EMT Paramedic Course and Training
Studying for your Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exam can be considered one of the easiest aspects of being a paramedic. It takes a strong person to become a paramedic. It take a person who is able to think under stressful conditions; caring for men, women and children in the midst of a medical crisis. The hours can be long, at times a shift of 24 to 48 hours. That is time away from family, time waiting for the next stressful event, dealing with gunshot, fire, and other manmade and natural disasters.
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A candidate to become a paramedic needs to be aware of the realities of the school, the time commitment and the personal costs. What does the school teach?
Paramedic school can last 18 to 24 months, including 12 months of emergency ambulatory experience before taking the NREMT exam. Schooling can last 36 to 48 months if you are not able to attend full time.
There are four levels of EMT training to complete before taking advanced courses. In these courses you will learn the following:
1. Basic training as an EMT-B.
2. Working in an ambulance for 12 months.
3. Taking preparatory classes at a paramedic school.
4. Enrolling full-time in a paramedic training program.
The key difference between an EMT and a Paramedic is the level of knowledge and skill a paramedic obtains in the area of anatomy, physiology, advanced topics, diagnosis and assesses patients in emergency with accuracy.
Common courses that are addressed in paramedic school: Pharmacology, EMT System Management, Disease Control, First Aid, Life Support Training, Health Care BLS, Medical Terminologies, EMT Basic 1 and 2, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Paramedic Specialists 1-6, Emergency Vehicles Operations, Spanish for Professionals in Emergency Medical, Employment Preparation, , HAZMAT Health Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Psychology of Aging, Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support, Advanced Medical Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support, Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services, EMS Rescue Operations, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program. There are approximately 30-35 classes total.
The classes are challenging as is the 12 months of emergency ambulance experience; where you care for the traumas you are called too. The best candidate for this career choice is someone who is mentally and physically fit. It is beneficial for all candidates to know their limitations and find positive and healthy outlets for the sights, sounds, and memories of the calls you will be attending.
Many who choose to be a paramedic find that eight year average of remaining a paramedic surprising. They may also be surprised to find out that paramedics have a higher rate of alcoholism, drug use and addiction, physical and domestic abuse, suicide, divorce and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The news is not all grim if you are taking the time during your schooling to learn how to develop healthy physical, mental and emotional habits. This will enable you to face the tragedy with healthy coping mechanisms.
