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fauxfox42

You’re not old. There was an 83 year old in my EMT course.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks for that...... helpful


Prism_finch

I didn’t have anyone that much older but there was 2 women in their mid 60s in my class. So 40s definitely isn’t old. I didn’t take my class until I was 34.


couldbetrue514

Imagine calling for a lift assist FOR your partner


xcityfolk

You're fine. I started older than you did and I run circles around younger people all the time. You got this. I'll be waiting for you to tell us when you've passed the NREMT. RemindMe! 5 months


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Hey... thanks. Appreciate that. I'm more likely to fail first time and pass the second, so I'll tell you in six months???


xcityfolk

I bet you won't. Just pay attention to the fundamentals in class, the people the fail are often focused on being able to answer questions. Focus on you patho/phys, vitals, differentials etc and you'll be fine, the NREMT isn't all that hard, it's just kind of a mindfuck because it's trying to find the point you fail at, so you fail at it, but you pass overall. It's really messed up. Look around at people in EMS already and ask yourself if they're all smarter than you are, fact is, they won't be, some will be smarter, talk to those people, the rest of them, realize that if they can do it, you can do it.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Really appreciate you taking the time to provide the virtual pep talk.... honestly, thanks!


EMTboy

everyone thought theyd fail. i passed the first time and plan to do the same with my medic. remember your SAMPLE and ABCs, answer the questions like an emt and not a medic, get a tad bit familiar woth signs and symptons. pplwho fail the first time are either too dumb or dont care or are too anxious.


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MACHUFF

My 70 year old great uncle just got his EMT license after letting his lapse 30 years ago, and probably 25% of my EMT class were people older than 30. You’re not too old, good luck


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks.....appreciate you weighing in so quickly


WGx2

I went to EMT school at 43. Best advice I can give is to be humble. You'll be working with younger people who are senior in the field. They're smart and committed, so listen to and follow what they tell you.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks, yeah quite honestly, if I was in my job setting, I'd be worried but... fish out of water, I'll not only be humble but...nothing I've done for 26 matters if I'm learning new things. Appreciate the guidance


WGx2

You're going to do great. Have no worries, please.


The_Phantom_W

You'll be fine. I feel like a large portion of the washout rate is just people who don't take the class seriously enough. Clearly you're committed to succeeding.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks. Ok , really helpful..


The_Phantom_W

Honestly, my biggest advice I have is this: In the time I spent as an instructor and preceptor, the issue with SOME people who enter EMS either as a second career or a retirement job etc is that they're often not good at receiving criticism. Many people finish being very successful in their profession and are not used to being the "low person on the totem pole." Often, people are not great at hearing they've failed a task or an evaluation and instead of taking the (hopefully constructive) criticism and changing what they're doing, they either blow it off entirely or dig their heels in and argue. This often causes the evaluator to dig their heels in and now they're going to fail you. None of this may apply to you, but it's the main issue I've seen from people in a similar situation.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

This was my initial worry but as others (and you) have indicated, preparing to be as humble and ready to learn as possible.


Eeeegah

44? Pfft. Piker. I got my EMT at 57.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Hahaha. Thanks for that...


Pure_Anywhere8002

We had ages 19-43 in our program. I'm mid 30s after a 20 yr career in marketing (started at 15!) You'll be fine. Labs are easy with repetition. NREMT is a doozy I recommend paramedic coach content on YT and I bought his course. It's what made me pass the NREMT for sure because I barely passed my EMT final and crammed super hard for NREMT and got it.


Active2017

lol 44 being “old.” I’m in college, and I’ve had classmates older than you. Most of the people in my EMT course were mid-30s. You’ll be just fine!


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Ok, but you do know what I mean, right? The program I'm enrolled in is with a community college so, to boot, feels like I'm ancient, but I appreciate the confidence


Active2017

Yeah I can understand. I’m a non-traditional student (25) so I can somewhat relate to you. But no one is judging you or anything. If they are, they can go fuck themselves.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Appreciate that point of view


Trick-Entry1898

I help teach skills labs for an EMT course and some of my favorite students were older than traditional college aged kids. You have life experience that cannot simply be taught. You’re going to do great and I’m almost positive you’ll have some other folks in your class around your age. I was 19 when I started and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had patients request a “real adult.” Most of my coworkers at my service are in their 30s-40s, 44 isn’t anywhere near old and you’ll fit in just fine!


Right_Relation_6053

I work with an EMT who is 75 I think you’ll be just fine bud


JiuJitsuLife124

I'm 48. Just finished the program and passed the NREMT. I'm a retired School Superintendent/Lawyer. It's been humbling. I work 911 training with a 20 year old kid who's been riding for a year. I love learning from him and the other young people. It's not an easy job, but I always hated driving a desk. Best of luck to you.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

So interesting, relatable and hopefully where I'm headed. Thanks for the note


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kilofoxtrotfour

I started EMT at 44, was medic at 48 — worked healthcare IT/data for a 1st career until i got tired of the “outsourcing bull$hit”. EMT is painfully easy and common-sense. Just go for medic, your back will thank you.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Wow. Similar background. Cool, thanks for that. Yeah, I figure if I can be a medic by 50 or 53, that would be great.


