I am thinking about doing a Basic EMT course next winter-spring during my last year of college. At the end of the course I would take the national registry exam. I am interested in working as an EMT for 3-4 months directly after graduation -- can anybody tell me if this is feasible, or do I really just need to volunteer instead if I can't commit to a longer period of time? Location is not terribly important, I would just need to be a in a state that recognizes the national registry exam; that said, I would prefer to be in a city. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.
Getting an EMT job
- Thread starter Skye04
- Start date
Hi Skye04,
I am a EMT-B myself registered with the NREMT. As of rite now, i am a volunteer for 911 calls and a paid EMT for medical transport. basically all the 50 states recognize the NREMT and the new rule is that u earn dual certification with the state and the NREMT. If you want to be employed as an EMT in a major metro area, it will be tough cuz they look for people with experience. So i would suggest u volunteer.
I am a EMT-B myself registered with the NREMT. As of rite now, i am a volunteer for 911 calls and a paid EMT for medical transport. basically all the 50 states recognize the NREMT and the new rule is that u earn dual certification with the state and the NREMT. If you want to be employed as an EMT in a major metro area, it will be tough cuz they look for people with experience. So i would suggest u volunteer.
- Joined
- May 14, 2002
- Messages
- 694
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 4,531
- Location
- The Tundra
- Attending Physician
All states may recognize NREMT, but they do not necessarily accept registry. in fact, most states require you to take their state test if you are new to the state. on top of that, a service may require you to test on their protocols. REGISTRY IS FOR NOTHING BUT MAKING MONEY FOR REGISTRY!!!
anyway, i doubt it is worth a service hiring someone for a few months only. if that is your intention, i'd keep it to my self. best of luck.
streetdoc
anyway, i doubt it is worth a service hiring someone for a few months only. if that is your intention, i'd keep it to my self. best of luck.
streetdoc
Can I ask what you hope to accomplish as an EMT-Basic for 3-4 months? Is it (honestly now) for the resume appeal in terms of medical exposure or for the experience? Because if its for the experience I have to say that 3-4 months as a spanking new EMT-B is absolutly nothing. Please know I'm saying all of this with realistic views, not to deter you at all. I have been a certified EMT-B volunteering for almost a year now and there is NO WAY that 3-4 months, let alone almost a year, is enough to take away a valuable experience. I know some may argue with me on that, but I can tell you that even after almost a year I am considered by all a "new" EMT, and rightfully so. I keep up to date on EMS techniques and seminars while attending school full time and volunteering but my medical skills are still a work in progress... in its very early stages. Everyone I work with agrees that this is the case with anyone wanting to become a competent EMT. I guess the best advice I can give you is to go ahead with the certification if you want to dedicate more than just a summer to it... whether volunteer or paid. If you can't do that then look into the observership programs in your area. I know on my rigs we allow people to observe and interact without being certified. If you need more info, you can always send me a message. Hope that helps you a bit without discouraging.
One of the primary reasons that I would like to become EMT certified is that I am planning on doing the Peace Corps or a similar program, leaving 4-5months after graduation. I recently spent a few months working in Bolivia on a similar albeit shorter program, and one thing that I took away from that was a desire to have concrete medical skills before working in another developing country. I was thus hoping that EMT training would give me at least some basic medical training before I do more health work in developing countries. I do plan to apply to medical school and become a doctor but not until a few years down the line.
hi,
since u have a lot of time before u apply, u could become an EMT...but i dont think u will get the same EMS experience in a another country as would in the US. this is because when u become an EMT, the NREMT teaches u the protocols and equipment usage that exists at the national level, in the US. for example, we use a PASG (pressurized anti shock garment) to control internal bleeding in the pelvis. i am sure u will not find such stuff elsewhere.
I am not trying to say that these countries do not have such equipment, but rather some countries use DIFFERENT equipment that u must learn to use, which the NREMT doesnt teach. Furthermore u must be certified to their standards and follow thier protocols.
Lastly, I think you are very lucky to go to a less developed country and help the people, I do not think thier EMS systems are upto par as in the US. Some countries dont even have EMS; I was talking to my friend who lives in a backward country in asia. he told me that the police respond days after u dial for emergency!
So good luck!
since u have a lot of time before u apply, u could become an EMT...but i dont think u will get the same EMS experience in a another country as would in the US. this is because when u become an EMT, the NREMT teaches u the protocols and equipment usage that exists at the national level, in the US. for example, we use a PASG (pressurized anti shock garment) to control internal bleeding in the pelvis. i am sure u will not find such stuff elsewhere.
