Ambulance and emergency service staff with Type 1

[dkw1989]

Hey everyone

Wondered if anyone on the forum works or knows anyone who works on an emergency ambulance and is diagnosed with type 1?
I was diagnosed Type 1 3 months ago and am in my early 30s. Ive been working as an EMT for years and am currently studying for a paramedic sciences degree.
Work have been really supportive with my new diagnosis and coming back to work and have had me working as an extra person on ambulances for a period of time. Currently they are stopping me from going back to normal duties and are using me awaiting my medical to get my C1 license back as a reason, although occupational health and my consultant have signed me off as fit to work on an ambulance as I have not experienced any hypos nor had any issues with being able to practice safely as a diabetic. Within my ambulance trust it is also allowed that you can work as a non-driver if you are taken off driving duties due to health or licencing issues. Wondered if anyone has heard of anyone having issues at work within the ambulance service as a type 1 or if anyone has any advice for working with the emergency services and being diagnosed with type 1.

Thanks
D

 

[AndBreathe]

Hey everyone

Wondered if anyone on the forum works or knows anyone who works on an emergency ambulance and is diagnosed with type 1?
I was diagnosed Type 1 3 months ago and am in my early 30s. Ive been working as an EMT for years and am currently studying for a paramedic sciences degree.
Work have been really supportive with my new diagnosis and coming back to work and have had me working as an extra person on ambulances for a period of time. Currently they are stopping me from going back to normal duties and are using me awaiting my medical to get my C1 license back as a reason, although occupational health and my consultant have signed me off as fit to work on an ambulance as I have not experienced any hypos nor had any issues with being able to practice safely as a diabetic. Within my ambulance trust it is also allowed that you can work as a non-driver if you are taken off driving duties due to health or licencing issues. Wondered if anyone has heard of anyone having issues at work within the ambulance service as a type 1 or if anyone has any advice for working with the emergency services and being diagnosed with type 1.

Thanks
D

We do have a member who became a Paramedic some years after a T1 diagnosis, so it is very doable. From memory she had a couple of hiatuses whilst various potential safety issues were cleared, one way or another.

I haven't see the member around for a while, so won't tag her, but hopefully someone will remember better than me.

Good luck with it all. You are doing very valuable work.

 

[Robbity]

I remember her too, but she definitely hasn't been around for some time.

 

[Juicyj]

Hi @dkw1989 Funnily enough my niece is also doing her degree in Paramedic science, and although not t1 I spoke to her about a girl who wanted to train as a paramedic, her response was based on her knowledge of her trust and that it has to be declared on the medical and wouldn't stop someone with t1 from becoming a paramedic, however she did say every trust has it's own policy which would differ. It shouldn't stop you from doing your job but they would have an obligation to ensure your t1 is well controlled and that you haven't required assistance with a hypo, it would be similar to DVLA in that respect, but personally I couldn't see it stopping you - great admiration for the work paramedics do, good luck.

 

[GarethSM]

Hey everyone

Wondered if anyone on the forum works or knows anyone who works on an emergency ambulance and is diagnosed with type 1?
I was diagnosed Type 1 3 months ago and am in my early 30s. Ive been working as an EMT for years and am currently studying for a paramedic sciences degree.
Work have been really supportive with my new diagnosis and coming back to work and have had me working as an extra person on ambulances for a period of time. Currently they are stopping me from going back to normal duties and are using me awaiting my medical to get my C1 license back as a reason, although occupational health and my consultant have signed me off as fit to work on an ambulance as I have not experienced any hypos nor had any issues with being able to practice safely as a diabetic. Within my ambulance trust it is also allowed that you can work as a non-driver if you are taken off driving duties due to health or licencing issues. Wondered if anyone has heard of anyone having issues at work within the ambulance service as a type 1 or if anyone has any advice for working with the emergency services and being diagnosed with type 1.

Thanks
D

 

[GarethSM]

Yes I was! 12 years as an EMT when diagnosed type 1 in 2016.
I was also mid way through my Paramedic course when this happened.
Due to the general situation where I worked (queuing outside hospitals, stand bys etc..) I left last September.
Once you get into a pattern and "attempt" to sort regular meal breaks for food, things are good.
Just keep some fast carbs handy for CPR jobs.
You've probably been told this but take lots of fluid, never underestimate how important this is.
Biggest advice I can give is find a routine (amid the chaos! ) and once you've found a routine that works for you, stick to it.
Please ask anything you want as I'm happy to share any assistance I can.