Tattoo question

[NotYourPsycho]

I searched but couldn't find anything

I was thinking about getting a line of text tattooed around my wrist, but realized that becoming a Paramedic might make that difficult. What are other places policies on this? The ones I have been reading say it's fine as long as its not obscene or offensive.

Thanks!

[swedbabe2002]

The service I train with doesn't want any tattoos showing at all. They consider it unprofessional. If the line of text is small enough you could just wear a watch over it. I have several tattoos, luckily they are all in places that would be covered while I'm in uniform anyway. If you don't mind me asking, what text are you getting?

[NotYourPsycho]

That's what I figured. Yes, it's going to be small to where my watch will cover it.

I am hoping to get "Heaven holds the faithfully depared WWC III" The initals will be on the inside of my wrist with the quote around it.

[Ridryder 911]

JEMS just did a survey and revealed about 60% of EMS would not allow a visible tattoo. Like you described, be smart and have it where it would be covered.

R/r 911

[swedbabe2002]

Well if your watch will cover it then I wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like a cool tattoo!

[NotYourPsycho]

If I do get it done, I'll be sure to show you if you'd like

[swedbabe2002]

Awesome! I'll have to get some pics of mine for ya. Most of them are funny.

[Doczilla]

I would recommend against it, no matter how many services do or do not have written policy on the matter.

Someday, you may not want to be a paramedic, or your career may move you to look at services that frown on tattoos which are not covered by the uniform. The military bans such tattoos, (the Army has this year reversed its decision on this, now allowing them. This might have to do more with missed recruiting goals.), and military standards of dress and grooming are frequently used as models for governmental services such as police, fire, and EMS.

Despite growing acceptance of tattoos in our society, there is still a significant portion of our population which views them as unprofessional. There is no argument that tattoos are often meaningful tributes to friends and family or reminders of inspirations in the wearer's life. To many people, they still suggest many of the things that make tattoos attractive: a sense of counterculture, a frowning on societal norms, and an independence for those who don't quite "fit in". That's part of what makes a tattoo "cool".

Many of my female friends with tattoos thought that getting some "small of the back" design, as has become popular, was a pretty cool thing to do. They didn't anticipate the cultural shift which accompanied the popularity of the practice, and now feel a little sheepish when they hear the tattoos referred to as a "tramp stamp". In a few years, a tattoo around the wrist may become a subject of ridicule, much as tribal armbands have now.

You don't know where your career will take you. At one point a long time ago, I considered getting a tattoo on my face. I had no idea then that there would be such a shift in my career. Doubtful that anyone would smile on their doctor if they saw him walk into the room with tattoos showing. Does that make me less of a doctor? No, but in many people's eyes, it would make me look like less of one.

Someday you may be trying to climb the ladder at a company that requires you to wear suits, or wanting to work for an EMS where the higher ups frown on the practice, no matter how trendy it is. Even if you wear long sleeves all the time, there are times when you are working that the sleeve will ride up and show the tattoo. Imagine the little old lady patient's opinion of you and how it will change.

Knowing that they come to depend on them at very vulnerable and critical times, the public has a certain image of EMTs and firefighters. (I mean the ones that care). They see them as professional, and to some extent expect them to be clean cut, with a uniform that is clean and kempt. That image usually doesn't include tattoos.

My advice is to get the tattoos that you like, but as a favor to your older self, get one that remains covered by clothing when in uniform. You never know when you might regret this decision.

'zilla

[paramedicmike]

I'd say read what Doc has to say. There's a lot of wisdom in that text.

Besides, is this really what you want to get?

..."Heaven holds the faithfully depared WWC III" ...

I can't imagine being pared is especially comfortable much less being depared. This just solicits images of small knives and slices of skin.

Good luck with your decision.

-be safe

[NotYourPsycho]

Yes, it's what I've wanted for years now, but I guess I best wait to atleast get a job. Maybe I will get it on a different section. That is a lot to think about the way you put it.

Thanks