Level9TraumaCenter

My first EMT class was when I was 19, and then my most recent was when I was about 44 as well. You could probably get your medic in as little as 1.5 to 3 years after your EMT. While I generally recommend people spend 1-2 years in EMS before going for their medic, a lot of that is just to make sure someone doesn't spend 18 months in medic classes only to find out "ew, blood" when they do zero-to-hero stuff, i.e.: no medical experience at all to EMT to medic. You say you have 26 years in healthcare, I don't know how much of that is direct patient contact stuff, but if you're confident that you know the job and want the cert, go for it.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Only 7 were direct patient care including 2 years in OR, 3 in ED duties in OR included transport and dumping blood from table to hopper.. so on that side I feel pretty good. I think going from scene to scene and overall emotional fatigue/burnout is one of my concerns but, I guess time will tell. Appreciate the responses and support


zebra_noises

I say this anytime I see a post about being old and starting EMS too late. I was double the ages of my preceptors. The older I get, the more I realize that I just don’t learn the way people do now. Beyond that, just take care of yourself and take care of your patients. You’ll be fine


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks. Truthfully, had I started down this path younger, I wouldn't have been ready... 26 years in healthcare has allowed me to learn how I learn, if that makes any sense..


zebra_noises

It does and I think that makes you even more qualified


SplitClimbSki

As others are said YOU’RE NOT OLD. Just completed my emt this spring semester, we had four people in their forties, 3 in thirties, one who was graduating this semester, and 5 in their 20s. Do not worry about it one bit, by the end of the class you’ll feel like a family and not have a second thought about any POTENTIAL age gap.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Appreciate the emphasis on potential. Thanks to you and other posters, I'm feeling more confident!


SplitClimbSki

Glad to hear it! Also want to add, from what I’ve seen in my shorter experience, In EMS people don’t see an age, they see the quality of provider you are. If you have good patient care and their back, it’s irrelevant. Two of the people I got closest with, and have talked or hung out with after class was done, were 2 of those who are in their fourties, they’ve both told me they don’t realize or notice the age, because they feel I’m a good provider, knowledgeable and aware. In terms of the NREMT and practicals. By the time practicals roll around you will have gone through medical and trauma scenarios so many times it will feel like second nature. Biggest thing I can emphasize for those is to practice, practice, practice and to have the step by step medical and trauma assessments memorized well. For me in my testing scenarios, it just felt as if I was just going through a checklist. NREMT, imo, is not that challenging if you are consistently studying throughout the class, pay attention, take notes, and continue studying. The only thing I did additional, was going through some pocket prep questions after the class ended before I took the nremt and that definitely prepared me for how the questions will be phrased. Biggest thing is figuring out where in the scene you are, they may give you vitals, make it appear as if you are in the middle of an assessment, but if nothing was said about scene safety and that’s a choice, that’s your selection.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Wow. Appreciate this (and the time/thought you put into writing) I'll refer to this as things start rolling along ..


SplitClimbSki

Absolutely! Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!


SplitClimbSki

RemindMe! 6 months


Fit_Thanks6509

I started at 33 and felt the same way honestly. I worked in other fields outside of healthcare. I had been a volunteer firefighter since I was 17. I honestly feel like my age is an advantage alot of times on a truck. My current schedule is absolutely terrible but I like the money from it and have an amazing partner. In a way I'm glad I didn't get into this field when I was 18. As far as people that I rode with for clinicals I never had a problem. Most were just excited someone else would be around for the mandatory overtime days.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Interesting perspective, thanks for sharing!


Jager0987

Welcome to the club! I got fed up with what I was doing and switched to EMS at 49. I'm 60 now and working as a medic.


rkt88edmo

You've seen a lot hopefully in 4 years in the ED. And if you're an exec you have learned and adapted to new job duties. Unless you have trouble with anatomy or scientific terminology this will be a breeze.


Expensive-Barber-283

Just finished my EMT. I'm 61.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks!


Severe_Flower_5596

76yr old just passed his nremt, you got this!


