emt w/ dui?

[forumpeon]

Im attending emt school in january but I have a dui (23152\non accident dui) and Im wondering where I should look to apply when I get out.

[jm77]

I don't know when your OUI was, but I do know AMR is pretty strict about driving record, including speeding and OUI's. If you run into a tough time getting hired you might want to try working in a hospital as an ER Tech. Its a good job where you'll get a ton of experience, and it will give you an opportunity to work in the field without having to worry about the OUI. Once you have some experience in the ER some smaller services might be willing to look past the OUI. Good luck.

[forumpeon]

ya I talked with my buddy that works for desert ambulence out in joshua tree and he said there pretty strict with dui's but since I know him he might be able to swing some things. though he said when I get my paramedic cert it will be harder. so we will see I guess. thanks

[JimSpoor]

You should probably think of tis as starting over as a recent OUI/DUI can really hurt you in the EMS field. There are options however.

Your local volunteer fire/EMS/rescue agency will probably be looking for members. They will give you a chance to prove yourself. You just won't be driving any apparatus for a while.

Other "non-traditional" job opportunities for EMTs are available. Hospitals, rehabs, movie lots, special event venues all have a need for EMTs, as well as the various private ambulance providers. Some of the above jobs are contracted to companies, others are in-house employees. You'll have to ask around.

You do have an uphill road, but it isn't the Rockies. Good Luck.

P.S. I was a little confused about your comment about your paramedic cert. Are you starting and EMT class or a paramedic class?

[forumpeon]

im starting my emt class. thanks for the valuable information, ill check out my local firedepartment for volunteer stuff.

[Flippy]

Each state is probably different on how they treat EMTs with DUIs. In my area, you'd be able to get on with a volunteer agency with no problem (provided you have an otherwise clean criminal history). You wouldn't be allowed to drive the ambulance for 5 years, though. As for running with a paid agency, that would be a lot harder. They definitely take driving records into consideration and chances are, if it came down to a choice between you and a candidate with a clean driving record, you'd be out of luck.

Again, different states do different things. You'd need to inquire about your state.