Emergency medical services (EMS) which is a vital and noble profession, provides an exciting job that revolves around saving lives and providing crucial healthcare. If you’re contemplating becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or moving up to the esteemed job of a paramedic you’ll be entering a career with high potential for growth and a high demand for highly skilled professionals. This article will walk you through all the steps required to be an EMT or paramedic. We’ll also look at different training options that are available, including the approved by the DSHS EMS course.
Understanding the role of EMTs and Paramedics:
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are first responders who provide immediate medical care in emergencies. They are trained to evaluate patients, delivering essential medical procedures and transporting patients safely to medical centers to receive further treatment. EMTs and paramedics play vital role in stabilizing patients in critical times, making split second decisions and providing caring care during times of emotional distress.
Step 1: Becoming EMT
You have to complete the mandatory education and training course as well as the required education and training program, which can vary based on the level of certification you’re trying to reach. There are three different levels of EMT certification.
1. EMT-Basic (EMT-B): This is the first-level certification that will require between 100 and 150 hours of training. EMT-Bs are trained to provide medical basics that includes CPR, bleeding control and the basic management of airways.
2. EMT Intermediate (EMT I): EMT I requires additional training, which can differ by state. In some areas this level is paired with EMT-B. In others the range of training is from 200-400 hours, and may include advanced medical techniques such as intravenous therapy, among additional skills.
3. EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P): The highest level of EMT certification, EMT-P is the most advanced level of training and typically taking between 1,000 and 1,800 hours. Paramedics can perform advanced medical procedures such as administering medications in the form of EKGs, interpreting them and advanced airway management.
Step 2: Requiring Paramedic Certification
To become a Paramedic you need to first pass the EMTB or EMTI level and then gain some practical experience. Then, you can enroll in the paramedic course, which can take between one and two years. In the extensive training, you’ll study the latest medical topics. You will also acquire the knowledge and skills needed to deal with critical circumstances.
Explore EMT Training Options
You can choose among a number of EMT training courses, based on the level of your certification. Community medical trade schools and colleges typically offer EMT training for all levels of certification. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience in clinical and field environments.
Also, if you’re in the market to pursue a more comprehensive and extensive EMT course that leads to a degree, colleges or colleges may provide EMT training at the level of EMT-Paramedic. These programs will give you a more extensive knowledge of emergency medical services, and offer you a more comprehensive view of medical decisions and patient care.
Step 4: Ensure DSHS approved EMS training:
If you’re an aspiring paramedic or EMT, it’s important that the training program that you select be DSHS-approved. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to approve EMS courses for training to ensure that they meet the highest requirements for education and competency. By enrolling in a DSHS approved EMS training course, you can rest assured that you are receiving top-notch instruction and meeting the necessary requirements for certification.
Paramedics and EMTs have highly regarded professions. EMTs as well as paramedics and other first responders play an essential function in providing medical attention and saving lives in emergencies. In order to begin this life-saving task, EMTs and Paramedics are required to complete training and education programs. The EMT certification course can be completed in the community college, medical trade school or university based on the certification level desired.
While assessing the various training options You should also make sure that your chosen EMS training program is DSHS certified. This will ensure you are receiving a quality training that is in line with the requirements required for EMT certification as well as paramedic certification.
As the demand for trained emergency medical professionals grows, EMS provides a wealth of career options and opportunities to improve the lives of others. If you begin as an EMT-Basic, or you want to become a paramedic your dedication to providing essential care will be rewarded with an exciting and meaningful job in emergency medical care.