I am not trying to say that these countries do not have such equipment, but rather some countries use DIFFERENT equipment that u must learn to use, which the NREMT doesnt teach. Furthermore u must be certified to their standards and follow thier protocols.
Lastly, I think you are very lucky to go to a less developed country and help the people, I do not think thier EMS systems are upto par as in the US. Some countries dont even have EMS; I was talking to my friend who lives in a backward country in asia. he told me that the police respond days after u dial for emergency!
So good luck!
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
- Messages
- 423
- Reaction score
- 9
- Points
- 4,591
- Age
- 58
- Location
- Nutmeg State
- Attending Physician
Skye04 -
If at all possible, take a Wilderness EMT course. They cover not only the DOt curriculum, but also go into caring for patients in remote and inclement situations. It would seem perfectly appropriate to your case.
I got my EMT-B at SOLO in Conway NH. The class had many college students, a bunch of professional guides, ski patrollers, and a few Navy SEALS! The class was intensive, 4 weeks long, and the Registry test at the end. Expensive, but a good education. Try Googling "wilderness emergency medical technician."
If at all possible, take a Wilderness EMT course. They cover not only the DOt curriculum, but also go into caring for patients in remote and inclement situations. It would seem perfectly appropriate to your case.
I got my EMT-B at SOLO in Conway NH. The class had many college students, a bunch of professional guides, ski patrollers, and a few Navy SEALS! The class was intensive, 4 weeks long, and the Registry test at the end. Expensive, but a good education. Try Googling "wilderness emergency medical technician."
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2003
- Messages
- 1,541
- Reaction score
- 8
- Points
- 4,571
I'm surprised they accredited a 4-week program for EMT-B certification - are you sure this wasn't a first responder class? I know of very intensive 2-3 month programs, then the usual 8 month program...but I think 4 weeks is pretty absurd. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me improbable that a student could ever learn the entire EMT-B curriculm+labs in 4 weeks, even if they practiced 24/7...maybe the wilderness EMT is different though?
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2003
- Messages
- 57
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
- Age
- 45
- Location
- San Jose, CA (formerly 95616)
- Website
- www.defrance.org
For the sake of all your future patients on the street or elsewhere, become an EMT because you want to, not because it will look good on an application or give you patient care experience. To be a good one, you need to work hard to learn as much as possible and perfect your skills over time. It is not some flash in the pan type of job you can do. I love being an EMT, and yes, it has provided me with great patient care skills over the years, but I took the course and continue to work in the field for the sheer enjoyment and stimulation of it. I fear you will gain little if this is to be a short-term endeavour for you.
Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments. To give you a better idea of where I am coming from, I would eventually like to work as a medical doctor in relief or health development (with MSF, etc.). To be as prepared as possible for this type of work, I would need both concrete medical training *as well as* experience living/working in the developing world; I have always struggled with balancing these two aspects and with deciding which should 'come first'. However, my current plan is to spend 1-2yrs working in a developing country in the health sector prior to applying to medical school. I willingly admit that I am sort of viewing EMT training as a 'quick-and-easy' way to get some concrete (albeit limited) medical skills before doing this. I just spent three months working in the public health area of a small hospital in rural Bolivia, and there wasn't a day that didn't go by without my wishing that I had *some* kind of applicable medical training in that situation. So, that said, I guess two more specific questions that would come to mind would be: (1) Would an EMT course and a few months of work experience as an EMT give me any practical skills that I could apply in a health context in the developing world (taking into consideration the differences in technology/response procedures)?; and (2) Can anybody tell me more about this Wilderness-EMT thing? Perhaps this would be more helpful for my situation?
Thanks again as always.
p.s. Does anyone think it might be helpful for me to post this on the Int'l board as well?
Thanks again as always.
p.s. Does anyone think it might be helpful for me to post this on the Int'l board as well?
I can assure you that you will gain valuable experience taking the EMT course and working 3-4 months. It may only be a new found respect for pre-hospital work but that in itself is extremely important especially if you want to become a physician and work in the international relief field. I can tell you from experience there was nothing more frustrating than sitting down at medical school interviews and having to explain the difference between being an "ambulance driver" vs. and EMT vs. a Paramedic. It is pretty pathetic that so many physicians have no understanding of what happens prior to a patient entering the ER. Its like they think these people teleport themselves to the ER.
Back to the international relief field for a minute, if you are talking about doing disaster work, the most famous group of physicians that do this work come from The George Washington University (Anthony MacIntyre, Joseph Barbara, Craig Deatley (PA of the year) etc.) they are all ER physcians and many were former medics. I know this because I took my paramedic course at GWU. These are the guys who go to Turkey, Mexico, India, etc during the massive earthquakes. They lead the medical component of the Fairfax County SARs.
