Expert: Dominick G. Kasmauskas - 7/30/2009

Question
My girlfriends son is trying to be an emt.  He failed the test the first time and is hoping to take it again soon.  He is a troubled kid that goes out clubbing and drinking.  At 22 he is finally doing something that I think he likes and can do.  He has passed the practical part from the emt training school.  He also got a DUI on his record I beleive it is now almost 2 years.  If he does pass the board state test will he even be able to get a job with a dui on his record.  Thanks so much for helping answer this question.  ellen

Answer
Ellen~

Great question and glad he has found a noble calling.

As long as he has cleared his name from the DUI, in my opinion only, that will be a major factor in it being "overlooked". With two years or more since the DUI, and no other infractions, he may do well.

One possibility that may be a problem is if whomever he applies with has a bad driver history with other employees (past or present), they will not want to bring on board a person which may raise their insurance rates due to his history.

He needs to be honest and up front about it if asked (which he will need to do when filling out the Motor Vehicles paperwork). But also impress upon them that he "learned his lesson and has moved on from that lifestyle". And he needs to honestly HAVE moved on from that lifestyle!

He needs to understand that once he passes his tests and is certified as an EMT and starts wearing that EMT patch on his favorite jacket, two things;
-First...he will need to be sober and alert if called upon (on or off duty and there is NO "off duty"). An EMT is an EMT 24/7/365. If someone is hurt and he is called upon...by duty he MUST respond...performing correctly.
-Second...being known as an EMT in the community and if being scene intoxicated or hanging out at clubs or bars constantly, it will reflect on everyone who wears a uniform, volunteer or paid, EMT, cop and firefighters alike.

I hope I have impressed upon you and his mother as the adults how important it is to get him out of the "clubbing" scene as it means nothing in the scope of his life. Plus, he'll have more studying.

5% of us keep this world safe or clean up the messes from the dumb things the other 95% of the people do. He needs to step into the 5% category and be part of the elite class of people in society and he will go many good places and be successful.

Ok, off my soapbox now and I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions.

Sincerely,
Dom.
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