So, I have finally decided on a career, but where do I start???

[SantasKinkyKnickers0nMaHead]

After much thinking, I have decided I would like to be a paramedic, but, I have no idea where I start.

I have no qualifications, at all.

I have checked my local college site and they have GCSE courses but they only do them for people who have got GCSE's but want to up their grade.

I know I need to do :-

5 GCSE's -

Triple science/core science
English
Maths

And I know I need to have held my driving licence for 3/4 years.

So, the first thing to do is put in for my test, but then what???

This is something I really would like to do but really need some help in getting there please.

Have you tried the NHS website for details?

Good luck.

I have had reason to use paramedics several times and they have been brilliant.

Are they not requiring a degree then??

I'm not sure about the qualifications but might I suggest you get in touch with the local Red Cross and ask them re their first aid courses? You could start volunteering with them too to get some experience

best of luck - I would ask my FIL as he was a paramedic all his days but having recently retired I'm pretty convinced all he had to do when he joined up was not throw up at the sight of blood and am hoping things have come on dramatically since then

Ilove, I think I need to do Alevel Human Bio too but Im not too sure.

I was just wanting to get the GCSE bit sorted first this is what is most bothering me.

Red Cross sounds like a good idea, as does the NHS website, thank you.

afaik Paramedics are not degree trained but do a 3-6 month training course,well at least that was what the last one I spoke to said.Will google.

Well you can quickly do gcse's in a year, condensed course.

red cross volunteering info here

Have googled and found this and this. Seems to be a university entrance profession now.

Knickers would you be able to go to a local career guidance office or even the job centre might be able to advise?

if you tell us roughly where you are I can help find some courses?

As well as the academic qually you really need to ask yourself if you could stomach

Death of a child
Severe road traffic accident
People being pronounced DOA
Cardiac arrest in transit/at scene
severe bleeds/burns etc
potential suicides
drug and alcohol od's

Obv a lot of stuff can be fairly routine but there can be a lot of really shite stuff,too.

it is a really worthwile job but I think very stressful.

You also need to know how to relate to people,in whatever situation,as well as dealing with medicalstuff.

I am not trying to discourage you but I admire the paramedics I know it isn't an easy job though

Have a look for a science access course and the NHS careers website.

Do you really not even have one GCSE or an equivilent qualification from abroad?

Mollie, I looked at this first link earlier and will be saving a bit of cash for those discs and I have added the second to my favourites to look at tomorrow when I wont need matchsticks to keep my eyes from closing.

Same with the red cross link, thank you Dizzy. I am in Wakefield, West Yorks.

Mavis, I really do think I could. It is a job that keeps jumping out at me to do.

Another couple of things I need to do is -

Stop smoking
Lose weight
gain confidence (which, I think would be fine once I have lost weight)

Just Another, Nope, nothing at all.

Oh, actually, I do have my adult lit level 1 which I had to do when doing my flt training.

saw the 'decision' elsewhere

agree go for the red cross, their training is fab and it would give you an idea of where to start, and will look like you are generally in the right area when you need to write it on your application. Also wondered if you'd looked into "access to..." courses at your local college?

stuff like this

Mavis, I encountered most of those things as a special constable. Including death ofa child after a paedophile murdered him...... If you are trained properly then you can deal with most things, you really do 'switch' into a capable mode when on the job. Would consider this job for myself. I've done alot with open university. Maybe worth a look on their as they can give career advise too.

In meantime, for your confidence, maybe a voluntary role?

I'd definitely recommend access courses. I was too young to officially go to the classes at college 10 years ago when I was getting some qualifications (you had to be 21) but I was sneaked into a few lectures and given additional course materials when I was doing my A Levels. They were really good. They are designed to be more like university courses.

Personally I wouldn't faff about with GCSEs and then A Levels if you don't have to (and I've done that route myself to get to uni) because an Access course is exactly that. Designed to enable you to get access to university courses.

I am very jealous you have found your vocation btw. I'm still pondering

Bloody hell,looking at it it is now a much longer course.Must've been talking to an old paramedic1Please don't let this discourage you though,if it is what you want to do go for it.jUTS BECAUSE YOU DON'T HOLD THE QUALLYS DOESN'T MEAN YOU WOUKDN'T MAKE A FANTASTIC PARAMEDIC.

My 2ps worth was more about the emotional side of it.It can be draining but like I say very worthwile.

If it is what you want to do there will be ways to access the course,contact your local uni or nhs website.In my role i often find mature students with children have much more get up and go and commitment to their course,academic qualifications can sometimes mean jack shit if someone is really committed.My prev post was more about the worst case scenario a paramedic could face,but there is lots of bread and butter stuff.If it is your dream go for it

Tiffany,point taken,i could never do policing in any role and take hat off to people who can

Will reply to everyone shortly, but can you believe there are no volunteer places going for anything relevent near me

Thank you giggle

Have just looked at that link, and none anywhere near me.

I wasnt very good at school, Although I was tipped to have very high grades, things happened which sent me over the rails and I didnt care about school, so now Im pissed off with myself.

My head is going in circles now trying to find courses that I can do that are either free, or have funding to go towards it.

These are what have come up on the red cross site for me, would any be any good?

(Im not usually this thick, honest)

International Tracing and Message Service Volunteer
Volunteering (outside UK office, London), West Yorkshire, International Tracing and Messaging Service, Volunteering, Ref:VWYITMS001

Medical Loan Volunteer
Volunteering (outside UK office, London), South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Hull & East Riding, North Yorkshire, Medical Equipment, Volunteering, Ref:VMLY0001

Peer Educator First Aid
Volunteering (outside UK office, London), South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Youth, Volunteering, Ref:VPEVV0001

I can't recommend open uni high enough..... And free. If on certain benefits.....

Are you on low income/benefits?Ifso thye may pay for courses.

If you have a local CAB near you book an appointment and they will be able to advise.

I am looking back at my post and realise it sounds fairly negative but as a starry eyed student when I went into nursing I was expecting SOME awful stuff but the reality hit me with a sledgehammer,so it was more about warning about the worst that can happen not so much as to detract you from your ambition.

I am still in awe of anyone who does policing.That is a hard job!

Which Benefits? Do you know>?

Off to llok at their site now.

I am nervous and excited at the same time and just hoping I wont be taking too much on with having the dcs too.