Should I train as a paramedic?

[999whatsyouremergency]

I'm a single mum to three children under 7. Eldest two in school, youngest in nursery. For a while now, I've thought of becoming a paramedic. I'm 28 and realistically I wouldn't be able to start until my youngest is in school, which is in 2 years time. By that time I'm 30, I feel like I'm too old, and most of my classmates would be 18-20 years olds.

On the other hand if I don't do it, I'll always wonder what if. Anyone retrained in their 30s?

Have you been to uni before?
I wanted to do this but had already been to uni and couldn't afford to pay for it a second time myself.

But as far as the age thing goes, just accept you may not make close friends but your there for a good reason.
The lecturers should treat you a lot better too.

I think retraining in your 30s is ok. I think a lot of HCP retrain later in life.

I'm a nurse and if often thought I possibly should have trained as a paramedic. Right up until this weekend when I had to give first aid to a very bad just woman after a motorbike accident. It was bloody horrific, and upsetting (and I think I'm quite a tough person). So just be sure it is what you want to do!

How would childcare work for shifts?

My dad retrained to be a paramedic in his 50’s so you’ll be young at 30 ;)

Also look at the Uni courses for ODP's who work in theatres - there was an Ask Me Anything thread about them.

Family is near by, so don't have to worry about childcare. What's ODP?

And no I haven't been to uni before

ODP is Operating Department Practitioner.

Was a SAR, gave it up when I had kids as it was too risky but know lots of people who worked commercial ambulance services as paramedic and had no issues so by all means go for it - very rewarding work and 30 is by no means old and you likely won't even be oldest in class.

I’m nearly 40 and am about to retrain. 😂Realistically you have around 40 years left of your working life so definitely do something you’d enjoy.
Look into costs and childcare support and then go for it. I’m the oldest person on my course but I couldn’t give a toss. It’s a means to an end. Good luck.

@Teaandbiscuits35 what are you studying?

@THEsonofaBITCH whats a SAR? Oh gosh I'm not familiar with the lingo

I'm a police officer and obviously work quite frequently with paramedics who all seem like such caring and hardworking people.
That being said, as in all emergency services at the moment, they are completely burnt out. Funding cuts to mental health services, specialist clinics, ageing population, and people abusing the system has really taken its toll and all the ones I speak to are exhausted with it all. The other week I was first on scene to a stabbing and the original ETA was 4 and a half hours, they just don't have time and are run ragged from pillar to post.
By all means retrain (I joined the police at 28) but be under no illusions and do lots of research.

Search And Rescue. Saved a few, lost a few. Worst is body recovery which I had to do in roles in SAR and on ambulance.

My hubby started his paramedic uni course at 24 and graduated when 27 but honestly the ages really varied on the course. He did the foundation degree which had more older people than the full bcs degree. They are crying out for paramedics though so job after qualifying will be easy.

I work for in the ambulance service in a non-clinical role. Many of my colleagues are going on to train as EMTs (Emergency Medical Tech.) and some of these are hoping to go on to be qualified paramedics. They range in age from early 20s to late 40s.

If you are able to manage 12 hour shifts (if you're lucky you will occasionally get to finish on time) and can cope with unexpected shift changes with as little as 24 hours notice. And you realise that you will not be guaranteed to get requested holidays nor be able to book leave over the Christmas periods - I say go for it. It's not for everyone, and will impact on family life.

Saying all of that, EMTs and paramedics do a truly amazing job 🚑.
Oh and remember... not all hero's wear capes!

Do it! I went to my local college today to find out about their access course (I want to re-train as a nurse), nearly everyone there was over 30 (I'm 35).

No way.

Low pay for the hassle and responsibility.
Nightmare shifts.

I think you need to really think about how shifts will impact your dc -even if family are supportive doing a 12 hour night shift then sleeping in the day is going to be incredibly disruptive unless you either accept they will be living with relatives or you can afford live in childcare you won't unless you have a 2nd income