Faster EMT-B or I-85 or I-99 in my area?

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sleepy

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Hi. In my area, I could only find either 4 month night courses or the 14 day accelerated one at Bloomington IN. I know there are many negative views about the accelerated courses but I have researched the pros and cons. I feel the 14 day is too compact because I don't want to be away from family for 14 days in a row. I was wondering if there are any courses that are about 3-8 weeks long in OH/IN/KY. If not I'll sign up for the 4 month local course.

Oh, my final goal is to get the I-85 or I-99, and I have the same question for those. I would love to travel somewhere for 2 weeks and complete it. I did find a place that doesn't even require the EMT-B beforehand because everyone takes the EMT-B then you go right into EMT-I, but the format is 3 nights a week instead of being condensed for out-of-state travelers. Even better would be if it is within driving distance so I could come home if there are off days. Thanks.
 
They exist but I strongly encourage you to not take them. We have a few accelerated courses here in Louisville. But again, I strongly recommend you stay away or go straight into advanced classes so you can unlearn all the bad crap taught to you in the accelerated.
 
Well, at least it wouldn't be a 2 week course or an online+2 weeks or less.

I feel like if the course takes 4 months, I'll forget things I learned previously, and I do better at keeping my interest when it's all at once. It's also harder for me to go two evenings a week for 4 months compared to having the hours all done in 1.5 months.

I like to learn at a fast pace and if I can complete the EMT-B sooner, then I am much more likely to continue and get another level of EMT cert and not stop at Basic. I'm also fine with reading and re-reading on my own.

I would not be trying to work as an EMT, it is in order to get some exposure to a real healthcare field and to see if I can learn a lot of material fast, and to gain some confidence about a future healthcare career.
 
Consider this about I-99: They are on the horizon of being phased out, You may spend XXX amount of money for the training, then XXX amount more money for testing fees and then in another few years, that level will no longer exist. At which point you will be forced to accept a downgrade to an I-85 license or spend XXX more money for an I-99 to Paramedic "bridge" course.

Go after your EMT-B license and see if it is what you are expecting. If you decide to take it farther, then decide at that point. But my advice is to stay away from I-99 training for the time being as that particular certification level seems to have an unstable future
 
Nice to see someone actually read relevant threads before starting one.

sleepy said:
I would not be trying to work as an EMT, it is in order to get some exposure to a real healthcare field and to see if I can learn a lot of material fast, and to gain some confidence about a future healthcare career.
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If you don't want to work, don't shell out the money for a course. If you plan on going into some other health profession, be aware that EMS is in many ways unlike hospital-based healthcare and has a tenuous relationship with medicine. You should get all the relevant experience you need to work in "a real healthcare field" during your education and training for that field.
If you need confidence, you can get a lot of therapy for what an EMT-B course costs. Well, some, and provided your insurance covers it. On second thought, you can get a lot of alcohol for what an EMT-B course costs. Or go buy a life-changing experience. Try climbing.
 
I've thought a lot about it and I know I want to at least do EMT-B. And I don't mind having only the I-85 but Advanced would be better I believe.

I am in KY, so soon they'll be offering the Advanced EMT courses, and I'll probably want to do that too, if I can fit it in my schedule. I want to get exposure to or ideally learn the basics of -- giving IVs and airway care.

I might do phlebotomy training instead or in addition -- one that includes IVs, but I'd really like to learn intubation especially.
 
I must advise against this. Also, EMT-I will soon no longer be recognized. You are setting yourself up for a hard time because in a few years standards are changing across the board and there will be no room more accelerated course EMTs or medics.
 
sleepy said:
I've thought a lot about it and I know I want to at least do EMT-B. And I don't mind having only the I-85 but Advanced would be better I believe.

I am in KY, so soon they'll be offering the Advanced EMT courses, and I'll probably want to do that too, if I can fit it in my schedule. I want to get exposure to or ideally learn the basics of -- giving IVs and airway care.

I might do phlebotomy training instead or in addition -- one that includes IVs, but I'd really like to learn intubation especially.
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daedalus said:
I must advise against this. Also, EMT-I will soon no longer be recognized. You are setting yourself up for a hard time because in a few years standards are changing across the board and there will be no room more accelerated course EMTs or medics.
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The advanced course he's talking about in Ky is the NAEMT pilot program for the 'mid' level EMT for Kentucky. It's currently being run by Bullitt Co and a few other services sleepy.

If you are looking for an EMT course I recommend life-savers. They have a decent price and their class is very good for a basics course (atleast it was in 2006 when I took it). I am hoping to become an instructor/assistant with that course so if you take it there you might see me. I am only referring courses in and around the Louisville area, as that's my area. But considering you spoke about courses in Indiana and Kentucky I am assuming you'd be up for traveling.

www.life-savers.org if you are interested.
 
sleepy said:
I've thought a lot about it and I know I want to at least do EMT-B. And I don't mind having only the I-85 but Advanced would be better I believe.

I am in KY, so soon they'll be offering the Advanced EMT courses, and I'll probably want to do that too, if I can fit it in my schedule. I want to get exposure to or ideally learn the basics of -- giving IVs and airway care.

I might do phlebotomy training instead or in addition -- one that includes IVs, but I'd really like to learn intubation especially.
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Any phlebotomy training will not be recognized as far as your EMS certification/licensure is concerned. There are some regions that allow EMT's to start IV's but they require a certain class that isn't the same as the phlebotomy students.

As far as Intubations...... This isn't "Hollywood". Intubating isn't something that is done on a daily/weekly/monthly basis (Some regions, depending on call volume, most likely don't have a patient that needs to be "tubed" but a few times a year). Learning more about Intubation is learning more about when it is needed. Understanding the indications/contraindications of the procedure, not simply "how to do it".

Consider your career choice wisely. