EMT - Worth Getting?

[daveatc]

So I have thought about doing EMT-B training for sometime now. Maybe even going all the way to EMT-P/Paramedic. EMT-B is a relatively inexpensive investment. $800 give or take. What are your thoughts on having this certification? Worth the investment in securing PSD positions both domestically and abroad?

[CAMedic]

EMT B is well worth it. As far as EMT-P goes, you should only go that far if you plan on working as one. It's not a walk in the park to get, and you need to dedicate yourself to working in the field for a few years to get the experience needed to operate as one. Once you get it, you have to work in order to keep it.

If you are only using EMT to get a PSD job, you might want to rethink that. You need to WANT to use the skills and have an interest in keeping current, usually on your own dime. Nothing worse than having a team member working as the medic who doesn't really want to do it or have an abiding interest in it.

Of course, that's just my opinon.

[daveatc]

EMT B is well worth it. As far as EMT-P goes, you should only go that far if you plan on working as one. It's not a walk in the park to get, and you need to dedicate yourself to working in the field for a few years to get the experience needed to operate as one. Once you get it, you have to work in order to keep it.

If you are only using EMT to get a PSD job, you might want to rethink that. You need to WANT to use the skills and have an interest in keeping current, usually on your own dime. Nothing worse than having a team member working as the medic who doesn't really want to do it or have an abiding interest in it.

Of course, that's just my opinon.

No, I definitely know what you're saying. It is not the core of the work I want to do, but it is always something that has interested me and I've had a desire to do. I am not a fan of 'paper-strong people' who have the cert but don't use it, be it a medical skill or anything else. Just wondering if the need for EMT-certified PSD folks was there. Definitely not wanting to get EMT just to 'seal the deal' on a PSD job.

[Long Arm]

You should get the certification. If not to better yourself, then to possibly be able to take care of other team mates in an emergency. Thats why I did it. I still havnt had a job that required me to have that knowledge but knowing that I do makes things a lot better.

[daveatc]

Thanks a lot for the advice. As soon as I get settled again back in FL I am going to get on it......finally!

[DocW]

Medical training is always beneficial. dont do an I or P course just for the resume appeal. It is a calling to work in and if you're not called to it then you'll just be burnt out and pissed off.

[Expatmedic]

Do it because you have a desire to be an EMT. If its not something you WANT and really dont like to help people, you'll won't be driven to excell at it.

Go do a ride along with a BUSY 9-1-1 unit in a major city.

There are SO many variable to Paramedic school that its hard to list them all here. But here goes.

YOU are responsible for all phases of advanced prehospital care. If something goes wrong its your ass, even if the care was by and EMT.

If you lack the maturity to do the job, then don't.
Its about 2 years of your life. Say goodbye to the wife or girlfriend you have now.

You must know, Pharmacology, A+P, some law, chemistry, math, Pathophysiology of Disease processes. Differential diagnosis. Those are just a few of the many things you must know. Those things I listed are JUST the sciences, this does not take into account ANY of the skills at the Paramedic level.

The abilty to keep every member of your team safe while providing and directing care. And be able to do this in a home, a field, mineshaft, structure fire, vehicle accident. In the rain, snow, heat, night and after runing your 18th call in 18 hours.

The above just touches the VERY tip of the iceberg so to speak.

Let us know how you fair with all this.

[Massgrunt]

I'm an EMT-B and I've taken an "I" course, haven't tested. I spent thousands of dollars and lots of time doing it. From a return on investment standpoint, it was throwing money away, but I didn't do it for those reasons. I did it to further my own knowledge so I could save a life somewhere down the line. I'd treated some simple stuff before and didn't want to be helpless if something major happened. Of course it was also in the back of my mind that a potential employer might look at my various training courses and say "hey, this guy is trying to further himself on his own dime instead of just showing up".

[daveatc]

Great info. Thanks a lot! I am definitely going to do EMT-B, but I need to get my feet wet before I even consider anything beyond that. I really appreciate the replies.

[timmah5]

As far as medical skills on any team, the more, the merrier, but don't expect to necessarily be the lead doc with an EMT-B qual and not much real world time putting it to use. While it could happen, don't get frustrated if you've got a senior doc and you end up doing the more menial tasks involved in pre hospital care.

This happened to me when I joined the Army. I was a practicing EMT-B for about a year and a half before I joined. When I got to my line plt, I was runner for the doc, but even as an 11B, I worked my way into most of the advanced courses that line medics take, then I earned the right to work beside doc.

Don't get discouraged with it. Keep at it, get as many related classes/quals as you can. It can be a really rewarding job. Good luck!

[Massgrunt]

As far as medical skills on any team, the more, the merrier, but don't expect to necessarily be the lead doc with an EMT-B qual and not much real world time putting it to use.
Yup, and that's the way it should be. I could never pass myself off as a "real" medic. I'm leaps and bounds ahead of someone with no training, but I never let myself think I'm a "doc".

[Flying Pig]

I did my EMT-B as a cop because I was always beating the ambulance to the car accidents and the shootings. It was good because I really had an idea of what was happening in medical situations. As far as a Paramedic, here in CA. I believe its a 1600 hr course that requires A LOT of ER tours, and some pretty extensive knowledge that one would learn as a working EMT.

