EMT-B Courses

[bbas]

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I am thinking about enrolling in an EMT-B course this summer, and I'm just wondering how difficult the course actually is. In other words, how hard is it to actually pass the course and get certified? From what I've read on here, it seems like there is both a written and practical test involved. What does the practical part of the exam involve?

 

[southerndoc]

You can probably get copies of the NREMT-B practical checklist at www.nremt.org

Usually those who are less educated have problems passing. Judging by how your message was composed, my guess is you're intelligent enough to pass.

 

[Jambi]

What does the practical part of the exam involve?

The EMT-B course does cover a lot of material. All of it is basic information and easy to learn.

I can speak for all EMT programs but I can give you information on how practicals are done at the program I teach skills at.

First of all there are a lot of practical skills to master, you can find a list at www.nremt.org as southerdoc has pointed out. The NREMT sheets are generic and general, you will learn specifics while in the class. Skills( practical/hands-on) are tested throughout the class with the exception of medical and trauma assessment, which are done at the end because they are generally the most difficult to master.

Example:
Week A: Airway Adjuncts are introduced
Week B: Further practice with Airways
Week C: Testing

Each skill that is tested is continually reinforced throughout the class.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I am thinking about enrolling in an EMT-B course this summer, and I'm just wondering how difficult the course actually is. In other words, how hard is it to actually pass the course and get certified? From what I've read on here, it seems like there is both a written and practical test involved. What does the practical part of the exam involve?

EMT-B is an extremely easy course.

Remember that most firefighters that aren't even interested in EMS are required to take the course.

 

[Edivocke]

I agree...EMT-B is super easy...the course is at least.

However, if your a newbie to medical care out in the field. When you have your first patient that presents signs/symptoms that you aren't used to seeing, it can get a little scary when your not too sure what to do.

In summary, the course is easy but don't think its just a piece of cake. Remember, when you respond to someone who called 911, they're expecting that your a professional and that you'll give them the best care possible...i.e. ...you won't be fumbling around with your EMT-B skills.

I don't want to scare you but I have seen some bad EMT-B's out in the field.

 

[fiznat]

Now that I'm in medic class I look back on my EMT-B training 4 years ago and usually think about how easy it was. Still though, it seemed like a lot of work/knowledge at the time. The thing about EMT-B is that it is extra difficult because you are learning a lot of really basic concepts for the first time. How to deal with a patient, how to recognize someone who is truly sick, even how to use the basic equipment. All these are little things that more experienced people take for granted because it almost becomes routine. It is a lot to handle when you're totally green.

The saving grace of the EMT-B is its underlying simplicity. There are a lot of individual concepts to learn about your patient care, but stepping back and looking at them as a whole it is pretty obvious that there are some very common threads. I'm not saying its a great idea to do, but if you're interested in simplicity pretty much any patient can be broken down into very simple treatments. Having trouble breathing? Give them O2 and if its bad enough call a medic. Cardiac arrest? CPR/BVM/AED even though you'll probably never have time, and call a medic. Diabetic with change in mental status? Oral glucose and call a medic. Trauma? C-spine and cover bleeding. All the while make sure your patient's airway is open (OPA?) and you'll be pretty much good to go.

You're not expected to do or know all that much as an EMT-B, just focus on the obvious things until the patient can get higher level care. That makes the class a little easier.

 

[mastamark]

Yeah. Compared to to the paramedic courses EMT-B is a cake walk in material and time. paramedic school has a beatsly amount of clinical hours. Not as many as medical school though 😛 . However they are opening up the scope a little in illinois on what EMT-Bs can do. So that may make it a slight bit more involved but not to bad. Good Luck