Emergency medical services are a critical one, and a career in it can be extremely rewarding. It’s all about providing life-saving assistance. If you’re contemplating becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or even making the leap to the highly regarded job of a Paramedic then you’ll be stepping into a career with high potential for growth and a high demand for highly trained professionals. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to become an EMT or paramedic, examining the different training options available, including DSHS accredited EMS training courses.
Understanding the function of EMTs & Paramedics
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, also known as first responders, provide medical treatment immediately during emergency situations. They are certified to assess patients, delivering essential medical treatments and transporting individuals in a safe manner to medical centers for further care. Paramedics and EMTs are vital for stabilizing patients during critical situations, making split-second decision as well as providing caring care during times of distress.
Step 1: Becoming an EMT:
To become an EMT, you need to successfully complete the required education and training that can differ based upon the certification level you’d like to achieve. There are three levels to EMT certification:
1. EMT-Basic (EMT-B) It is the first-level certification that needs between 100 and 150 hours of training. EMT-Bs are trained to provide basic medical treatment which includes CPR as well as bleeding control and airway management.
2. EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) EMT-I demands an additional level of training and may vary from state to state. In some areas it is integrated with EMT-B. In other areas, it is a requirement of 200-400 hours of instruction, including increased medical expertise and intravenous therapy.
3. EMT-Paramedic: This is by far the highest degree of EMT certification. It is a demanding training that spans between 1,000 and 1 800 hours. Paramedics are able to perform a variety of advanced medical procedures like administering medication in the form of EKGs, interpreting them and advanced airway management.
Step 2: Applying for Paramedic Certification:
You must pass your EMT B or EMT I degree before becoming paramedic. Following that, you’ll be able to enroll in a paramedic training program, which usually takes approximately one to two years complete. This comprehensive program will instruct you on advanced medical concepts and equip you with the skills and expertise to deal with critical circumstances independently.
Explore EMT Training Options
You can choose from a range of options regarding EMT certification, based on the level you wish to reach. Community medical trade schools and colleges often provide EMT training at all levels of certification. They offer a combination of classroom education with hands-on instruction and practical experience on the field in clinical setting.
Universities and colleges offer EMT programs at the level of EMT/Paramedic If you’re looking for an in-depth, comprehensive EMT course that will lead to an undergraduate degree. These programs provide you with an knowledge of emergency services, and more insight into medical decision-making.
Step 4: Ensuring DSHS Aproved EMS Training:
If you’re an aspiring EMT or paramedic, it’s vital that the program selected by you is DSHS-approved. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) DSHS has the authority to approve EMS Training Courses in order to guarantee high standards of training. 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.
Making the transition to EMT or paramedic is a highly rewarding and respected career choice. EMTs along with paramedics as well as other first responders play an essential part in providing medical treatment and saving lives in emergencies. To embark on this life-saving journey, those who want to become EMTs and paramedics need to complete the necessary training and education programs. The EMT certification process is available at a community college, medical trade school, or at a university, depending on the desired level of certification.
It is crucial to evaluate the training options available and to make sure that the EMS training course you choose to take is approved by the DSHS. By doing so you’ll be sure that you’re receiving a high-quality education that meets the necessary standards to obtain EMT as well as paramedic certificates.
As the need for qualified emergency medical specialists increases, EMS provides a wealth of job opportunities and opportunities to improve the lives of those around you. If you are an EMT Basic or would like to be a paramedic your commitment to critical medical care will pay off with an enjoyable and fulfilling job in emergency medical services.