[DocW]

give yourself 2-3 years as a PRACTICING basic before going onto medic. you'll be doing yourself a favor.

[daveatc]

Thanks a lot guys!

[Expatmedic]

give yourself 2-3 years as a PRACTICING basic before going onto medic. you'll be doing yourself a favor.


Very good advice here. Find a BUSY 9-1-1 service and follow the above. You will learn so much, that cannot be taught from a book, that will benefit ALL involved with you and the care that you render.

I can guarantee, that after 2-3 years, you WILL know if you want to be a Paramedic or even stay in EMS. Beyond, the initial education there are the long hours, away from family, CON-ED that must be done, stressors of all kinds. You will learn quickly if it's for you.

Learn the Sciences. Know them inside and out. Breathe eat and sleep the Sciences that go into this program.

Skills. A monkey can be taught to do them. Just look at me.;) Make them a close second.

[phoenixtriad]

I'll second what everyone else had said.

I say go as far as your time and finances allow, Paramedic would be great. If you want to get into law enforcement, we can use good tactical medics, at least in my AO. EMT-Bs are a dime a dozen, EMT-Is are rare, and EMT-Ps are prized! In the county I used to live in, we had a regional SWAT team due to no major local metropolitan area, and out of the four tactical medics we had, only one was an EMT-I, the rest were EMT-Bs. So you can imagine how you'd be a great asset if you could finish your Paramedic course!

Good luck!! I remember spending hours hanging out with a couple hose jockeys who were cracking the books all day and night at their Paramedic studies, lots of dedication and hard work!

[Massgrunt]

I can't believe paramedics get paid as poorly as they do considering the schooling and responsibility.

[CAMedic]

Mass,

That's the same thing that happened with EMTs. Used to be they were scarce, now they are a dime a dozen. Same thing with all the PM schools around pumping them out by the hundreds. It's just a stepping stone that people use to get the FD jobs now...

EMS used to be a calling, with really dedicated medics. Now it's just a means to a better paying job and the patients suffer. I've been involved in it for 30 years now and I hate to see what's out there. There are some great providers, however the younger mindset is "what's in if for me" and "how can I do this really quick". No commitment.

[dustyrebel]

Massgrunt---
Pay has been a sore subject with most full time medics I work with. Here, a non-college educated leo rookie gets paid $2.00 more an hour just to go through the academy, them his pay goes up. The medics have to come to the job educated and certified just to get hired.
In my case, I really don't bitch too much about the pay. (helps that the wife is an RN) I really love the job. Not to sound sappy or stupid, but there really is job statisfaction at the end of the shift.
I would suggest anyone wanting to get the EMT-B cert to do so, but get plenty of time on the streets in that capacity. I precept for the students in school, and there is a huge difference in the students that have time on the streets, and the ones that go from EMT-B straight to EMT-P.

just my .02

DR.

[Expatmedic]

Pay. It depends what part of the country you are in and the type of provider you work for.

Private. Downside USUALLY less money and less benefits than public. Upside, you can be just a Paramedic.

Public, IE third service, FD. Better pay, better benefits. Downside, USUALLY required to cross-train as FF.

FACT: 96% of ALL FD calls are EMS. ONLY 4% fire related.

AMR in California, especially Nor-Cal pays very well.

International employment. Depends on the contract. Bechtel Inc. uses Paramedics extensively on projects all over the globe. Money is very good.

Very remote harsh environments. Not for the faint of heart, no shit! In addition to Paramedic care one can count on performing Primary Care, Occ Med. Must have further knowledge of pharmacology, better differential DX skills, the more routine illnesses and injuries. You will examine, DX and TX, Pharyngitis, Cholera and a host of other things.

For the above, make nice with an ED PA, bring him or her dinner, and be their shadow for as long as they can stand you.

[Cold1]

Daveatc,
If you live in a rural community, they need volunteers. They will pay for your classes, usually all the way to EMT-P. It might be an option to look at.

[daveatc]

Sadly, nothing too rural about Fort Walton Beach, FL!! My plan right now is to knock out EMT-B when I can and then start volunteering whenever possible to get a better feel for it. After that, we'll see where it takes me. If I really have the passion for it, then I will take it to the next level. Again, thanks to everyone for taking the time.

[Believeraz]

I can't believe paramedics get paid as poorly as they do considering the schooling and responsibility.

This is sad, but true. School bus drivers make as much as medics in many a place. School bus drivers, while important, don't invade the human body or administer drugs to dying people in an effort to save their lives.

I'm an EMT-B, mostly by name only. I've taken the NREMT course. I passed and got my license. I have not ridden in an ambulance since, and have to continually review to retain the knowledge at a usable level.

I have had been first responder to a few good auto collisions since, and the C-spine management and rapid trauma assessments I learned have come in handy. I've also treated some minor med stuff for protectees.

For professional purposes, I've found it to be a valuable certification to have and maintain. Clients like having an EMT around. It has also increased my knowledge and ability to help in an emergency. For me, that's worth it alone.