PDA

View Full Version : Any paramedics on here?

Jordy
14-03-11, 08:53 PM
Bit of a long shot really. Basically I'm hoping to go to university in the near future and study paramedic science or something similar and get a job as a paramedic. This is a new career choice, I tried for the army last year and got right to the end of the selection process only to be turned down due to my colourblindness.

So my question is to anyone who might know or be able to find out for me, would my colour deficiency hold me back from a career as a paramedic? I'm 23 now, can't afford to waste my time and money only to be turned down again at the end!
husky03
14-03-11, 09:20 PM
i think you need to do your time as a tech first-i looked into this before i joined neenaws but the idea of running old people about for a while in the minibus from out patient appointments put me off-the cut backs will effect these postions also-seems to be a demand for nurses though
Jordy
14-03-11, 09:41 PM
I think the main route now is the university route, from what I understand they're phasing out the other route of making your way up. The university courses offer alot of practical, a minimum of 750 hours a year (for 3 years) work placement so that suits me. Yeah I understand there are cutbacks and will be for some time, but I'm really not happy at the moment in my job and I'm willing to apply nationwide or even migrate to Australia/NZ once I have the qualification.
thulfi
14-03-11, 10:07 PM
Go for it mate. Would be a great career. Work for the London Ambulance Service and you could be saving lives on a bike!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/4061589856_3cf6d31cb0.jpg
Milky Bar Kid
14-03-11, 10:11 PM
i think you need to do your time as a tech first-i looked into this before i joined neenaws but the idea of running old people about for a while in the minibus from out patient appointments put me off-the cut backs will effect these postions also-seems to be a demand for nurses though

Think this is more the Scottish way Husky. My best friend is a Paramedic and normally you start as an emergency technician, not a PTS...which is patient transport, if you want to be a paramedic.
Jordy
14-03-11, 10:14 PM
Yeah that would be the ultimate job! Biker paramedic. :)

Can't think of any reason a colour deficiency would prevent me being able to do the job, but i just want to be sure before I invest my time/money.
Electro
14-03-11, 10:18 PM
http://emergencymedicalparamedic.com/can-i-be-a-paramedic-if-im-color-blind

Have a read Jordy :)
Jordy
14-03-11, 10:26 PM
http://emergencymedicalparamedic.com/can-i-be-a-paramedic-if-im-color-blind

Have a read Jordy :)

Nice one, thanks Electro! An American article but still very helpful, looks promising then. :)
Speedy Claire
15-03-11, 12:09 AM
In England you now need to do the diploma route to qualify as a paramedic

http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/study/courses/paramedic-practice

I was recently speaking to someone who has just completed his diploma and he said the course was fantastic and really enjoyable.

Not sure about the colour blindness but very best of luck to you if you decide to go down this route
Quedos
15-03-11, 09:51 AM
Think this is more the Scottish way Husky. My best friend is a Paramedic and normally you start as an emergency technician, not a PTS...which is patient transport, if you want to be a paramedic.


That's true MBK - just check with our guys at springburn- tho its bloody hard to get a foot in - being trying for ages.
Bike paramedic isn't as good as you think - I've heard the horror stories as i work with the guys for various projects. There a sense of satisfaction but you do tend to get shafted slightly..
I let you talk to Alan/Andy or the boss if that helps any
Jinxy43
15-03-11, 10:02 AM
In London they have stopped the tech course and the only way to become a medic is the uni student way, with St George's uni, Greenwich uni and uni of hertfordshire the uni's offering the course required.

Which from what i can gather its a 3 yr course with year1 in the classroom, then years 2&3 a mixture of class room and spending time out working with a qualified pped (Practice Placement EDucator) medic, and doing exams and assessments and then its final exams etc.

As for colourblindness I have no idea, but ill speak to a few work mates and see what i can find out