How long would an person who has epilepsy need to be seizure free to be able to train as a paramedic.?

Question

I am over 21 with full driving licence but not able to drive until I have been seizure free for 12 months. Would I be able to train as a paramedic or how long would I need to have been seizure free before I could apply for training/position as paramedic.

Answer 1

Your best bet is to contact the agency in your state that governs paramedics. The answer probably varies by state.

Answer 2

the training would be no problem, however, you have to pass a physical to take the class.... if the physician allowed it, then you could take it... however, i hate to tell you this, but around here you would never be able to work on an ambulance.. because of the lights.... but the good news is, you could still work in a hospital er as a medic...

you would hate to be driving emergency traffic and then wreck and kill everyone because you had a seizure...

Answer 3

Absolutely anyone can apply for Paramedic schooling. There are no regulations on an education. If you pay you will recieve. Although, you are right it does affect your licensing and work abilitiy. It is generally a year from past knowledge. It probably does vary from state to state but generally it follows the foots of the driving bureau. I have worked with a fellow medic that has epilepsy and he did fine for a very long time...but the biggest problem is that with the long nights, lack of sleep and disruption sometimes in the diet could be mentally and physically draining. Sure he did survive a few years maintaining his status of seizure free but it wears on you badly and can be unpredictable. He ended up having some seizures irregularly at home (which did not affect him at work yet) but later he did have a seizure in the ambulance while working and they had him see his doctor and get a doctor's okay after the first seizure BUT then down the road he was driving the ambulance down the interstate at 80mph and started having a seizure while driving. The EMT manipulated the scene and was able to stop the ambulance before wrecking which was just god's blessing but it is just to say that this particular job- know matter how exciting it can be can also be physically and mentally grueling so, just really take care of yourself first. Good Luck though!