Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Becoming An EMT - Is It Possible?



EMTs work in both indoor and outdoor scenarios. It does not matter what kind of weather, the emergency medical technician will be working in rain, sunshine, snow, hail and sleet. They are also required to do a considerable amount of lifting, bending, stooping and kneeling. EMT workers are at a higher risk for having injuries and contracting illnesses. They may also suffer from risk noise-induced hearing loss from the sirens on the ambulance truck.

Emergency medical technicians are also at risk for communicable diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis. They are also at risk for violence from mentally combative patients. The work of an emergency worker is not only physically strenuous, but also mentally stressful. They can often find themselves involved in a life or death situation. Despite the risks associated with working in the emergency medical field, many people find the work exciting and rewarding. They enjoy the opportunity to help other people in need. These EMT workers experience a larger than average number of work related injuries.

In order to train as an emergency medical technician, you have to have a high school diploma or a GED. There are various levels of emergency medical technician training. At the basic level of emergency worker, the course work will include managing airways, cardiac emergencies, and trauma. You will also be required to do a patient assessment. The courses are combined with time in the ambulance truck or emergency department. The course programs provide you with instruction and practice in dealing with fractures, bleeding, airway obstructions, and childbirth. You will also learn how to maintain common emergency medical equipment.

This can include backboards, splints, suction devices, and oxygen delivery systems. Once you have graduated from the emergency medical technician basic level training, then you will be required to pass a written and practical exam. This exam will be given to you from the state licensing agency or NREMT.

The intermediate level of EMT training will vary, depending on the state. The nationally defined levels are known a EMT-Intermediate 85 and EMT-Intermediate 99. Typically, you’ll be required to have anywhere from 30 to 350 additional hours of training. You will learn advanced skills including using intravenous fluids, medications and airway devices. The most advanced level of training is known as paramedic. At this advanced level, you will receive in depth training in physiology and anatomy. You will most likely get this training at a community college or a technical school. These programs can take anywhere from two to four y ears. The education will prepare you to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician’s examination. You may also be required to take extensive field work.

All 50 states will require emergency medical technicians to be licensed. The levels vary for each state. In most states, certification by the NREMT is required, while other states will give you their own examination. Licensure renewal is required every three years in general and you may be required to take refresher courses upon completing your educational requirements.

Emergency medical technicians should have good physical health, agility, dexterity, and should be emotionally stable. They should also have good eye sight or wear corrective lenses. Many employers will also require a criminal background check before hiring you. As a paramedic, your job opportunities are increased. You’re able to apply for positions of supervisor, administrator directors, operations managers, or even executive directors. Some paramedics and emergency medical technicians move on to become dispatchers, instructors, or even physician assistants. Others will move on into marketing or sales. A number of paramedics and EMTs move on to become doctors, nurses or other health care workers. 

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