How is it being a Paramedic?

Training and how to be a paramedic

• Hi, I am currently 18 and would like to become a paramedic, I have my CPR card and would like to know what other steps I need to become a paramedic, one source told me I had to be 21 to be a paramedic, however I could be an emt right now? Is that true that I have to be 21? What others steps or classes do I need to take in order to become a paramedic and where in St. Louis is a good place for training? Thanks for the time and effort to answer

• Answer:

  Hello Josh, Because things vary from state to state I cannot be completely certain about the age criteria for your area. I can, however, point you in the right direction so that you can obtain that answer. Basically in every state there is a state and/or local entity that manages the EMS. Here in Florida for example it is the State Department of Health. This entity probably has a website that will answer any questions you might have. In order to find out who you can contact I would recommend that you phone the St Louis Fire Department and/or EMS Department. They can answer your questions specific to your region of the nation. (I get phone calls once or twice a week from young people coming out of High School who are interested in getting into the fire service and we are always more than happy to answer any questions future EMS and Fire personnel might have) As for the age problem, there is one wall you might run into. My department is self-insured regarding its accident insurance on the response vehicles. The underwriter of the policy basically has the power and authority to dictate who can and cannot drive emergency response. Under our policy noone under 21 can drive our vehicles. Once again the local providers in the St. Louis area can tell you what their policies allow. Just to give you a heads-up regarding the age question; here in Florida you can become an EMT at the age of 18 and can immediately proceed into Paramedic. Depending on whether the person goes full time or not, this can mean Paramedic Certification could be obtained when the person is still 18. One of my former students took EMT when he was 17, almost 18. He took the EMT National Boards when he has just turned 18 and started the medic courses. He graduated when he was one month shy of being 19 and immediately took the boards...and passed. He is the only person that I know of personally who became a Paramedic at the age of 18. But his story should give you hope for the future. Worst case, in the event St Louis does not allow this age group to become providers, you could still start working on your pre-requisites. I would urge that you take Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, and Medical Terminology. There you have it. I hope this helps and good luck! Jim Wilson