Emergency Medical Technician training?

[shad420w]

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Hello all,

Well I am in the application cycle right now and I am considering taking an EMT training course in january. The only reason I would take this course is to become prepared for medical school. I do not have a lot of clinical experience ( just volunteering & shadowing ) and I would like to become more acclimated to seeing emergency patients ( basically some messed up stuff!).

I am now rethinking this decision because I would like to spend that time working and taking some courses for personal interest ( like judo ). I have already graduated and I don't think taking the EMT course would gain any acceptances.

What do you think? For those of you who did this training, did it help a lot for medical school?


Also, what do you suggest I do to become more acclimated to somewhat "gross" aspects of medicine? Are there any good books to read that will give me a little edge for medical school?

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I would only suggest taking the course if you're planning on doing something with it. It's a relatively time-consuming class that will oftentimes seem repetitive and boring, and the stuff you'll learn (how to take vitals, patient history, physical exam) will be covered much quicker in medical school.

As for seeing lots of "messed up stuff," you'll get to see it, but there's not much you're going to do as an EMT other than load and go, which I don't imagine will be that helpful in medical school, when you actually have to treat stuff.

I don't think just having an EMT-B certification looks that impressive on a resume, because honestly a lot of it is common sense. However, if you actually want to work/volunteer as an EMT, I'd say it's a lot of fun and go for it. Otherwise, you can find better ways to spend the 170-something hours you'll put in. (Might be more than that now).

Also, look for other threads on this topic. Good luck.

 

[DeadorAlive]

Don't do it, a million times over! ONLY do so -- and this goes for, well, anything -- if it's what you want and what interests you. Sounds like you have some other interests that you'd rather pursue (judo would be awesome, and work is... well, a necessity if you've graduated now)... do them!

While I applaud that you realize EMT certification won't "gain acceptances", preparation for medschool and impressing an adcom are equally tedious reasons to commit time and energy, in my opinion. Follow your heart, if nothing else, it will make you a unique, interesting applicant and interviewee!

 

[Risa]

I had a lot of fun in my EMT course, but I don't think it'll significantly prepare you for med school. Everything you learn is very simplistic, and always how but not why. The instructer would often get confused on basic biology. I'm hoping to work on an ambulance next semester (I wanted to do it this semester but woah, crazy interviews), and if I get to do that, then the course will have been worthwhile. But just for the content, don't bother. Take judo!

 

[maxflash04]

/me <3's Risa's MDapplicants profile -- Good luck with everything, girl! 🙂

As for EMT training and the like, it sorts of interests me but I'm not sure what hours/wk you have to dedicate to it. I'm taking a lot of credit hours this semester and will most likely have a similar schedule next semester so the only available time I'd have would be later afternoon/early morning shifts. Although I don't think having an EMT certification will force ADCOM's eyes to pop out and jaw fall to the ground I think it's great experience for gaining exposure of various cases, trauma victims, blood, etc. Is all interesting to me! The most interesting medical experience I've witnessed is sitting in on orthopedic surgery cases: ACL reconstructive surgery, knee replacement, trice re-attachments, arthroscopic, etc. was all exciting to sit in on. However, I nearly fell asleep during feet surgeries. The most interesting part of the whole show was the intern detaching toe ligaments, the doctor pointing out various tendons/ligaments and asking me questions.

... I can't remember the last time I've slept. I've been up for over 24 hours and am dazed and confused out of my mind! LOL 😉

 

[beanbean]

Taking an EMT class doesn't prepare you for med school or get you used to seeing gross stuff. However, riding as an EMT on a 911 ambulance teaches you a great deal about patient communications, triage, assessment andyes, you do see quite a bit of gross stuff.

Before taking the course you need to determine where you will use your EMT training. If you can volunteer or work for a 911 service or as a patient care tech in the ED then it is probably worth taking the class if this interests you. If there are only transport jobs in your area or you won't have time to volunteer or work...don't bother taking the class.

 

[CoffeeCat]

Before taking the course you need to determine where you will use your EMT training. If you can volunteer or work for a 911 service or as a patient care tech in the ED then it is probably worth taking the class if this interests you. If there are only transport jobs in your area or you won't have time to volunteer or work...don't bother taking the class.

I agree - I took it in undergrad and didn't use it and now I don't remember a thing. I have a friend who did, though, and the class is just a warmup, you really learn your skills by working. I'd definitely suggest using it immediately.

 

[45408]

Well I am in the application cycle right now and I am considering taking an EMT training course in january.

If you're applying right now, it's pointless. Don't bother. If you're going to get your EMT-B, you should be at least a year and a half away from applying.

Also, what do you suggest I do to become more acclimated to somewhat "gross" aspects of medicine? Are there any good books to read that will give me a little edge for medical school?

Don't say I didn't warn you! www.ogrish.com It's got some things that are gratuitous, but a lot of it is medical photos, EMS accidents, but there are also executions/crime scene photos there as well. It'll certainly make your skin thicker, if you know what I mean.

 

[ASDIC]

EMT class is very time consuming...and also u have to ride a lot of calls...but i think its a good experience for anyone in medical school...in fact in one of my med school interviews i was asked questions about it

 

[maxflash04]

If you're applying right now, it's pointless. Don't bother. If you're going to get your EMT-B, you should be at least a year and a half away from applying.


Don't say I didn't warn you! www.ogrish.com It's got some things that are gratuitous, but a lot of it is medical photos, EMS accidents, but there are also executions/crime scene photos there as well. It'll certainly make your skin thicker, if you know what I mean.

I like it! 😛

 

[Risa]

/me <3's Risa's MDapplicants profile -- Good luck with everything, girl! 🙂

Thanks, maxflash 🙂

And I hope you get some quality sleep in soon!

 

[maxflash04]

Thanks, maxflash 🙂

And I hope you get some quality sleep in soon!

I'm planning on going to sleep shortly but I have a lab practical exam tomorrow so I'm not sure how long I'll be sleeping for. 🙁

If accepted to any of the medical schools you've applied to and received an interview, which is your #1 choice? And why? You don't have to answer if you don't want to because I'm curious. 🙂

Once again, good luck with everything!

maxflash04

 

[Risa]

I'm planning on going to sleep shortly but I have a lab practical exam tomorrow so I'm not sure how long I'll be sleeping for. 🙁

If accepted to any of the medical schools you've applied to and received an interview, which is your #1 choice? And why? You don't have to answer if you don't want to because I'm curious. 🙂

Once again, good luck with everything!

maxflash04

I'm not sure I have a definitive #1 at this point. So far I really loved both Cornell and Pitt, so I'm sure I'd be very happy at either of them. As for the schools I have upcoming interviews at, I'll have to wait and see how they feel! I think the vibe you get from actually interacting with a school matters a lot, and sometimes what that will be is hard to predict. I'll definitely keep ya updated 🙂

Lab practicals are no fun at all. Which lab? Good luck!!!

 

[maxflash04]

I'm not sure I have a definitive #1 at this point. So far I really loved both Cornell and Pitt, so I'm sure I'd be very happy at either of them. As for the schools I have upcoming interviews at, I'll have to wait and see how they feel! I think the vibe you get from actually interacting with a school matters a lot, and sometimes what that will be is hard to predict. I'll definitely keep ya updated 🙂

Lab practicals are no fun at all. Which lab? Good luck!!!

Anatomy and Physiology. You can see some information -- actually a lot of information -- about today's lecture lab which really upset me at this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=232475.

 

[Risa]

Anatomy and Physiology. You can see some information -- actually a lot of information -- about today's lecture lab which really upset me at this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=232475.

Wow that's RIDICULOUS. What crazy school do you go to???