Who has been through EMT Basic?

Question

In Connecticut you need over 100 hours to get certified and most classes last 3 months. Anyone want to give details of how much book study it is and how much practice? Do you get exposed to real life situations? Describe your expereiences..

Answer 1

Yes EMT- Basic is a very fun class which can lead to a very exciting and demanding career. One think I will point out is that most states go by the National Registry of EMT's to establish their training guidelines. These are aslo the requirements set forth by the DOT. Each EMT class, and how long it is, how in depth it goes, the requirements, all depend on the state you are in, the agencies hosting the class, and the Instructor teaching it. All EMT classes are at least 120 hrs long, and some states have added clinical rotations to that, even though it is not an NREMT, or DOT, requirement. Some places use it as a College semester and it is 4 months long, some agencies have what is called EMS Academies. In these the student is paid a 40 hr work week for 3 weeks, they attend the EMT class Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm. In this they receive the required hours to take the NREMT-Basic exam, as well as certification in Emergency Vehicle, and Basic Radio operations. The programs that I have been involved in as an Instructor usually have the students at the end of their class to do a ride along with both a BLS (EMT) Crew, and an ALS (Medic) Crew for 24 hrs. They function as a third person of the crew and work under the supervision of the senior EMT or Medic. Also you have about a month to two months after class before you know if you passed your test, and can work as an EMT, so many agencies use this as a time to put the student through some Field Training. Many companies, and Squads have people who are certified as STO/FTO's which is Squad Training Officers, and Field Training Officers. These people are usually veteran EMS providers and are full of knowledge (as well as some other stuff...LOL).
But again I will point out that each state is different as to their requirements, and you could check with you local Fire / Rescue Department, and they can tell you what path is available in your area. If you are looking at going to another state to complete this training, all you have to do is contact that states Office of EMS. It is usually within the Dept of health. Hope this help, and please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Good luck in your travels :D

Answer 2

I've been through Emt Basic and I really loved it. The book study wasn't bad, it also depends on how much medical knowledge you already have and your interest level. Through class, I wasn't exposed to real life situations. It was all calss time. I did join a volunteer rescue unit though and that is how I got the person experience. My very first call was in the fall, at midnight, for a car accident. On the was to the scene, a call was put out for additional help to locate a missing body. It was very intense walking through the dark hillside with a flashlight looking for this body. Sad to say, he was found dead. BTW, his brother was driving, wearing a seatbelt, and survived uninjured, the other was ejected because of no seatbelt.
The toughest part of the whole experience was the National Registry testing I went through. But what a great experience! Kudos to you! It takes a vry special person to continue in this field. Burn out rate is high, but I managed to make it 10 years. There is a lot of schooling involved just to keep up with all the new techniques, but what a rewarding choice you've made.

Answer 3

Emt basic class was alot of fun. If I remember correctly it was about 50/50 as far as book study and hands on study goes. You do get to do ride alongs, in fact it's part of the class, if you are doing this as a first step in joining the fire service try to do a ride along at a local fire station. Other than that, the only advice I can give you is pay attention, learn how to get a good SAMPLE history , and how to take a decent set of vitals. You'll be a step ahead of most if you can come away from that class with those two skills. Good Luck.

Answer 4

EMT-B is mainly book work geared towards teaching you basic life support and how to pass the national registry exam. You'll have limited experience practicing skills. Things like spinal imbolization, traction splinting, dressing wounds. Just the basics. I did not get exposed to any real life situations until I had finished my EMT-B school and was doing my rotations in the ER and with a local fire department. When I was placed into my first real life situation, I was glad to have experienced paramedics there. At that moment, I knew that my education was just begining, not just ending.

Answer 5

EMT class in PA was 140 hrs. The time was split 50/50 book and practice. It was a blast and I was lucky enough to get to do some work in an ER for a 12hr shift near the end of class. That was very helpful in understanding what they were teaching us. That was as close to real life as we got before we received our certification from the state.
Good luck my brother, we need more EMTs and Paramedics.
Remember 9-11.

Answer 6

EMT class was very easy. The hardest part is the test at the end. I have to admit that I didn't study for either test, so I can't really help you with that, but remember to review the skill sheets for the pratical stations. You need to do it the way they tell you to, not the way we do it on the street. In my EMT class we had 16 hours of patient contact. Eight in the ER and 8 on the ambulance. If I were you I would save the worrying for the exam and for paramedic school if you choose to do that...now thats hard.

Answer 7

EMT school is real easy. About the hardest part is the terms and not confusing the treatment. But you should have plenty of practice.

You will get a chance to ride along with the local ambulance service and observe in the emergency room. If you are in a big city you should see allot. Try to do your ride along on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you are put with a good partner you will love it.

Answer 8

Its a great class. Typically you will get ride time in an ambulance with a crew and work in the E.R. My class also followed an RT to check breath sounds as well. I liked it so much I took an advanced class. Being a EMT is a great 2nd career and is useful in your daily life.