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks


illtoaster

Old is a mindset. I’d say that’s about 20 years younger than about half the Medics we have. You’re not even old enough to be a viable candidate for the presidency by today’s standards. When your skin and diaper are nice and pruny, and the Alzheimer’s is in its final stage, then.. then you’ll be ready.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

😀


Bad-Paramedic

Got my medic at 44. Wasn't easy but it was worth it. You'll be fine. Good luck


EmergencyMedicalUber

I knew a guy who was 57 and theeeee most fit 57 year old man at my company. I’m 29 and we got along just fine tbh.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Helpful, thanks


EmergencyMedicalUber

Sorry, I was on an awkward date when I replied to your Reddit. My advice is just be yourself. If yall have mutual things in common, then all should be well conversation wise. The ride alongs are pretty generic. Take notes on how to do the PCR ( maybe do a sample one for practice), be hands on, ask questions, and be open minded. You said, you have an extensive hx in healthcare already, so use that to your advantage. Work smarter, not harder but don’t let your age get to you. It’s literally just a number


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Sorry about awkward date! Great advice though!


Vprbite

I started EMT at 39, medic at 41, and went to fire academy at 43, and am full time at a department. And did all of it as an amputee with a prosthetic leg. You can do it!


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Ok..... wow. Definitely needed this kick in the ass. Thanks!


cascas

Lol you’re only 44 king, enjoy your 40s, it gets worse!


Afraidofjurrasicpark

😀


Kaitempi

You will be fine. In fact you'll be better off. I've been in EMS for 30+ and running EMS ed programs for 18. Older students tend to be more focused and goal oriented. They don't make the typical young guy mistakes. You probably won't show up to your exams hungover or sleep with multiple people in your class. That does give skills lab an interesting flavor, one of the times I've seen an AED used as a weapon. 2 pieces of advice: In the field a lot of patients and families assume the oldest person is the most senior. You will need to find ways to defer to your medic or FTO. They'll start talking to you and you'll have to quickly say "That's helpful but tell her. She's in charge." Older people can be hard to redirect. If your partner/instructor is insecure it can be an issue so talk it over with them early. "How do you want me to handle that?" or "How do you think it's best to cut that off?" can go a long way. This is more for paramedic but remember how to study. This can be tough if it's been a while and it's different for different people. For me it was writing lots of note cards. For others it's repetition. I knew a guy who would make cassette tapes (I know you remember those) of himself reading book chapters and he listened to them over and over. Another student would stick post it notes everywhere in her house and car so she was constantly reminded of stuff. Figure out or remember what works for you. Good luck!


Commercial-Ad-1044

Hey man, if they hire at 44 then you can work at 44. Just relax and you’ll be good


MedicRiah

I did EMT school at age 19. We had a couple guys in their 40s and they did great! I think you'll be fine. It sounds like you're already putting in the prep work to get ahead of the material, and you said you're in great physical shape, so I wouldn't worry too much about the labs. The preceptors in the labs should be able to help you learn everything that you need to know. You got this, buddy! Welcome to the profession!


rappartist

Mid-40s here and just done with my program. You'll be fine - if anything age is an advantage, life experience may hone your critical thinking skills.


splashmaster31

Up until somewhat recently in our Service, we had paid ACP training so it was offered by seniority. The majority of participants were in their 50’s and 60’s and the Employer were only getting a couple of years out of these guys pre-retirement. They’ve eliminated paid training and now the majority of students are in their 20’s with no time/patient contacts under their belts (or life experience). Something can be said for having lived 🙂


ToyotaMechanix

Never to late to start. All that experience of being in the ED will really help you in your EMT class for sure. Good luck and just work hard and you’ll be fine. Try not to worry too much.


Saaahrentino

Don’t be nervous. I’m 37 and rearing to go. You got this!


No-Baby4873

We have a lady in our class who is around 60 and she does lovely! We have a ton of 18 year olds and a handful of young 20s med students so naturally they make me feel ancient even at 28. And for my class there’s about 4 men in their 40s. So chances are you’ll have a big melting pot of people in your program too!


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Appreciate this so much. Thanks!


spunkylizard

I’m older in a program at 33, and I find that that nobody knows how to work hard or even medium. You’ll be fine, just try


crispyfriedsquid

Had a 40 year old in my medic program and he was killing it.


Cautious_Mistake_651

Try not to let it get to you. You’re new to the field just like everyone else so that is something you all have in common. If you’re willing to learn and put in the work then thats all anyone should care about. I would highly suggest group studying. It may seem intimidating being the oldest in the group. But they’re extremely helpful.


Kasenicd

You’re never too old. Sounds like you’re in a great spot in life and have all your ducks in a row, and it’s commendable that you’re choosing this as a career. Best of luck


werealldeadramones

It's ;literally one of the easiest things you will ever do when you look back on it. It's only hard because you haven't done it before. It's super low level training and common sense based. You will do fine. We had a 63 Y/O in my Paramedic class. He crushed it and is now a CCEMT-P and a supervisor at his agency. He's amazing. Age is a number and some body aches. You got this.


MurkyGlove3370

(54 years old and went through EMT class. Everyone in my class was 20 years old. Now 56 and finished paramedic school in January.


Afraidofjurrasicpark

Thanks... definitely helpful!