Without a doubt, paramedics are unsung heroes in the medical profession. Often working tirelessly behind the scenes, they are the ones who provide life-saving assistance to patients in need.
Heroes without capes sounds about right – that is what paramedics are.
Lured by the opportunity of saving lives, many young people interested in joining the ranks often wonder – can paramedics have tattoos? Is there such a thing as a universal EMT tattoo policy?
The world’s growing acceptance of the ink doesn’t necessarily mean that all sectors are on board just yet. And when it comes to the medical profession, there are still a few holdouts.
Let’s find out if that applies to EMTs as well.
Can Paramedics Have Tattoos?
The answer to this question isn’t that straightforward.
While there’s no general law stating that paramedics cannot have tattoos, individual institutions may have different policies in place. Some ambulance services, hospitals, and other medical organizations forbid their employees from having any visible tattoos. Others are more lenient, allowing small and discreet designs.
In no way does this make the EMT profession a negative exception to the rule. Most sectors of the medical profession have similar policies in place.
For example, it’s not uncommon for surgeons and nurses to be prohibited from having visible tattoos by hospitals.
The reasoning behind these policies is usually the same – to maintain a professional appearance and have as much trust in the patient as possible. In the medical field, first impressions are important. And having visible tattoos can make some patients feel uneasy or less likely to trust the person providing their care.
This is especially true in emergency situations, where patients may be feeling anxious or scared. In these cases, it’s important for paramedics to do everything they can to put their patients at ease.
Recommended Tattoo Placement for Paramedics
It’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially when your career may be at stake. If you’re considering getting a tattoo as a paramedic, it’s best to stick to small and discreet designs that can be easily covered up.
The most popular placement options for paramedics include the following:
- Upper arm (bicep or tricep)
- Shoulder
- Back
- Chest
- Leg (calf or thigh)
Of course, the final decision is up to you. Just remember that any visible tattoo may limit your employment prospects, so it’s best to choose a placement that can be easily covered up if need be.
Many people are mad in love with sleeve tattoos and we don’t blame them. However, you have to keep in mind that some institutions might require you to completely cover them up while on the job. In this case, it’s best to pick a design that can be easily covered with a long-sleeved shirt.
So, how about more extreme areas? Can you be a paramedic with face tattoos? Or, can paramedics have neck tattoos?
Having a tattoo on the face or even neck might greatly hamper your chances of getting hired as a paramedic. In fact, these placement options are often completely off-limits for people working in the medical field.
These are highly visible areas that cannot be covered up, so they go against the policies of most medical organizations.
If you’re set on getting a face or neck tattoo, your best bet is to wait until after you’ve retired from your paramedic career.
Do EMTs Have to Cover Tattoos?
In most institutions, paramedics with tattoos in visible areas (those not covered by the uniform), will be required to cover them up while on the job.
This usually means wearing a long-sleeved shirt or bandage over the tattooed area. In some cases, special skin makeup (also called dermablend) can be used to cover up tattoos.
If you have a tattoo that cannot be covered up, you might have to look into other medical professions. Many hospitals, ambulance services, and other medical organizations have strict policies against visible tattoos.
Why Do Paramedics Have Tattoos?
There are many reasons why paramedics might choose to get tattoos. For some, it’s simply a matter of personal preference or style. Others may see it as a way to express their individuality.
Some paramedics also get tattoos to commemorate an important event in their lives, such as becoming a certified EMT. In some cases, people get tattoos to show their support for the EMS community.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that getting a tattoo is a permanent decision. before making any final decisions.
Do some research and talk to other paramedics about their experiences with tattoos. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right choice for you.
What Jobs Can I Get With Tattoos?
Despite the fact that medical professions still have a bit of catching up to do, the industry has come a long way in recent years and should continue to relax its policies on visible tattoos.
However, if you’re open to exploring other career options, there are plenty of jobs that are more tattoo-friendly. Here are a few examples:
- Engineers
- Electricians
- Graphic designers
- Hairdressers
- Interior designers
- Software engineers
If you want to serve your community but don’t want to limit your career options, consider becoming a firefighter or police officer. These professions are generally more accepting of visible tattoos. Don’t forget about the possibility of joining the military, either!
On the other end of the spectrum, we have professions that are still ultra-harsh when it comes to tattoos, such as flight attendants and pilots.
