EMT-Paramedic programs at Know How Inc

EMT-Paramedic

People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, Paramedics perform more difficult pre-hospital medical procedures than EMTs. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drownings, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. Paramedics provide this vital attention as they care for and transport the sick or injured to a medical facility. Paramedics typically are dispatched to the scene and often work with police and fire department personnel. Once they arrive, they determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition. Following strict rules and guidelines, they give appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient. Some paramedics are trained to treat patients with minor injuries on the scene of an accident or at their home without transporting them to a medical facility. Emergency treatments for more complicated problems are carried out under the direction of medical doctors by radio preceding or during transport.

Paramedics may use special equipment such as backboards to immobilize patients before placing them on stretchers and securing them in the ambulance for transport to a medical facility. Usually, one EMT or paramedic drives while the paramedic monitors the patient’s vital signs and gives additional care as needed. Some paramedics work as part of the flight crew of helicopters that transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital trauma centers.

At the medical facility, paramedics help transfer patients to the emergency department, report their observations and actions to staff, and may provide additional emergency treatment.

Paramedics provide the most extensive pre-hospital care of all of the pre-hospital providers. In addition to the procedures already described, paramedics may administer drugs orally and intravenously, interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs), perform endotracheal intubations, and use monitors and other complex equipment.

Paramedics work both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. These workers risk noise-induced hearing loss from sirens and back injuries from lifting patients. In addition, Paramedics may be exposed to diseases such as Hepatitis-B and AIDS, as well as violence from drug overdose victims or mentally unstable patients. The work is not only physically strenuous, but also stressful, involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients. Nonetheless, many people find the work exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMTs and paramedics have irregular working hours that add to job stress.

Formal training and certification is needed to become an EMT or paramedic. All 50 States possess a certification procedure. In 38 States and the District of Columbia, registration with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) is required at some or all levels of certification. Other States administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking the NRMET examination. To maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics must reregister, usually every 2 years.

The most advanced level of training is EMT-Paramedic. At this level, the caregiver receives extensive training in body function and more advanced skills. The Paramedic Technology program usually lasts up to 2 years. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as an EMT-Paramedic. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience is required. Due to the longer training requirement, almost all EMT-Paramedics are in paid positions. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs and paramedics at all levels.

EMTs and paramedics should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They also need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision.

Employment of emergency medical technicians and paramedics is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Population growth and urbanization will increase the demand for full-time paid EMTs and paramedics rather than for volunteers. In addition, a large segment of the population—the aging baby boomers—will further spur demand for EMT services, as they become more likely to have medical emergencies. There will still be demand for part-time, volunteer EMTs and paramedics in rural areas and smaller metropolitan areas. Opportunities will be best for those who have advanced certifications, such as EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic, as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital.

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