Here's a note for 'paramedic to be', I was 13yrs old when I decided I wanted a career in the Ambulance Service & I wouldn't class myself as an academic but more 'hands on'. I finally achieved my goal of being a paramedic (at the ripe old age of 31yrs!!) so stick with your goals & find the determination to make it. It might help to get out there & do some voluntary work with people of all ages/abilities as you need to develop some decent communication/people skills. Good luck!! :0)