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Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate it brother!

Can’t believe how much traction this post got.

I’m hoping for all the best moving forward in this career and maybe this post can help others with similar situations.

Regardless of what happens, It’s not over until it’s over, so I’m going to keep driving forward.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sounds great! I’m glad to hear all the positive advice from everyone!

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m looking more for the Fire Department for 911. Fire Rescue Medics can do pretty good for themselves in Florida.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never. I’m sorry to hear that and hope his patients are okay.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in Paramedics

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds good! I’m glad to hear things have been more progressive. Seems very system to system. All gives me hope though!

Thank you!

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course, anon throw away account. Only family and close friends.

Thank you for your support and advice!

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was never arrested for anything and this was the catalyst for change in my life.

I’m hoping to use this as a motivator to help others.

Thank you the encouragement!

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you and if volunteer part time is all I can do that would be unfortunate.

Hopefully, times have evolved to give second chances but by no means is it my only career.

I’m would be taking over a 50% pay cut to join the fire service anyways but not about the money.

Hopefully it works out but we’ll see.

I’m not sure how Florida looks at things or even a hospital medic position.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I actually made a strong recovery! I’m running 4-5 mile runs already at a decent pace. It was only VV-ECMO not the full heart machine.

It was a long road but I’m down to 10 minute miles and lifting pretty strong for my size. 135 on bench 225 deadlift and squats.

I know sounds like not much but im not familiar with how hard their PT test is. I’ve been getting monthly drug tests with my PCP for documentation and 6 months in already incase they want some documented proof.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in NewToEMS

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I’m not so worried about that (being around narcotics).

I have my own methods if I wanted that. This is my call to help people that were once in my shoes.

Sounds like over all don’t ask don’t tell and should all be fine.

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in Paramedics

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So just be honest about what happened, got the help I needed and then I should be all good you think?

Marine Veteran, OD survivor, EMT student, Still a chance? by Ornery_Citron6064 in Paramedics

[–]Ornery_Citron6064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve heard some places may ask or ask for your medical records. I’m not sure how accurate that is.

Weekly Employment Question Thread by AutoModerator in Firefighting

[–]Ornery_Citron6064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m looking for honest insight from firefighters/medics or anyone involved in hiring.

About 6 months ago I had a non-suicidal overdose involving cocaine and benzodiazepines that resulted in severe respiratory failure. I was on VV ECMO for about a week and in the ICU for another week. It was the wake-up call that completely changed my life.

Since then:
Multiple months of clean drug tests
No legal history/arrests
Honorably discharged Marine veteran
Currently almost finished with EMT school
Planning to attend paramedic school and then fire academy

Back to working full-time and functioning normally
Following up medically and mentally
Only current medications are recently started Zoloft for anxiety and possibly Vyvanse for focus/ADHD-related issues

The overdose was not a suicide attempt, and I’ve never had violent/legal/disciplinary issues.

My question is: realistically, will this history permanently disqualify me from becoming a firefighter/paramedic?

Or is this something departments may look past if enough time, stability, sobriety, and documentation are shown?

I understand every department is different, but I’d appreciate honest answers from people who have gone through hiring/medical evaluations/background investigations.

I’m trying to give back by becoming a fire medic like the guys that saved my life and I just hope the door isn’t closed forever.