Being a paramedic is a very serious occupation. Paramedics are required to think very quickly in life-threatening situations. Peoples lives are in the hands of quick reacting and competent paramedics on the scenes of automobile accidents, heart attacks, gunshot wounds, drownings and childbirths. Paramedics give extensive crucial care for sick and injured persons while in route to medical facilities. They routinely administer medication, interpret electro cardiograms (EKGs), and use monitors and other complex medical equipment. Becoming a paramedic is an excellent way to greatly increase your chances of becoming a firefighter.
Almost all community colleges, a large number of state colleges and many hospitals offer EMT-Paramedic certification training. The total estimated cost ranges from 1K – 10K, depending on your state. Every state is a little different, however here are the general requirements to become a paramedic. The first step is to become an emergency medical technician-basic (EMT-B).
This three month course teaches basic life support procedures, anatomy of the body, organ function, vital signs, and the proper way to administer oxygen and different oral and intravenous medications. EMT-B students also learn to treat trauma; which is injury to the body by some external force, like: car accidents, and falls. Trauma skills include: spinal stabilization, controlling bleeding, and extrication; which is the proper technique to remove a person from a dangerous situation.
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