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.
After successful completion of the EMT-B course, students proceed to the twelve month EMT-Paramedic course; six months of classroom instruction, followed by six months of hospital training. This course teaches the basic life skills in great detail, in addition to advanced life support skills; which include: intravenous medication, endotracheal intubation, and cardiac monitoring. Finally, students are required to take the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician examination to become a certified EMT-Paramedic. Extensive continuing education is available for paramedics at all levels.
Becoming a paramedic is one of the most stressful occupations in the world; because of the illness and injuries encountered on a daily basis. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a special team within the public safety field. These counseling professionals are trained to work with public safety personnel who have witnessed particularly stressful events. Being a paramedic is very rewarding, because saving a life is a great feeling
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is the nations EMS Certification Body.
The goal of the NREMT is to ensure the competence of EMS personnel with established standards for training and examination.
NREMT
Rocco v Morando Building
6610 Busch Blvd
PO Box 29233
Columbus, Ohio 43229
phone: 614-888-4484
fax: 614-888-8920
nremt.org