The field of emergency medical services is a crucial one, and a career in it can be lucrative. It is centered around providing life-saving assistance. If you’re considering becoming an Emergency Medical Technologist (EMT), or even getting into the prestigious job of a Paramedic you’ll be entering a career with high potential for growth and a high demand for highly trained professionals. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to become an EMT and paramedic, exploring the various training options available, including DSHS approved EMS training course.
Understanding the role and function of EMTs and Paramedics
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are first responders that offer immediate medical assistance in emergency situations. They are trained to evaluate patients, delivering essential medical treatments and transferring patients safely to medical centers for further treatment. EMTs and paramedics play an vital role in stabilizing patients during critical times, making split second decisions, and delivering compassion in times of distress.
Step 1: Become an EMT
To be an EMT In order to become an EMT, you have to finish the necessary educational and training courses, which can vary depending on the certification level you aspire to achieve. There are three levels of EMT certification.
1. EMT-Basic: This certificate is for the entry level and requires 100 to 150 training hours. EMTs-B are certified in the basics of medical treatments such as CPR as well as bleeding control and the basic management of airways.
2. EMT-Intermediate: EMTI is a degree that requires additional training. The amount of training needed varies from state to the next. In some areas this level is paired with EMT-B. In others the courses can range from 200 to 400 hours, and include advanced medical knowledge as well as intravenous therapy and other advanced skills.
3. EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P): The highest level of EMT certification, the EMT-P is the most advanced level of training and typically between 1,000 and 1,800 hours. Paramedics have the ability to perform sophisticated medical procedures like administering medication in the form of EKGs, interpreting them and advanced airway management.
Step 2: Obtaining Paramedic Certification
If you’re looking to become paramedic, then you must first complete the EMT-B or EMT I level and get some practical experience. Then, you’ll be able to take paramedic courses, which usually takes from one to two year to complete. In the course, you’ll learn about the latest medical topics. You’ll also gain the expertise and understanding required to tackle critical circumstances.
Step 3. Investigating EMT Optional Training:
When it comes to EMT training, there are various options depending on the degree of certification you aim to achieve. EMT courses are often offered by medical trade schools as well as community colleges at all certification levels. They offer a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on instruction, and experience on the job and in clinical situations.
Colleges and universities offer EMT programs at the EMT/Paramedic level in the event that you’re looking for an in-depth, comprehensive EMT course that will lead to an undergraduate degree. These courses provide an complete understanding of emergency medical services, giving an understanding of the medical care of patients and decision-making.
Step 4: Ensure that the DSHS has approved EMS training
If you’re interested in becoming an paramedic or EMT, it’s essential that the training program chosen by you be DSHS-approved. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to approve EMS training courses to ensure that they meet the highest standards of training and competence. If you choose to enroll in an DSHS approved EMS training program, you will be able to rest confident that you’re receiving high-quality instruction and that you meet the prerequisites for obtaining certification.
Paramedics and EMTs are both highly sought-after careers. EMTs paramedics, EMTs and other first responders play a crucial role in providing medical care and rescuing lives in emergency situations. To be aspiring EMTs or paramedics, to get started on this life-saving endeavor, they must complete all the necessary training and education programs. The EMT certification course can be completed at the community college, medical trade school, or at a university based on the certification level desired.
As well as assessing the different training options available, you should also ensure that the EMS course is DSHS certified. This will guarantee that you receive a high-quality education that is up to the standards required for EMT certification as well as paramedic accreditation.
As the demand for trained emergency medical professionals rises, EMS provides a wealth of job opportunities and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of those around you. If you are an EMT Basic or want to be a paramedic your commitment to critical healthcare will be rewarded with an enjoyable and fulfilling job in emergency medical services.