bars them from not hiring you for health conditions to a point, so be honest. But, there are job requisite restrictions applicable to the job.

Early in my career, there used to be many restrictions on pre-hire physicals that we had to mandate on candidates. Most are no longer in place, some still are.

So try your best to keep your health up, keep your meds going to the best relief possible, and have a clearance letter from your doctor available, you should not have a problem.

paramedic
 

Hi I am a Paramedic with PCS. I don't think it will effect your ability to go to school and depending on severity of symptoms it may not effect your ability to get a job. That being said 2 pieces of advise. 1. Definitely tell the truth about the PCS symptoms it not only effects you in the field it can effect you your partner, your patient and anyone else involved it your calls. 2. Make sure that you take into consideration that working in the back of the truck takes a lot of balance concentration and is physically demanding it put s you at risk for more concussions which for people like us can have effects. I am not trying to be discouraging but think you should understand your risks.