emt vs. ect

[sendwich]

it seems like most of everyone in here has gotten experience as emt (if any in the ER). but i was wondering why haven't i heard of anyone with experience as an ect? which one gives more patient contact experience? is there a particular reason why you dont hear many students (specifically undergrads) with ect experience?

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[ellerose]

Okay, I have to claim ignorance. What is an ECT?

 

[CareRx]

Electroconvulsive Therapy, more commonly known as "ECT," is a medical treatment performed only by highly skilled health professionals--including doctors and nurses--under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor trained in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
<a href="http://www.psych.org/public_info/ect~1.cfm" target="_blank">http://www.psych.org/public_info/ect~1.cfm</a>

 

[silvercholla]

I think the reason is because a lot of people don't really know about ect. I didn't until you posted this topic.

 

[pocwana]

ECT is also an acronym for Emergency Care Technician. That's an EMT that works in an ER.
From the EMT's I've talked to that work both out in the field and in the ER, the pay is MUCH better in the ER (i.e. $7-9 in the field vs. $11+ in the ER) but you're at the bottom of the totem pole. You end up cleaning bed bans and transporting patients around the hospital.