What qualifications are required to be an EMT?

Answer 1

There are many qualifications to be an EMT, and a complete and current list can be found almost anywhere on the internet. A few of these qualifications include:

• Being able to lift heavy objects (specifically being able to lift, carry, and balance 125 lbs - 250 with assistance).
• Being able to read, write, communicate and interpret the English language when giving and receiving instructions and advocating the patient's condition to the higher healthcare provider to which you are transferring the patient to.
• Being able to navigate and function over varied terrains.
• Being able to accurately read road maps and interpret instructions
• Being able to function under high stress and extreme environments (extreme hot and cold weather, plus nature's elements)
• Being able to interview family members and/or bystanders

These are only a few. Based on personal experience, an EMT has to carefully maintain his or her health in order to properly function. It does the patient little good if the healthcare provider is not professional and able to concentrate on the job at hand. EMTs have to make split second decisions, so trust your instincts.

In the United States there are currently three levels of pre-hospital emergency medical certifications recognized nationally:

EMT-Basic (commonly referred to as EMT or EMT-B): Basic life support level with approved skills like splinting, assessment, trauma management, bleeding control, basic resuscitation oxygen administration, basic airway management, and transport. Very limited administration of medications like aspirin, oral glucose, epinephrine auto injectors, albuterol inhalers and nitro vary from state to state and usually require phone contact with a doctor. IV certification can be obtained through additional classes and state level approval.

EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) Advanced life support level. Fairly rare and found mostly in rural volunteer situations. Close to a paramedic, but limited scope with medications and most narcotics require phone contact with a doctor. Surgical procedures are out of scope usually.

EMT-Paramedic (Paramedic or EMT-P): Advanced life support level. Advances skills such as endotracheal tube (ET) airway management, needle chest decompressions, surgical airways, cardiac monitoring, pacing, en-tidal CO2 monitoring, SpO2 monitoring, cardiac, medical and narcotic medications (IV, IM, IN, IO,SL)

All schooling is at the nationally approved scope of practice. Working EMTs and Paramedics may be held to local and state modifications in their protocols.

Classes can be taken online through your state requirements of National registry for certified medical professionals. If you are a resident of Texas, you can use PERCOM for all EMT courses as well as First Responder. See the link below.

Answer 2

Well you need to have a good amount of muscle or at least a strong back as you are going to be lifting people a lot. You need to have a good memory, since you will need to remember what to look for when helping a patient. Most of the information you learn will be symptoms and how to treat them, as well as some medical terminology so that you understand and can communicate with the staff at medical facilities.

Answer 3

To become an EMT you must find a training course in your state. The fastest way to find EMS information is through your state's Department of Health. You do not need a lot of knowledge to start this course; they will teach you what you need to know. Understand that the course requires you to learn basic anatomy and physiology, requires a lot of movement, problem solving and memorizing information. Once certified, your skills include but are not limited to: Advanced CPR, Airway management, suction, ventilation, patient assessment medical and trauma, immobilization, soft tissue injuries, moving patients, emergency child birth, medication administration, environmental exposures, triage and documentation. Classes can take up to 6 months to complete

Answer 4

You can take an EMT class at a local community college and then pass a national registry examination to receive a license. Then you will most likely have to obtain a license from your local accreditiation agency and a ambulance drivers license from a dmv. Prior to the EMT course you need to complete a CPR for healthcare providers course.

Answer 5

Personal qualities

As a paramedic, you would need to stay calm while dealing with life and death situations, to be highly skilled, quick thinking and decisive at the same time as providing a reassuring environment for the patient and relatives. You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a serious interest in the care and well-being of patients, and the academic ability to cope with examinations. You would also need to be physically fit and emotionally resilient.