EMT-B vs. EMT-A

Kendall

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Really? I haven't looked too much into it, but I remember reading on this forum that EMT-Bs can't even do BGL testing, at least in some states...

The differences in scope balance out in most respects. For instance, EMT-B's in some states can not do BGL monitoring while we EMR's can. EMT-B's are allowed to carry and administer Epi-Pens while we are only able to "assist" our patient in administering it (which I personally don't see much point in; if someone has an Epi-Pen, why would they call an ambulance to give it to them? If you're calling an ambulance for an allergic reaction its likely that you DON'T have an epi-pen...)
 

Kendall

Forum Lieutenant
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I wish we'd finally take on the same titles as the rest of the country (primary/advanced/critical care paramedic).

I agree 100%... But I wouldn't count on it happening anytime soon, with the Health Disciplines Act and all that coming into force. And then there's the whole problem of the College of Paramedics, but that's a whole new can of worms.
 

bradnovlesky

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i thought the new nremt ranks dont start until 2015 ( EMR replacing FR/ EMT replacing EMT-B/ AEMT replacing the EMT I /
 

fortsmithman

Forum Deputy Chief
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Here in Canada mainly in western Canada we are using EMR which is equal to EMT-B used in the USA. Our EMT or PCP is equal to EMT-I and paramedic which is the same.
 

CAOX3

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I think I have you all beat.

When i took my EMT class, a few to many years ago.

We:
Intubated
defib(not AED)
BGL monitoring
pasg

Meds:
ASA
Epi pen
EPi by neb
Racemic Epi
glucagon
tylenol
asa
albuterol
O2
nitro (I believe we carried it, we may have just assisted)

Granted our class wasnt 120 hours either, safe to say I was a little over my head in the begining.
 

CAOX3

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Let me just say it was an interesting couple of months.
 

tlkennedy5

Forum Probie
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I'm in my EMT-B class right now in Kentucky and here's what I've gathered:

EMT-B's in Kentucky can use BIADs (King, Combitube) and within the next few months I gather, epi-pens are going to be phased out and epi ampules will be carried instead for injection. They are also adding some meds I believe, asprin protocol being one of them.

However, back to the EMT-A thing. Kentucky doesn't recognize EMT-Intermediates, but they have gotten the ball rolling to recognize EMT-Advanced sometime in the next year. Once that happens, certain procedures (most likely the ones just added mentioned above) will be taken away and given to the EMT-A's. They will also have the power to start IV's. There's still some debate on whether they can intubate using ETs or not and if they will be able to push anything through the lines.
 

nomofica

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I'm an EMT-A up here in the cold north, Which is like being an EMT/I in the states. Ours stands for EMT-Ambulance.

EMR=EMT/B, EMT-A=EMT/I, and then Paramedic. EMR's (EMT-B's) can not get work in the city.

Nice, a fellow Albertan!
 

nomofica

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That is true.

I'm honestly surprised at how little requirements are required to enroll in the EMT programs in Alberta... Only the P level requires Biology/Chemistry/English 30 (Anatomy and Physiology is liked, but not a prerequisite). All you need for EMR and EMT-B/I/A (again, like you've mentioned, now known just as EMT) is CPR/BLS level C and your EMR license respectively.
 

Kendall

Forum Lieutenant
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Not always true; depends on your school. And regardless of what your school's entry requirements are, they WILL expect you to have a basic understanding of biology and chemistry, otherwise your course would take a lot longer... (as it probably should). The reality of it is that in the approx. 400 hours that you are in the classroom you should be building upon past knowledge of physiology as it is a basic requirements for EMR's.

Btw, EMR's CAN find work in the city if you know where to look!
 

nomofica

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Not always true; depends on your school. And regardless of what your school's entry requirements are, they WILL expect you to have a basic understanding of biology and chemistry, otherwise your course would take a lot longer... (as it probably should). The reality of it is that in the approx. 400 hours that you are in the classroom you should be building upon past knowledge of physiology as it is a basic requirements for EMR's.

Btw, EMR's CAN find work in the city if you know where to look!

I guess I should have clarified that I've only really looked at NAIT's EMT and EMT-P programs at this point. They don't require A&P, but is considered one of things that will put you ahead of the game.

I could be (and probably am) wrong, as this is only my understanding of NAIT's requirements.

I've also heard (from first hand accounts) that NAIT doesn't teach everything that's on the Alberta College of Paramedics' EMR/EMT/EMT-P exams... Is this correct?
 

fortsmithman

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I guess I should have clarified that I've only really looked at NAIT's EMT and EMT-P programs at this point. They don't require A&P, but is considered one of things that will put you ahead of the game.

I could be (and probably am) wrong, as this is only my understanding of NAIT's requirements.

I've also heard (from first hand accounts) that NAIT doesn't teach everything that's on the Alberta College of Paramedics' EMR/EMT/EMT-P exams... Is this correct?

Our service does in house EMR training using NAIT's EMR course. One of our members is authorized to instruct the NAIT program. You might want to try the EMT and EMT programs over at Portage College in Lac La Biche. or you could try the EMT program at AHASTI in Calgary.
 

cyclebear

Forum Ride Along
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EMT-A Scope of Pratice

It is really interesting to look back at all of the changes that have taken place in EMS over the years. When I started in 1979. I was an EMT-A(Ambulance). Over the years I progressed with the coming changes, and eventually elevated the level of Paramedic Specialist. Specialist is an Iowa designation.

All of that being said, along the way I became an EMS Instructor. I taught the EMT-Basic and First Responder classes.

Now then, to give a little perspective to the scope of practice differences, I told my First Responder students how much things had changed over the years. To emphasize the point I told them that what I had been taught at the EMT-A level in 1979, would not qualify me as one of today's First Responders.

So keep getting up every morning. There is still an abundance of things to learn!!!
 
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