tryingtodecide

Hi, I live in Niagara, Ontario, Canada. I was just accepted to Niagara College's paramedic program (PCP) I am trying to decide if this is right for me, but I have had little to no luck connecting with someone that will answer my questions. HELP.... My first question is; Can this job be done if you have a chronic foot pain? (Plantar fasciitus). Please keep in mind it only hurts after extended periods of standing (3+ hours).Yes I can walk, climb stairs, lift things, but standing still in 1 spot causes me discomfort and pain. Can you do the PCP schooling and immediately go to the advanced care paramedic schooling ? Or must you work before you go to the advanced care ? Are 1st jobs hard to come by ? Someone told me it takes an average of 5 years before you even become permanent part time. Is this true ? Is the Niagara region typically bad for jobs ? What is the pay like ? I heard paramedics were not paid well given the risk and amount of work..... IS there anyone who should not do this job ? Or can not do this job ? Is anyone willing to chat with me via telephone or email ? Thanks

I have seen a podiatrist, pedorthist, orthopedic surgeon and GP... I have the correct footwear and was running in the correct footwear under the guidance of my personal trainer and running coach... I currently have 2 custom orthotics, do physio therapy, laser therapy , massage therapy and have been using the RICE method since the onset of the injury. I have looked at almost all treatments, socks, shoes, NSAIDS the list goes on and on. at this point and given all the treatments I have used I am trying to look realistically at the issues I might encounter with my feet (Yes I have considered all the other things mentioned, at this point I am strictly focused on my foot). This problem started July of last year to no avail the treatments are not working.... I am trying to get into my local college's paramedic course where there is a fitness test which requires running among other things... I appreciate your input.....

Hi, I developed painful plantar faciitus as a result from running while trying to get in shape for paramedic school acceptance. The long and short of it is I have tried EVERY therapy and treatment available to no avail.... my feet are still extremely painful after extended periods of standing (approx 2 hours or so) Are medics on their feet for continuous hours or do they have the ability to sit and/or rest them ? Are you feet aching at the end of a shift ? Help Thanks

Thanks so much. Good advice. I feel better now... I am fit, and my back is very strong. Mobility is ok. I still work and walk my dog etc. but if I stand for 4 straight hours which my job requires my feet are very sore afterwards. I actually live in Ontario, Canada. I am applying to Niagara College and as far as I know they offer it as a whole 2 year program. Seems like a lot of money to invest if I quite after the first term (if I can't handle i) that's why I am trying to sort things out now... How are job prospects in other areas ? I am not opposed to moving. there never seems to be any postings around here. Are they posted somewhere the average person like me wouldn't see them ? What is the pay scale ? Did you have to do a fitness test to be accepted to your current job ? If so did it involve long periods of running etc ? I have been searching the web and sending inquiries to anyone in my area from many groups and organizations and I am disappointed to say not ONE has responded in any capacity..... I have tried to book meetings, ride a longs and even ask some simple questions over the phone but no one will respond...

I'm hoping someone will respond as I keep hitting brick walls when trying to get some answers. I think I would like to be a paramedic.... I say "think" because there are some things I need to know before I decide. What I REALLY want to know is how can you tell if you can handle it.... all the things you see that is.... I am scared I won't be able to handle some of the gross factor... but these might just be normal jitters everyone is faced with. I can watch gross stuff on t.v. and find it fascinating (surgeries etc) however it is so different t.v. v.s. real life... Is there any general rule of thumb or test to determine if this is something you can do. I assume with exposure, practice and education I will become comfortable with all types of sights and situations but before I commit to schooling I would love to know if I am being realistic. The other question I have is with regards to amount of time spent on your feet. I started running to get in shape to be accepted to the paramed program and in the process injured my foot very badly ... I have been trying to heal it over a year to no avail and I wonder how much time is spend continuously on your feet ? I know something like nursing would be out of the question for me but I wonder what thoughts were on it from a paramed point of view. Any advice would be so appreciated..... THANKS