To start training to be a paramedic aged 45?

[Catscookbook]

Three year course before I’m qualified.

Currently do an office job, 9-5 hours. Have never done shift work before.

I’m fit and well.

Am I too old?

Nooooooooooooo not too old! Go for it! On those TV programmes about the NHS/emergency rooms/ambulances etc, some of them didn't start training until their 40s! You do have to be physically fit though!

I don't believe so. My mum did her nursing training in her early 50s but she'd been an HCA for years.

Paramedic training is grueling. Long shifts, days, nights, weekends. Dealing with druggies, drunks and all sorts of body fluids. Possibly encountering violence and abuse.

If you feel you can handle it, go for it.

Not too old but would suggest you do the tech route training on the job then progress to para if you enjoy it!

DH is a para and 99% can't wait to get out

I’d love to but I’m not sure they offer that any more? Not where I am in Scotland, anyway.

And do you mean he can’t wait to get out of the job?

Oh that's a shame! They do down here still, maybe look if there are any private companies going around your area, DH now works for one and they are offering an apprenticeship

Yeah sorry I meant he's desperate to get out as are most of his colleagues! It's not the job he signed up for 10 years ago, he spent 6 hours last night having abuse yelled at him by a drunk patient while queueing outside A&E

I'd say def not too old! But do your research carefully. I know a few paramedics and they hate it. It's a very difficult job at the best of times but the nhs crisis has made it even worse.

They can't get to the patients quickly enough, the waiting times are awful. They have to spend hours waiting to hand patients over at the hospital as there are no beds. And the hours and conditions are awful too from what they say. It's not like on the programs.

Do it! DP became a paramedic at 48 and had a very successful career in frontline ambulance practice before moving on to work as a paramedic in another sector, he loves it.