Having previously failed on the dummy lifting test, I telephoned LAS last week to find out whether they still had an age limit for applications. Due to the recent Age Discrimination Act, I was not sure whether it applied to the LAS, or whether they were exempt from it. The recruitment officer informed me that they no longer had a "cut off age". I informed her that I was 47 and she told me that the age was not a factor and she was quite adamant that there was no age limit. My son, who is a police officer in East London, was rather shocked by this and thought that I must have been misinformed. I definitely spoke with the recruitment section. She informed me that I could also undertake a Paramedic Science Degree and that, during that time, I would be employed by the LAS but not paid. When I initially applied to the LAS, I went straight in for the tests (no initial interview or anything). I did the writing test - which was really easy, followed by the maths and map reading. Then the Entenox test took place, followed by the lifting of the dummy up and down stairs twice (once going forwards up the stairs, the second time backwards). I managed the first time but not the second. For some reason, I found it extremely difficult to walk up a stairs backwards - never mind having to lift a heavy dummy in a chair at the same time! Greenwich University also teaches the Paramedic Degree but I do not think that you are employed by LAS if you undertake their course. It seems to be a completely independant programme costing £2,500 for the first year, and £1,300 for years 2 and 3. If anyone wants it, the email address is S.Pearce@greenwich.ac.uk. Anyway, despite the fact that I would dearly love to get into the LAS, I have to be realistic in the fact that I would have trouble with the lifting due to a bad back. I have been informed that Essex Ambulance Service is much easier, but then it is not quite the same as working on the front-line for the LAS! I was thinking of undertaking a Paramedic Science Degree at Greenwich but am unsure whether it would be a waste of time or whether the qualification could still be utilised in some other capacity within the Health Service. Any advice/opinions would be most welcome.