As the name implies, emergency medical technician (EMT) plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by rendering life-saving care services to patients amidst crisis environments. According to John Rose Oak Bluff, it takes nearly 6 months to 3 years to become an EMT depending on whether an individual aims to attend a full-time course or their areas of specialization. Candidates who are interested in knowing details about the training, course requirements, and levels of EMT keep reading
What is an EMT?
An EMT is a qualified medical expert who renders emergency health care beyond the traditional healthcare facility. Widely known as first responders EMTs need to work in challenging situations and adverse settings like fires, and natural disasters that demand emergency medical interventions.
What does an EMT do?
EMTs work as liaisons by responding to emergency calls caused by fire or natural disasters, providing basic medical care services to injured and sick individuals, and carrying them by ambulance or helicopters to medical facilities. Mostly EMTs operate as directed by emergency dispatchers. They evaluate symptoms of trauma, injury, or illnesses- provide first aid, and control bleeding while stabilizing injured people during transportation to medical facilities.
How to become an EMT
- Complete basic education
In general, EMTs must possess at least a diploma from a recognized high school or a GED certificate. For those who have not undergone a high school diploma, make sure to consider studying and getting equipped with a GED certification.
- Get CRP certification
These days, EMT training curriculum require individuals to possess a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Organizations like American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, offer CPR courses both on-campus and online. The course teaches about the techniques to perform CPR to rescue the breaths of a deadly individual.
- Complete an EMT program
After having CPR certification, make sure to complete an accredited EMT certification course. In this course, students are provided with thorough training in emergency medical practice as approved by their states. To ensure visit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) site that offers detailed accredited EMT training programs according to different states.
- Pass The Cognitive Exam
On completion of the EMT program, candidates need to pass through cognitive exam organized by NREMT. The online test comprises 70 to 120 questions covering various areas of emergency medical services that EMTs are supposed to execute, says John Rose Oak Bluff.
- Pass The Psychomotor Exam
In addition, students need to go through an EMT psychomotor exam organized by the local medical training organization of the state. This exam will evaluate the ability of candidates to perform emergency care services such as bleeding control, cardiac arrest management, supplemental oxygen administration, and so on. On completion of all these steps, training, and courses successfully, start applying and land a challenging EMT job to serve the community.
EMT Levels
There are 3 different levels of EMTs which include:
EMT basic
An EMT-B is a well-trained medical specialist who needs to respond to medical emergencies, provide prompt care, and drive patients to the nearest hospital setting. They need to provide services like basic life support for patients with cardiac arrest and severe bleeding. They should be well-versed in using medical devices like Defibrillators, Electrocardiographs (EKGs), etc.
EMT intermediate
Apart from performing similar types of jobs, Intermediate EMTs should have expertise in using essential medical devices as stated above. In the advanced training, they are taught about using intravenous (IV) medications as well as airway devices effectively.
EMT paramedic
Being in the highest tier in this profession, apart from performing the above tasks (performed by EMT basic and intermediate) EMT paramedics should have specialization in administering medication, EKGs, and intubation procedures. To perform as an EMT paramedic candidates should earn an associate degree and certification offered by NREMT.
So, this is all about EMT training, certification, steps to achieve the position, and EMT types. Aspirants need to peruse the courses depending on their goal of EMT level.
