Minimum age?

[Kiernan]

I am a 15 yr. old girl who has always had the love of emergency medicine and wishes to pursue a career as a physician in that field. I am trying to gain some knowledge and experience. I already volunteer in a local ER, but I would like to build upon that. I am interested in joining an explorer post, but I cannot find one in my area. I live in Pottstown Pennsylvania. I have already called around and I have come up with nothing. I'm stuck. Could you help me out? I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, what age do you have to be in PA to become an EMT-B? Would ambulance companies even bother to hire minors because of obvious legal restrictions?

Thanks for your time and help,
KP

[AFD#43]

It is good that at 15 you have an idea of what you would like to do. Esspecially having an interest in emergency services. For various reasons manys squads, or departments do not take in members under the age of 18. However there may be a junior member program in your area. The SCouts in your area may have an Explorer Program with a local department. In these programs, your emergency activities are limited but the training available is good. The emergency scene can be an area of extreme stress. In the department I joined as a junior firefighter (1977) junior members where not premitted to go on calls where there was a fatal. Some adults have a hard time with fatals. Another rule I remember is we had to bring our report cards to the Chief to maintain our membership. The department wanted to make sure that our grades weren't slipping. Also our parents were involved in our descision to join. So look and call around to the various departments in your area to see if they have a junior member program. Good luck.

[LouisianaMedic]

To be an EMT in the state of Pennsylvania, requires you to be 16 years old.. Most fire departments in the Pottstown area should have junior membership..

I got my EMT at 16, and Paramedic at 18.

If the departments have junior members you can join now with age restrictions on times to respond according to the Child labor laws..

Good luck and God Bless..

Any more questions feel free to email me...

[RoryEl]

If you can not find an Explorer post in your local area, talk to your local Fire Department about starting one. They are usually looking for good PR in the local community. Good luck