Anyway as far as the medical experience to be gained in 3-4 months that is all dependent on where you work. Having worked as a volunteer in a suburban system (5000 calls a year), to having worked as a paid paramedic in both Washington DC and now NYC, I can assure you that your exposure is different dependent upon location. Think about it if you volunteer 1 day a week for 8-12 hours and do 2 calls a shift than at the end of 1 year you will have seen 104 patients. Now take a standard tour for me in NYC (and Washington DC was the same) I work four 12 hour shifts a week (48 hours) and do approximatley 8-10 patients a shift at the end of 3 weeks I will have seen 108 patients. All I am trying to say is that you can find busy systems to work in that will allow you to see more patients in 3-4 months than any volunteer could possibly see in 10 years (its just basic math). If you have any questions of available agencies that take new EMTS in NYC area PM me and I can give you a list.
Back to the international relief field for a minute, if you are talking about doing disaster work, the most famous group of physicians that do this work come from The George Washington University (Anthony MacIntyre, Joseph Barbara, Craig Deatley (PA of the year) etc.) they are all ER physcians and many were former medics. I know this because I took my paramedic course at GWU. These are the guys who go to Turkey, Mexico, India, etc during the massive earthquakes. They lead the medical component of the Fairfax County SARs.
Anyway as far as the medical experience to be gained in 3-4 months that is all dependent on where you work. Having worked as a volunteer in a suburban system (5000 calls a year), to having worked as a paid paramedic in both Washington DC and now NYC, I can assure you that your exposure is different dependent upon location. Think about it if you volunteer 1 day a week for 8-12 hours and do 2 calls a shift than at the end of 1 year you will have seen 104 patients. Now take a standard tour for me in NYC (and Washington DC was the same) I work four 12 hour shifts a week (48 hours) and do approximatley 8-10 patients a shift at the end of 3 weeks I will have seen 108 patients. All I am trying to say is that you can find busy systems to work in that will allow you to see more patients in 3-4 months than any volunteer could possibly see in 10 years (its just basic math). If you have any questions of available agencies that take new EMTS in NYC area PM me and I can give you a list.
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2003
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
Hey -
I had your same idea a couple years ago. I'm a senior about to get my degree, and I got my EMT-B license about 3 years ago, hoping I could fill the summers with ambulance work.
Not so.
First of all, the college town I'm in is SWAMPED with people with the same idea. So not only do both hospitals in town have NO jobs available to students (only professional EMTs who commit full time as a career), but they even have a waiting list to simply volunteer. Must be nice for them to have extra help whenever they need it, but it is simply too difficult to float into the work as a "summer job." In fact, most pro EMTs would get quite angry to see somebody like that on the payroll, coming in and out in 3 months like nobody's business. Most EMT and ambulance dispatch garages I've volunteered at are like family - you have no idea. So looking for quick, seasonal employment in those types of circumstances could be compared to sneaking into a wedding reception to steal some cake, you know?
I kinda learned that a few years ago. I've got a lot more respect for the pros in that field because of it.
So volunteer if you can, just don't expect much cash out of it.
I had your same idea a couple years ago. I'm a senior about to get my degree, and I got my EMT-B license about 3 years ago, hoping I could fill the summers with ambulance work.
Not so.
First of all, the college town I'm in is SWAMPED with people with the same idea. So not only do both hospitals in town have NO jobs available to students (only professional EMTs who commit full time as a career), but they even have a waiting list to simply volunteer. Must be nice for them to have extra help whenever they need it, but it is simply too difficult to float into the work as a "summer job." In fact, most pro EMTs would get quite angry to see somebody like that on the payroll, coming in and out in 3 months like nobody's business. Most EMT and ambulance dispatch garages I've volunteered at are like family - you have no idea. So looking for quick, seasonal employment in those types of circumstances could be compared to sneaking into a wedding reception to steal some cake, you know?
I kinda learned that a few years ago. I've got a lot more respect for the pros in that field because of it.
So volunteer if you can, just don't expect much cash out of it.
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2003
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
You know, I was always a little disappointed with the content of the EMT-B course after I took it.
Of course, you do not learn or become certified to inject anything or really perform anything internal to the body. There's a little focus on intubation, but only the very basics.
