Depending on the nature of the emergency, Emergency Medical Technicians are dispatched to the scene by 911 operators. EMT’s work in close cooperation with law enforcement and firefighters. Once EMT’s arrive on the scene, they determine the nature or extent of the patient’s injuries while ascertaining about the patient’s preexisting medical conditions if any. Following strict procedures they give appropriate medical care and transport based on the patients condition. Some conditions can be handled by following general rules and guidelines. While more complicated problems are carried out under direction from medical doctors through radio contact.

EMT’s use special equipment such as an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on a patient whose heart has stopped. With the AED the EMT may be able to restore the patient’s heartbeat prior to transporting the patient to a hospital. Usually one person of the team will drive the ambulance to the medical facility while the other will monitor the patient’s vital signs and give any additional treatment.

At the medical facility, the EMT’s will transfer the patient care to the emergency room doctors and nurses. On transfer of care, the EMT will give the doctors a verbal report of the patient’s condition and treatment that they rendered. Prior to leaving the emergency room they will fill out a written report. After each run, the EMT’s will replace the supplies they used and clean the patient area so they are ready for the next response.

Classroom instruction will provide you with the knowledge and background to enter the work force as an EMT-Basic. Some of the skills will include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, semi-automatic defibrillation, assess nature and extent of injury or illness to establish and prioritize procedures to be followed. During the class, you will participate in practical lab sessions that will provide learning and practice time for these skills. The lab is equipped with the basic and specialized equipment needed to sharpen the skills that are required in the work place. We have included the use of computerized learning tools to help achieve high levels of competency. At the end of the program, you will be tested on five core skills. Successful completion of these skills along with an average grade of 75% in class and passing a comprehensive exam is necessary to sit for state certification.

Certification Requirements

• For an Emergency Medical Technician Basic are:
• Maintain a 75% grade average in the class
• Complete 20 hours of clinical time
• Pass the final comprehensive exam
• Successfully pass the National Registry written exam with a 70%
• 18 years old at time of State certification.
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a High School diploma or GED

Paramedic

Classroom instruction will provide you with the knowledge and background to enter the work force as an EMT-Paramedic.  You will be required to take three classes. Some of the skills will include cardiac monitoring, intravenous access, medication administration, and intubation, assess nature and extent of injury or illness to establish and prioritize procedures to be followed. During the classes you will participate in practical lab sessions that will provide learning and practice time for these skills. The lab is equipped with the basic and specialized equipment needed to sharpen the skills that are required in the work place. Once you have practiced skills in the lab setting, you will be required to complete a certain amount of clinical experience to further refine your skills on real patients. We have included the use of computerized learning tools to help achieve high levels of competency. To progress from one class to the next, a student must have a 75% or better class average.  At the end of the program you will be tested on core skills required to become a paramedic. Successful completion of these skills along with an average grade of 75% in class will allow you to take the National Registry written and practical exam.

Certification Requirements

          For an EMT paramedic are:

• Maintain your state EMT basic card
• Maintain you CPR card
• Successfully complete all three classes
• Successfully complete your clinical experience
• Pass your ACLS test
• Successfully pass the National Registry written exam
• Successfully complete the National Registry practical exam