Tag: EMT-Intermediate

Difference Between Paramedics and EMTs

Being a paramedic or EMT (emergency medical technician) is something to look forward to. They risk their life just to rescue those who need immediate emergency care. They work 24/7 and at times risk their own health since they are exposed to different kinds of virus and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. EMT and paramedics risk their own life-saving all types of situations such as dealing with psychotic, manic or suicidal patients.

Paramedics helping a patientA lot of medical related students wish to work as one, either an EMT or a paramedic. The question is, do they really know the difference between the job description of an EMT and a paramedic? We will talk more about that in this article.

Before you can achieve the title of becoming a paramedic, you need to start from the basics. Emergency medical technician is the primary stage wherein you undergo a series of basic life support trainings for six months such as basic CPR trainings, how to bandage cuts and wounds properly, stabilizing bone fractures and treating degrees of burn. These two careers are both great choices. It allows you to do something good in the society. This kind of career is now in demand everywhere since doctors and nurses cannot reach emergency cases outside the hospital.

If you wish to work as an EMT or a paramedic, you should bear in mind that emergency medical technicians are the so called paramedic’s assistant, they only do basic life support and it is the job of paramedics to do critical life support.

Paramedics go through a series of advanced life support training for two years, such as executing endotracheal intubation, Intravenous trainings. They need to take up biology and math classes for them to be absorbed in the paramedic list. In terms of the salary, paramedics are paid higher than EMTs. Paramedics earn more up to $80,000 a year, while EMTs only get half of it. There is really a big difference between the two, but both of these careers have only one goal, and that is to help those who are in need and save more lives.

Paramedic Career Roadmap

A paramedic is really a first responder in medical problems, car accidents and emergency ailments, for example cardiac arrest. A paramedic is needed to become licensed by every state and frequently works in specialized areas. Formal education generally takes 2 years to accomplish. The first step is to meet the requirements for Emergency Medical Technician Training. An individual thinking about EMT training must have a high school diploma or GED and at least at the age of 18 years old. Candidates must pass an actual examination and undergo a screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis B. States frequently need a criminal record check for criminal activity. The next step is EMT basic training.

EMT-B training is really a prerequisite for paramedic certification. EMT training could be gained at many 2-year and community schools. EMT classes are produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Training in EMT-B covers cardiac problems, respiratory management, trauma and patient assessment. EMT-B specialists must be capable of assessing trauma, managing airways of choking victims and supply advanced first-aid. After the basic training, the next step is EMT intermediate training. EMT Intermediate training develops abilities learned within the EMT-B training course. Requirements for EMTs in the intermediate level change from state to state. Nationally defined intermediate levels are EMT-Intermediate 1985 and EMT-Intermediate 1999, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Based on scope of practice, training may take 30-350 hrs to accomplish. An EMT-Intermediate will have the training to manage intravenous liquids, evaluate heart tempos and administer appropriate medicines.

After that is done, the next step is Paramedic training. Training in an EMT-Paramedic program covers advanced medical skills, anatomy and physiology. This program typically takes 1-24 months to accomplish. Students take part in clinical rotations and ambulance runs. A paramedic is able to perform all of the responsibilities from the lower EMT levels. Additionally they might read EKGs, use an array of sophisticated equipment and perform endotracheal intubations. The last step is to become a certified paramedic. Certification for any paramedic is gained by passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam. Some states offer certification exams for paramedics. Most states require licensure to be renewed every 2-3 years. Ongoing education and refresher classes are frequently needed by individual states.