Bipolar in EMS??

[medicchick]

I was wondering if any of ya'll know someone in EMS that is bipolar, and also, do you think that someone with Bipolar disorder can function in EMS??

Just outta curiousity......

[JBignell]

That is an interesting post, I am not sure if many people in EMS would want there co-workers to know. The jokes and comments would be to much. I hope I would be wrong.......

[SSTONER]

Originally posted by medicchick
I was wondering if any of ya'll know someone in EMS that is bipolar, and also, do you think that someone with Bipolar disorder can function in EMS??

Just outta curiousity......

I dont know if they have been "officially" diagnosed - but I know a few who could possibly qualify. They function ok on the job dealing with patients it seems - co workers is another story.


Stoner

[AKflightmedic]

Yes, I know people officially diagnosed as being bi polar. It is controlled with meds and open communication with superiors. It is not their fault they are that way and as such they should not be prohibited from gainful employment, especially in a such high demand field.

To discriminate is a violation of the federal ADA laws.

The ones I know are very capable of performing their job and there have been no adverse events that I can recall.

[blueeighty88]

I'm sure I know a few that have it, and have never been diagnosed.

[BD6413]

Originally posted by medicchick
I was wondering if any of ya'll know someone in EMS that is bipolar, and also, do you think that someone with Bipolar disorder can function in EMS??

Just outta curiousity......


....My Boss {Fire Chief} is Bi-Polor...lol lol You can always tell if he has taken his Happy Pills or Not.

On a serious note if one controls their medical disorder through medication and can perform the Duties associated with EMS Than ok...I had a partener for 6 years who had a seizure disorder....But with medication he was under control until one morning we found him in the bunk-room post dictal with resps of 6. That was a bad morning. Didn't take his meds for about a week.

Today he's back to work on a diffrent tour {I have a diffrent partener only because of shift switches and requests...I FT new staff and do alot of the administrative work}

[kaishepard0723]

Yes and no. Yes because they are good with patients but on the other hand I feel bad for their partner or co workers because the person with the bipolar will make everyones live miserable. And Hope that they never go into an officer position because then you know for sure its all over. I almost quite my ambulance job at least a half dozen times because the person was bipolar and an officer. The chief talked me out of it because I was one of the people that made up the crew 95 pecent of the time because there was no one around.

No offence to people with bipolar disorder, I just had a bad experience.