If you are wondering how to become a paramedic, it all starts with EMT Training. Being an EMT is an exciting and rewarding career. An EMT must act and think quickly and they often deal with life or death situations. It is not a career for the weak-hearted but there are millions of people who wouldn’t trade it for any other job in the world. It is a great job for quick thinkers, people who deal well under pressure, and for those who can handle stressful decision making situations.
There are different levels of an EMT career that lead to becoming a paramedic, and they can vary by which state you get certified in. In general there are 4 levels of EMT training and like most jobs the pay increases with training.
"EMT Training"
EMT First Responder- The first responder is exactly what it sounds like. They are a critical piece in the calls they receive and have to quickly stabilize a situation. First responders are trained to use defibrillators (AED), administer CPR, assist in emergency childbirth and also apply bandages and splints. Their basic duties are to stabilize a situation and get the patient ready for transport. First Responder training is typically 40-60 hours and CPR training is needed before you take a class. First Responders can expect an exam ranging between 80-110 questions and an examination of field work.
EMT Basic- EMT Basic will also be written as EMT B. EMT Basic is one step above First Responder and includes all of its duties. In addition to First Responder duties EMT Basic also includes administering nitroglycerin and epinephrine. These two drugs vary in there uses but they can be used to treat different symptoms of heart attacks and chest pains. They are used as an aid until the patient can reach a doctor or hospital. The EMT Basic exam is usually between 70-100 questions and also includes a psychomotor exam. The Psychomotor examination is where your instructor concludes if you have passed and showed competence in the field. EMT Basic training is typically between 140-160 hours.
EMT Advanced- EMT Advanced is also interchanged with EMT Intermediate depending on the State. The Advanced or intermediate level has two levels in itself. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) divides it into Intermediate/85 and Intermediate/99. EMT Advanced includes all the duties of First Responders and EMT Basic plus other job duties. These can include administering IV, Pediatric Ventilator Management, bleeding control and shock management, and also dealing with Cardiac Arrest situations and ECG’s.
Like the other levels it includes a written test of 150 questions and a more intense Psychomotor Exam. When students begin to train for EMT Advanced is when they really start to intensely study anatomy and physiology. EMT Advanced certification is typically 250 hours in length.
EMT Paramedic- Paramedic or EMT P is the highest level of EMT Training and the most comprehensive. It includes the training of all the other EMT levels plus much more. People’s lives are often in the hands of EMT’s but none more than the Paramedic. Paramedics can administer up to 40 medications, re-inflate collapsed lungs, and have to assess and direct the entire situation quickly. Being one of the first to arrive Paramedics will be looked at to quickly read the situation and make lifesaving decisions. Paramedic Exams are 80-120 questions with a Psychmotor exam and the training can be as much as 1,500 hours. You can see quite the difference even just between EMT Advanced and Paramedic. (250 hrs to 1,500 hrs)
If you are still excited and like the job description of an EMT pursue a career. The EMTTrainingAcademy.com has all the resources available to find out what it takes to become an EMT in your state. We also have free practice exams to help you study. Good Luck in your move towards a rewarding career in EMT field.