In other words, the EMT-B course is MOSTLY learning the protocol of the standardized EMS system. "Wear gloves," "Be brief on the radio," "Make sure scene is safe," and "Watch for head/neck injuries" seemed to be the big ideas. You learn to use a few meds and drugs - oxygen, epinephrine, activated charcoal, albuterol inhalers, etc. Splinting, vital signs, and burns. It is like a strict Boy Scout course - there is nothing you will REALLY learn or be surprised by. Instead, they drill you until you get the procedures of standard protocol down. Sometimes, trying to remember and obey some smaller protocols got in the way of me doing the obvious in our practice scenarios. I.e. - I'd forget to hook up oxygen to a shock victim because I was too worried about accessing head injury. There is a correct order to things, and that's all you learn. Because if you step back and look at the material of the course, I'm sure everybody pretty much knows the stuff already ("Direct pressure to wound," etc etc)
Of course, you do not learn or become certified to inject anything or really perform anything internal to the body. There's a little focus on intubation, but only the very basics.
In other words, the EMT-B course is MOSTLY learning the protocol of the standardized EMS system. "Wear gloves," "Be brief on the radio," "Make sure scene is safe," and "Watch for head/neck injuries" seemed to be the big ideas. You learn to use a few meds and drugs - oxygen, epinephrine, activated charcoal, albuterol inhalers, etc. Splinting, vital signs, and burns. It is like a strict Boy Scout course - there is nothing you will REALLY learn or be surprised by. Instead, they drill you until you get the procedures of standard protocol down. Sometimes, trying to remember and obey some smaller protocols got in the way of me doing the obvious in our practice scenarios. I.e. - I'd forget to hook up oxygen to a shock victim because I was too worried about accessing head injury. There is a correct order to things, and that's all you learn. Because if you step back and look at the material of the course, I'm sure everybody pretty much knows the stuff already ("Direct pressure to wound," etc etc)
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
- Messages
- 423
- Reaction score
- 9
- Points
- 4,591
- Age
- 58
- Location
- Nutmeg State
- Attending Physician
The intensive wilderness EMT courses not only are accredited, but are also the best courses out there. For example, you don't just learn how to put on the various femur splints, but you learn the principles so you can make one yourself with a stick and string.
SOLO (try SOLOschools.com or .org) and the Wilderness Medical Institute are two fine schools in NH and ME. WEMT-B (at SOLO) is 4 weeks, Wilderness First Responder is 2 weeks. The founder is a former paramedic and PA, now a DO.
Odelay, you're right. The EMT course is not an education, it is more of a catechism. There just isn't time to develop better skills at evaluating and treating. There is a correct order to things, and that's all you learn. Very true, but that is the most important thing in the emergency situation. Frankly, as a paramedic, I feel that all the important stuff I do is built on those precepts taught in the basic course. I took my EMT-B with many college students and experienced first responders, and none of them found it to be without challenge.
As for a "summer job" as an EMT; yeah, what everbody else said. Even if you could do it, you probably won't get much out of it, and you will be viewed as a EC-grubbing dilettante.
SOLO (try SOLOschools.com or .org) and the Wilderness Medical Institute are two fine schools in NH and ME. WEMT-B (at SOLO) is 4 weeks, Wilderness First Responder is 2 weeks. The founder is a former paramedic and PA, now a DO.
Odelay, you're right. The EMT course is not an education, it is more of a catechism. There just isn't time to develop better skills at evaluating and treating. There is a correct order to things, and that's all you learn. Very true, but that is the most important thing in the emergency situation. Frankly, as a paramedic, I feel that all the important stuff I do is built on those precepts taught in the basic course. I took my EMT-B with many college students and experienced first responders, and none of them found it to be without challenge.
As for a "summer job" as an EMT; yeah, what everbody else said. Even if you could do it, you probably won't get much out of it, and you will be viewed as a EC-grubbing dilettante.
Can anyone tell me whats the difference in the two?(EMT-B, Paramedics,..)?
At my Community College, theres an EMS degree, where you have to get a EMT diploma and a Paramedic Certificate.
Another Community College classifies the EMT Certificate as EMT-B and Paramedic certificate as EMT-P which encompasses both EMT-B curriculum as well as more classes.
Which is the better one to get? Are there more jobs available with having the Paramedic certificate instead of the EMT?
Which one is needed to volunteer in ambulances and such? I want to volunteer during emergencies, I just think the experience would be good because I want to do it. I'm sort of undecided if Medicine is something I want to get into and I think if I had first-hand experience than I can make a better decision. But I think it'll be cool to go on rides and such, and I have volunteered in different places in the past so its not just to look good, but I genuinely want to volunteer and learn from the experience.
At my Community College, theres an EMS degree, where you have to get a EMT diploma and a Paramedic Certificate.
