Formal training and certification is indeed needed to become an EMT or a paramedic. A high school diploma is typically required for entering a formal training program. Some programs offer an associate degree along with the formal EMT training. All 50 States have a certification procedure. In most States and the District of Columbia, registration with the NREMT is required at some or all levels of certification. Other States administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking the NREMT examination. To maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics must re-register, usually every 2 years. In order to re-register, an individual must be working as an EMT or paramedic and meet a continuing education requirement.
Training for an EMT and Paramedics is offered at progressive levels:
(1) EMT-Basic, also known as EMT-1;
(2) EMT-Intermediate, or EMT-2 / EMT-3
(3) EMT-Paramedic or EMT-4.
EMT-Basic coursework typically emphasizes on emergency skills, such as managing respiratory systems, trauma, cardiac related emergencies, and patient assessment. Formal courses are often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The program also provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. Graduates of approved EMT basic training programs who pass a written and practical examination administered by the State certifying agency or the NREMT earn the title “Registered EMT-Basic.” The course also is a pre-requisite for EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic training.
EMT-Intermediate training requirements vary or differ from State to State. Applicants can be opted to receive training in EMT-Shock Trauma, wherein the caregiver learns to start intravenous fluids and give certain medications, or in EMT-Cardiac, which includes learning heart rhythms and administering advanced medications. Training commonly includes 35 to 55 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT-Basic coursework, and covers patient assessment as well as the use of advanced airway devices and intravenous fluids. Pre-requisites for taking the EMT-Intermediate examination include registration as an EMT-Basic, required classroom work, and a specified amount of clinical experience.
The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives additional training in body functions and learns more advanced skills. The Technology program usually lasts up to 2 years and results in an associate degree in an applied science. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as an EMT-Paramedic. Extensive related coursework, clinical and field experience is required for this field. Because of the longer training requirement, almost all EMT-Paramedics are in paid positions, rather than being volunteers. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMT’s and paramedics at all levels.
This particular field demands EMT’s and paramedics to be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility or flexibility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They also need good eyesight along with accurate color vision.
The State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority and county EMS offices certify EMT-Is, EMT-II’s and EMT-Ps based on the following requirements:
EMT-I: (certified by county EMS offices)
- Minimum age should be 18
- Approved EMT training of 100 hours
- Supervised clinical experience of 10 hours
- 24 Hours of Refresher training or continuing education every two years
- Length of certification that is two years
- Tested for recertification every four years
EMT-II: (certified by county EMS offices)
- Minimum age: 18
- High school diploma or equivalent
- EMT-I certification and one year field experience
- Minimum of 210 hours of approved classroom and skills laboratory training
- 96 hours clinical training & field internship
- Minimum of 20 emergency advance life support patient contacts
- Recertification examination every two years
- 48 hours of continuing education every two years
- Six field care audits of patient care records yearly
EMT-P: (licensed by State EMS Authority)
- Age 18 with high school diploma or equivalent
- Valid EMT-l/II certificate
- 320 hours-Approved classroom and skills laboratory
- Approved hospital clinical training -- 160 hours
- Approved field internship - 460 hours with a minimum of 40 patient contacts who required emergency advanced life support assistance.
- Continuing education every two years - 48 hours including 12 hours of field care audits
- Licensed by state
Paramedics with military experience who are on the national registry are eligible to challenge the skills exam to meet registration requirements set by the State EMS Authority. Additional training may be required.
There are over 200 EMT-I and eight EMT-II training sites in California.There are 31 EMT-P sites located in the larger metropolitan areas of the state.
Article provided by Future-tech Inc.