An Epileptic Paramedic

[CrazyNibor]

I'm a Paramedic. Working for an ambulance service. Started having focal seizures this year. Looking for a new job /role. Any ideas that can use my experience, 10 years in ambulances, but work in a different area. Even when OH say I can do a role my trust refuse to make allowances. They're unsupportive and it's clear I need to move to a different organisation. Any ideas? (They know they're breaking the law, but the stress of taking action will hurt me more than them. Unions aren't helping)

[GillyA]

This must be really tough. I normally work overseas and our OH provider have really wobbled about me going back. Thankfully they have just cleared me.

I can’t suggest specific jobs, but look at what you do and what you enjoy and see how you can apply those skills elsewhere. Working with people, customers service, first aid, etc. I heard a piece recently about how a member of cabin crew had moved to work in an estate agent based on her customer service experience.

[Angie140720]

Hello I am sorry to hear you are having a difficult time with your employer. I am a nurse who used to work as a neonatal nurse in a hospital working 12 hour shifts. I had a seizure, not at work, and they wouldnt let me come back. I did involve my consultant, occ health and used my union and after 5 months of stress was allowed to return on short shifts with no nights. They refused to give the regular shift patterns that had been requested, but for you being a paramedic I guess this may be less of an option. I eventually left after trying to identify my triggers for seizures and what makes it worse, stress the 07.30 start and 12 hour shifts, working to exhaustion and I would encourage you to think about yours. I now work in a gp practice and my working hours are better. We have paramedics in the role of emergency care practitioner, its not the same as being a paramedic, doesn't have the same adrenalin rush, but your clinical assessment skills would come in very handy, people skills, as well as your abilities to manage someone with acute illness and injury. Just a thought, unless you fancy a complete change in direction! Good luck finding your way forward.

[wxy123]

I really feel for you. You'd be very well qualified to work for a firm that does First Aid training. Good luck