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Does a DUI affect Paramedic job?
A friend of mine got a DUI (it really wasn't me!) and wants to attend medic school with me. I forgot about his DUI and I dont want him to waste his money/time in Medic school if he wont get a job because of his DUI. Does anyone know anything about a DUI affecting getting hired for Medic? Thanks everyone!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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Yes, it can affect things, but it also depends upon his honesty about it and the department/service to which he is applying for. Unless it was a felony DUI, or his license is suspended or revoked, he should be OK. Just don't try and hide the fact he screwed up.
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Permalink Reply by Dwayne on
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How long ago is the biggest factor I my self had one back in 2002 and most of them go back 5 to 7 years.
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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First he would loose his license or ability to get one for State Medical certification in Oregon. Wether he would be hired would be intirely up to the agency. If he is up front about it and he hasnt had any other problems with this situation who knows? Would be up to the agency and their policy and leadership.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Not that this person is a bad person but in today's economic situation, jobs are harder to come by. When it comes time to make a decision between someone who has not been charged and arrested with felony drunk driving compared to the next person who has a lilly white driving record... Common sense tells you which person would be chosen... And to not report this incident is silly. Eventually, in order to get any kind of license involving being responsible for patient care and narcotics... one has to undergo a background investigation. I'm not saying it's impossible to start over, I'm just pointing out that legal counsel needs to be sought here if the individual truly wants to invest the time and effort toward going through paramedic school. Perhaps in situations where a relationship has been established with an employer in advance of attending the medic school would make a difference. Someone has to make a judgement call, to give someone a second chance. It might be beneficial to secure an employment agreement ahead of time before investing any effort or time.
CBz
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Permalink Reply by Trey Ford on
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I really appreciate the input everyone, I'll let him know what you guys have told me. Have a great Easter and God Bless.
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Permalink Reply by John Perry on
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Here it is done by a case to case thing. It will keep him/her from driving.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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There soon won't be second chances in Texas.
I have been recently informed, the state will start enforcing a no tolerance rule. Any substance abuse conviction will result in a denial for certification/licenseure. Even if the offense occurred 20 years prior and a person has had a spotless record since.
This will also affect anyone who is currently certified or licensed. Again, even if the incident occurred years ago, the renewal will be denied.
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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on
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It is going to make it harder for him to get hired. Private EMS probably won't touch him for a while. As a business owner, I can't insure a driver for us who has a DUI. As for a public agency, it's bad PR to hire someone who has a DUI conviction if that person becomes involved in a MVC. Even if he's not at fault. Different states are going to have their own laws. I won't discourage your friend, but he may want to ask a few agencies were he wants to get hired and see what their policies are.
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Permalink Reply by Al Williams on
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I personally wouldn't suggest to anyone to answer yes unless the application specifically request the information. I know that there are agencies that tell applicants to be honest only to have their application thrown in the trash because of an unwritten policy of not hiring anyone with any kind of record. So what does a person who withholds info have to lose? As for your friend going to PM school, if the DUI occurred along time ago then why not go to school. Especially if it will take a couple of years to complete. Just more time that passes toward wiping the slate. If it occurred recently, say within three years then he should wait a few more years. If he keeps his license clean and stays out of trouble, one day he will get hired, somewhere, it's just going to take time (maybe not in Texas from what i've read).
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Permalink Reply by Vic Silverfish on
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Out. Standing.
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Ralph, I didn't say a person should not fill out the application in full. I wrote not to give information unless specifically requested. A person who volunteers information not requested is foolish and what they stand to lose is the job. Plain and simple they won't get hired. It's a reality that a "yes" to question that reflect a negative character will get an application filed in the trash. And the person still loses the job. I'm just being a realist. Do I want a pedophile becoming a firefighter? No, but as for the kid who smoked weed when they were younger or got into some minor legal troubles in the past, why shouldn't they get a chance? I've know of firefighters busted for DUI who are lucky enough to have a cop willing to call a chief out to get them to save them from going to jail.
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In all actuality an application typically doesn't ask for such infractions unless it is a felony, some do though, and some applications ask for a copy of a driving record to be submitted. It is also difficult for an application, for a public sector job to just be tossed for such infractions, if the applicant does meet the minimum requirements. Either way, an infraction will be noted at some point and honesty is the best approach.
However, the original question was in regards to attending SCHOOL and not applying for a job. I see no reason that he shouldn't or can't go to school, nor to even wait a few years to even apply for a job. If he has a driver's license, then by all means go to school, look into jobs etc, waiting doesn't make the infraction go away.
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