ECG training

[adamjh3]

I just started my EMT-B course last night, and I was looking at taking an ECG course while I was waiting for my AEMT class (you must have six months experience in the field as an EMT-B).
Would this be a waste of time and money, as I will learn it anyway in the AEMT class and will likely not be able to set up - or even have - 12 leads on a BLS rig?

 

[LucidResq]

Might as well, education is education. I'm not sure what exactly the AEMT course consists of, but there's nothing like sitting in a course and already knowing much of the content.

 

[rescue99]

I just started my EMT-B course last night, and I was looking at taking an ECG course while I was waiting for my AEMT class (you must have six months experience in the field as an EMT-B).
Would this be a waste of time and money, as I will learn it anyway in the AEMT class and will likely not be able to set up - or even have - 12 leads on a BLS rig?

It would be a great leg up!

 

[AnthonyM83]

You have to judge how much time and money you have to decide if it's worth it or not. Realize you might not be making much as an EMT, so make sure your finances are in check. If so, good use of money and will make your EMT time more interesting and educational if you work alongside ALS. If you don't have much else going on right now, then I'd say it'd be a good use of your time as well.

Your experience as an EMT will be much richer and you'll feel like you know what's going on a little more. Time spent on-scene staring at the squiggly monitor lines can now turn into practice time, leading to discussion time with your medics and doctors.

By the way, where are you taking your AEMT course? I didn't realize there were schools in SoCal who were implementing that already. As far as I know, there aren't any local places that hire AEMT's (though there might be).

 

[adamjh3]

Valid points, I'll go ahead and take it. Funding is not so much a problem. I was fortunate enough to have grandparents that set up an education fund for me, so I have more than enough to get through Paramedic school, and pay for a little bit of education beyond that.

Right now I'm at EMSTA, they're not offering the AEMT course as of yet, but it's in the works. They were going to start it in January, but... some outside agency that I can't recall the name of told them to put on the brakes for a little bit. I assume it's basically the same as an EMT-I, no? I'm putting my money on it being up and running by the time I have my EMT-B done, and I've been working in the field for the required six months.

EDIT to add: The emotie in the first post was... unintentional.

 

[AnthonyM83]

Why are you going for AEMT versus Paramedic?
Do you have an AEMT job lined up? As far as I know, AEMT positions are either rare or non-existent in your area (but could be wrong).

 

[adamjh3]

I don't have an AEMT job lined up, but I figured since it's a year wait for Paramedic training, and only six months for AEMT, why not do both? Or is this a bad idea?

EDIT to add: I have every intention of going Paramedic, but following the logic of "training is training" why not take the AEMT course?

 

[bstone]

I'll admit, ECG was the most difficult part of my Intermediate class. There are a lot of rhythms to memorize and being able to understand P, QRS and Ts is very useful. If you have the time and the money and the class is well regarded then I say go for it! You'll have a leg up for one of the most difficult parts of AEMT school.

Another thing, they taught us 3-leak EKGs in Intermediate school. Then I got into clinicals and the ER was using 5 leads for constant monitoring and 12 leads for the big stuff. I sure felt like a doof when they asked me to go in and do as 12 lead on someone. I had NO idea! Same with the 5 leads- I didn't know where to put the extra 2 leads. If they teach you this in the ECG class then you'll be golden.

 

[Sodapop]

I don't have an AEMT job lined up, but I figured since it's a year wait for Paramedic training, and only six months for AEMT, why not do both? Or is this a bad idea?

EDIT to add: I have every intention of going Paramedic, but following the logic of "training is training" why not take the AEMT course?

Do you have all other prereq's for Paramedic done? Where I am going they require A&P and EMT-B. When I complete the EMT-B I am then going to take the A&P class during the the time I am waiting to get into the Paramedic program. It would be nice to have other classes if you have all the requirements done.

 

[VentMedic]

The California EMSA website has the coming changes for the AEMT. Again, get to know your state's EMS website. You would be amazed at what you can learn and you won't have to rely on hearsay from some EMT mill or an anonymous forum.

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/about/EMT2010_Public_Comment.asp

At the prices EMSTA charges, I seriously hope you have a good trust fund. You could get at least two college Associates degrees by California community college tuition rates for the cost of EMSTA's programs.

 

[adamjh3]

Vent, thanks for popping in; I always find your posts are a good read, and very informative.
Looking at the state website, I guess AEMT is a No-Go, not much point if I'm going straight to Medic after that.
The fact that you call EMSTA a medic mill has piqued my curiousity. Do you think I would be able to get a better education through a community college? Or... where?


Sodapop, I'm starting my A&P course in May, so that'll be out of the way.

 

[VentMedic]

Vent, thanks for popping in; I always find your posts are a good read, and very informative.
Looking at the state website, I guess AEMT is a No-Go, not much point if I'm going straight to Medic after that.
The fact that you call EMSTA a medic mill has piqued my curiousity. Do you think I would be able to get a better education through a community college? Or... where?


Sodapop, I'm starting my A&P course in May, so that'll be out of the way.

From the EMTSA link for A&P:

Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology

This class is suitable for students at all skill levels and provides the student with a comprehensive theoretical foundation and medical terminology of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The student will understand the human anatomy throughout all systems, physiology of the human systems, and the application of this knowledge in emergency situations. The class is presented with lecture, discussion, seminar, audiovisual multimedia, case study, written quizzes and tests, with a lab. This class is not accepted by the local community colleges as a prerequisite for their paramedic programs.


For $325 this is a mere overview that goes nowhere. If you ever want to obtain a degree, you will still have to take REAL college A&P. As well, you will be a the mercy of whatever college you transfer to for the amount of credit they may grant you for your EMT and Paramedic course work. You could also take both A&P classes at a community college for the price of this one overview.

The AEMT will happen as soon as all the legislative details are sorted out. Schools will also need time to prepare especially at the instructor level. This will happen statewide. Some EMT/Medic mills are attempting to cash in by advertising it now but as you can see the space is blank.

 

[AnthonyM83]

I don't have an AEMT job lined up, but I figured since it's a year wait for Paramedic training, and only six months for AEMT, why not do both? Or is this a bad idea?

EDIT to add: I have every intention of going Paramedic, but following the logic of "training is training" why not take the AEMT course?

I know you figured it out based on AEMT not being a good choice, but to address the logic: Doing too much unnecessary training slows you down. A&P will make you better in PM school. AEMT will lead to re-doing things. Just like a medical student doesn't stop to take EMT, PM, Phlebotomy along the way...but he does take Biology, English, Chemistry, etc...