Hi all, just a little details about me... Can't remember since what age I have this urge to serve, but nerver commited to the CAF. Currently I am 36 (soon 37), I have a family, work as a full time civy paramedic (in the province of Quebec) and part time (once called volunteer) firefighter for my small home town. I have friends and family members that once served or are currently serving in the CAF. Near my home, there are a few reserve units (infantry, ambulance, logistics and armoured). I am seriously considering joining to finaly satisfy the urge to serve, but also to be part of something big. My question, if I enlist in the reserves, the best bet would be paramedic in the reserves, but on the civy side I am a little burnt out of the whole medical aspect. I was wondering if joinning the armoured reserves would be a good idea ? I would like to learn new skills and to not be always in the same ''domain''. Hope this makes sense, and sorry for the long post. To those who serve or have served, you have my complete respect.
Becoming a reservist need advice please
- Thread starter Sigismund
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Staff Weenie
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While any Reserve Field Ambulance would be happy to have another trained Paramedic, do what you want to do. Years ago there was a Family Physician who was a truck driver in a Reserve Service Battalion. He wanted something different, with less responsibility, and mostly "I always wanted to drive a big green truck.' I also met a Dentist who was about to quit - he hated it. I asked what he wanted to do, and he said 'basically, run through the woods and shoot things' - so I sent him off to see about becoming an Infanteer.
If you take a position because you think it's your only option, you may not last. If its something you really want, you'll be more inclined to stick with it.
If you take a position because you think it's your only option, you may not last. If its something you really want, you'll be more inclined to stick with it.
sarahsmom
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You likely won't become a Cpl until after your trade training. While it's great that you hav your civvy paramedic qualification, there is also some military suff you need to learn. Tactical field care, care under fire, prolonged field care - lots of things that you wouldn't do civvy side unless your were a Tactical paramedic or a SWAT paramedic.
Cpl are expected to lead and have experience. Becoming a Cpl as soon as you are done basic is actually a disservice to you, even though the larger pay is nice.
Winds
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Yes, I believe you should get advanced promoted as a paramedic but it likely wouldn't be immediately following BMQ. I'm not sure how long the occupational training is for reserve paramedics (who are already licensed PCPs), but the reserve recruiters should.
As others have stated, pursue what interests you. However, there is something to be said for where one may provide the most benefit. As a licensed paramedic, you have skills and experience that are greatly needed within health services, especially if the country were to get into a hot war. In contrast, you 'd be joining any other occupation as unskilled, no different than if you had joined while still in highschool.
As well, it may be easier for you to convince your employer for time off to pursue military training if it is seen as beneficial to your current job.
MedCorps
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The nice thing about becoming a paramedic in the Royal Canadian Medical Service is that it grows your civilian PCP competencies. You will learn tactical medicine (like care under fire), chest tubes, wound debridement, temporary dental fillings, suturing, blood administration, ventilators, holding care, primary care (like community para-medicine) and lots more on your Corporals qualification course.
It will make you a better, stronger PCP medic in the civilian world.
It will make you a better, stronger PCP medic in the civilian world.
