ER Tech Moving to the Streets

E

EMSBabe18

Forum Probie
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I have been an ER Tech (EMT-B) at a Level 1 Trauma Center for about 2 years now, getting the job right out of EMT school. The thought of being on the streets scared me when I initially got certified but after seeing a lot of stuff in the last couple years, I think I'm ready to transfer to our hospital's paramedic division (still as an EMT-B).

Any advice for a relatively new EMT who has never been on the streets? I am doing a couple of ride alongs in the next few weeks with some of our best medics to get a better feel for what I'm getting myself into before I apply for the positions that are opening up but what can I be practicing or thinking about in the meantime?
 
The jobs are very different.

Some people could get lost in a telephone booth, so make sure you know your service area well and are comfortable driving an ambulance, because as an EMT thats pretty much your job. That and make sure you can do the lifting.

I just find the jobs have very different mindsets. Being a tech is stressful but doesnt really require you to use your judgement, or improvise like you have to do working the road, but if working ALS you wont be the one calling the shots or doing the assessments so it should be an easier adjustment.
 
I know they are very different jobs. It's a busy metropolitan area and as an EMT, I'll be partnered with 1-2 medics, CCT, or another EMT for the Detox van.

I'm good at really basic patient assessment, but like you said hogwiley, it's a different mindset when you have to use your own judgement and figure out how to manage the patient until you get to the ED.
 
EMSBabe18 said:
I know they are very different jobs. It's a busy metropolitan area and as an EMT, I'll be partnered with 1-2 medics, CCT, or another EMT for the Detox van.

I'm good at really basic patient assessment, but like you said hogwiley, it's a different mindset when you have to use your own judgement and figure out how to manage the patient until you get to the ED.
Click to expand...

Don't over think it. You only have a very few number of tools that make a difference as an EMT-B in the short time it will take you to get to the ER. Think about the tools you have and the situations you would use them in, it is pretty cut and dry. People think "what if this" and "what if that", the reality of it is you only have a few tools in your box and the indications to use each of them are very clear and easy to see.


I loved being an ER tech, I got to see so much, prepare to be probably be a little more bored :p
 
Rialaigh said:
Don't over think it. You only have a very few number of tools that make a difference as an EMT-B in the short time it will take you to get to the ER. Think about the tools you have and the situations you would use them in, it is pretty cut and dry. People think "what if this" and "what if that", the reality of it is you only have a few tools in your box and the indications to use each of them are very clear and easy to see.


I loved being an ER tech, I got to see so much, prepare to be probably be a little more bored :p
Click to expand...

LMAO! i have heard of this er tech route but not really looked into it much now i am curious.... dang it!
 
You my friend will not be bored working the streets here. The field training program will keep you plenty busy.
 
cleanboofs said:
You my friend will not be bored working the streets here. The field training program will keep you plenty busy.
Click to expand...

Are you a DG medic? I'm currently in the ED at DG so I see all the stuff you bring in but it's time for a change. How long is the field training program for a new EMT?
 
get ready to life 400lb pts down 6 flights of stairs rofl


and threw narrow tight spaces...why are they all on a hill in a house 17 flights of stairs in a tight hallway 500lbs yeah..iono
 
I'm an EMT here. The field training program varies in length all dependent upon you. The driving phase is first and the medical phase is second. The FT program can last 3 months to a year depending upon how quick you pick it up. I'd say most emt's get done with it around the 6-8 month mark. Oh and if you are going to do some ride alongs, I'd suggest riding on a sep car and seeing how us EMT's operate with a medic.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
cleanboofs said:
I'm an EMT here. The field training program varies in length all dependent upon you. The driving phase is first and the medical phase is second. The FT program can last 3 months to a year depending upon how quick you pick it up. I'd say most emt's get done with it around the 6-8 month mark. Oh and if you are going to do some ride alongs, I'd suggest riding on a sep car and seeing how us EMT's operate with a medic.
Click to expand...

Copy. Will definitely try to get a ride on a sep car in the next week or two. Thanks!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top