subject: Paramedic Training [print this page] Becoming a paramedic leads to a profession filled with rewarding public service, excitement and strong job security with fantastic pay and benefits. But in order to do so, a person will have to first go through paramedic training so as to guarantee both your employers and the public at large that you're fully commited and competent in the field of patient care. Paramedic training will supply you with the necessary knowledge and set of skills that will allow you to embark on a journey more interesting and gratifying than many other jobs.
Before Paramedic Training
Before coming into training, a person must have the following items and characteristics:
A powerful background or interest in anatomy and physiology
Upon obtaining the above, a person may apply at any range of technical institutes, community colleges, and facilities which specialize in emergency care training intended for paramedics.
Three Types of Paramedic Training
To be able to become a paramedic, a person has to first become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The following are the three variations between a basic EMT, an advanced EMT and a paramedic. It's important to note that if a person goes for paramedic training at the onset of education, he or she will become an EMT during the course of their training, meaning no extra courses will be necessary:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic: Requiring 150 hours of specialized training and education, the fundamental level training classes of EMT will educate students to work in the patient compartment of ambulances, use a broad variety of medical equipment like defibrillators, provide trauma care and first aid. Additional areas of training consist of evaluating a patients condition, dealing with cardiac emergencies, clearing obstructed airways, using field equipment as well as handling all kinds of emergencies. In the majority of facilities, live hospital or ambulance training is necessary.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT): Demanding an additional 150 hours of instruction on top of the Basic EMT courses, the typical amount of training here approaches 1, 000 hours when all is said and done. This is simply because of more on-the-job setting training including live ambulance rides and hospital work being required. Some states incorporate EMT and AEMT education into 300 hour courses. The EMT-Intermediate 1985 or EMT-Intermediate 1999 level, also known AEMTs, present medical intervention to patients that run the chance of potential harm to patients. It is for this reason, the advanced training is required. AEMT training entails the use of sophisticated airway equipment, intravenous fluids and the administering of certain medicines.
Paramedic: Paramedic training includes 1, 300-1, 400 hours of accredited schooling, varying state by state and usually taking two years. Paramedics provide the most sophisticated care so a person needs to go through EMT training first. Paramedic training is accredited by the Commission on Allied Health Education Accreditation. Although around 95% of paramedics are fully compensated employees, the majority work in urban and suburban communities. Graduates of training programs typically obtain an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Paramedics. Paramedic responsibilities consist of stitching wounds and administering IV medications and performing life-saving techniques. Typically, an additional 8 hour training course will allow paramedics to drive ambulances.
Typical Paramedic Training Regime
Although varying from state to state, this is what a normal paramedic training course is composed of:
15 weeks of extensive, classroom instruction
260 hours of supervised hospital clinical time
360 hours of closely watched paramedic field time
Internships
Throughout this time period, a person will typically acquire the following credentials:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider
Advanced Medical Life Support
Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructor
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider
Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals Provider
