How Can I become an EMT?

	How Can I become an EMT? High school graduate looking for a paramedic or EMT kind of career but I have no clue how to get started. I know there are programs but how can I join? Does it cost money to get these classes? How long does it take to become certified? I've heard that different states have different requests so Im looking for one that is in New Jersey if that helps? Asked By: hurley12588 - 2/9/2008

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Emergency Medical Technicians (known as EMTs) are trained to provide emergency care, including ambulance services. Peoples’ lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of EMTs. Incidents as varied as automobile accidents, heart attacks, drownings, childbirth, and gunshot wounds all require immediate medical attention. EMTs provide the vital attention as they care for and transport the sick and injured to a medical facility. In an emergency, EMTs are typically dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator and often work with police and fire department personnel. Once they arrive, they determine the nature and extent of a patient’s condition while trying to ascertain whether the patient has preexisting medical problems. Following strict rules and guidelines, they give appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patients. At the medical facility, EMTs help transfer patients to the emergency department, report their observations and actions to emergency room staff, and provide additional medical treatment. EMT Basic (also known as EMT I) represents the first component of the Emergency Medical Technician system. An EMT I is trained to care for patients at the scene of an accident while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital under medical direction. An EMT I has the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies. The EMT Intermediate (EMT II and III) have more advanced training that allows the administration of intravenous fluids, the use of manual defibrillators to give life-saving shocks to stopped hearts, and the applications of advanced airway techniques and equipment to assist patients experiencing respiratory emergency. Working conditions: EMTs work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They are required to do considerable kneeling, bending, and heavy lifting. Many people find the work of an EMT exciting and challenging and enjoy the opportunity to help others. EMTs employed by fire departments work 40-50 hours per week; those employed by hospitals frequently work between 40-60 hours per week; and those employed by private ambulance services work between 45-50 hours per week. Training and other qualifications and advancement: Formal training and certification is needed to become an EMT. All 50 states have a certification procedure. To maintain certification, EMTs must register usually every 2 years. In order to register, an individual must be working as an EMT and meet continuing education requirements. Basic coursework typically emphasizes emergency skills such as managing respiratory trauma and cardiac emergency and patient assessment. Formal courses are often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The program also provides for instruction and practice 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 an approved EMT training program who pass a written and practical examination administered by the state certifying them with the title of Registered EMT Basic. This course is also a prerequisite for EMT Intermediate and EMT Paramedic Training. EMT Intermediate training requirements vary from state to state. Training commonly includes 35-55 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT Basic coursework. Job opportunities: Employment needs for EMT is expected to grow faster than the average of all other occupations through 2012. Population growth and urbanization will increase the demand for full-time paid EMTs, rather than for volunteers in a department. In addition, a large segment of the population – the aging baby boomers – will further spur the demand for EMT services as they become more likely to have medical emergencies. Opportunities for individuals will be best for those who have advanced certification such as EMT Intermediate and EMT Paramedic as clients and patients demand higher levels of care before arriving at the hospital. Where can you find training to become an EMT? Almost all community colleges and some state colleges and hospitals offer training for Emergency Medical Technicians. This is usually a 3-month course that can be completed as part of other curriculum at a college. For those of you who are in the process of becoming an Emergency Medical Technician and will be taking a certification test, please check our website periodically at the “EMT/Paramedic Review” link. We periodically update our examination questions database to help you pass this examination. Answered By: Indiana Frenchman - 2/9/2008

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Depending on which route you go depends on the time it takes to become a EMT. If you go the continueing ed method you can take a class for a semester then you have to work as a emt-b for 6 months to a yaer to be able to take the next course you take the next course and then you have to work for another 6 months to a yar as a emt-i then you can take a paramedic class which is usually a year long class. or Go take the associate degree program and have a paramedic in 2 years and be way better at it than those at continuing ed. Start at a higher pay rate and have a better opertunity for advancement. It does cost money for these classes but if you start working somewhere sometimes they will have a financal aid program set up as long as you keep your grades up. There is a constant need for paramedics and you would have total job security. Its a fun exciting carreer and you always get to see something interesting. Answered By: jared c - 2/12/2008

- Hey I became an EMT when I was in 3rd yr of college and then 4th yr of college got so tough that I had hard time working as an EMT for too many hrs a week .... But - if you just got out of High school or getting out or even if you are in 1st or 2nd year of college .... EMT is a great great great job ... Take the classs Get certified and ... get a job as an EMT ... its very flexible hours very great enviornment and good challange .... u will love it ... once u get used to working as an EMT ... 3 months down the road ..get started on paramedic .. its a good career .. really good ... You can pay ur expenses and fees as u go along .. Good luck ..and just work hard Answered By: ckooo007 - 2/11/2008

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