Another Community College classifies the EMT Certificate as EMT-B and Paramedic certificate as EMT-P which encompasses both EMT-B curriculum as well as more classes.
Which is the better one to get? Are there more jobs available with having the Paramedic certificate instead of the EMT?
Which one is needed to volunteer in ambulances and such? I want to volunteer during emergencies, I just think the experience would be good because I want to do it. I'm sort of undecided if Medicine is something I want to get into and I think if I had first-hand experience than I can make a better decision. But I think it'll be cool to go on rides and such, and I have volunteered in different places in the past so its not just to look good, but I genuinely want to volunteer and learn from the experience.
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
- Messages
- 423
- Reaction score
- 9
- Points
- 4,591
- Age
- 58
- Location
- Nutmeg State
- Attending Physician
It depends. (Don't you hate that sort of answer)
Simple thing first; EMT-B is 120 hours of training, and is really the bare minimum needed to work in an ambulance. The EMT-P is anywhere from 1000 - 2000 (about 1-2 years) hours of training in medications, advanced airway management, and electrical therapy. Basically you can do as much as a doctor would in the first ten minutes of a medical emergency.
Both are good to get, albeit the B is somewhat easier to obtain.
Jobs are easier to get as a medic, but that is also a function of the experience that is usually concomitant with having risen to that level.
Which is best to get, or to volunteer with? Both are great, depending on your location. Many rural towns would be grateful to have a motivated (and sober) B, whereas medics are a dime a dozen in my area.
It depends. Check with your local EMS squad, fire department, or the community college for your options.
Simple thing first; EMT-B is 120 hours of training, and is really the bare minimum needed to work in an ambulance. The EMT-P is anywhere from 1000 - 2000 (about 1-2 years) hours of training in medications, advanced airway management, and electrical therapy. Basically you can do as much as a doctor would in the first ten minutes of a medical emergency.
Both are good to get, albeit the B is somewhat easier to obtain.
Jobs are easier to get as a medic, but that is also a function of the experience that is usually concomitant with having risen to that level.
Which is best to get, or to volunteer with? Both are great, depending on your location. Many rural towns would be grateful to have a motivated (and sober) B, whereas medics are a dime a dozen in my area.
It depends. Check with your local EMS squad, fire department, or the community college for your options.
There are various levels of certification in the EMS system, ranging from CFR (Certified First Responder) and EMT-Basic, to the more advanced EMT-P (Paramedic). To put it simply, the higher certifications mean longer training in exchange for the ability to perform more advanced rescue and life support skills. For example, a paramedic has access to numerous ALS drugs, as well as cardiac monitor, defib, venous access, and advanced airway equipment that EMT-B's are not trained to use.
In terms of volunteering, as far as personal experience goes, you can volunteer at any level of training, from none to paramedic. Of course the level of responsibility and amount of patient exposure you get will be limited by your training and experience. Many agencys will pay for all or at least some of the cost involved of EMT-B class for their "lay" volunteers. As a previous poster mentioned, there may be an excess of volunteers in some areas, and volunteer paramedics are probably in greater demand than volunteer observers.
In terms of volunteering, as far as personal experience goes, you can volunteer at any level of training, from none to paramedic. Of course the level of responsibility and amount of patient exposure you get will be limited by your training and experience. Many agencys will pay for all or at least some of the cost involved of EMT-B class for their "lay" volunteers. As a previous poster mentioned, there may be an excess of volunteers in some areas, and volunteer paramedics are probably in greater demand than volunteer observers.
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2003
- Messages
- 1,541
- Reaction score
- 8
- Points
- 4,571
In my state it goes like this:
First responder (2-6 wks) - oxygen / vitals
EMT-B: 1/2 yr (oxygen / vitals, aed, splints, basic trauma management)
EMT-I: 1 yr (some intubation, IV's, limited rx)
)
EMT-P: 2 yrs (full rx, leadership, gast/intubation, pharma, manual defibrillator, (everything)
Most ER staff will agree that paramedic teams are the best equipped to deal with the first (and most crucial) 10-30 minutes of a medical emergency.
First responder (2-6 wks) - oxygen / vitals
EMT-B: 1/2 yr (oxygen / vitals, aed, splints, basic trauma management)
EMT-I: 1 yr (some intubation, IV's, limited rx)
)
EMT-P: 2 yrs (full rx, leadership, gast/intubation, pharma, manual defibrillator, (everything)
Most ER staff will agree that paramedic teams are the best equipped to deal with the first (and most crucial) 10-30 minutes of a medical emergency.
Similar threads
- Locked
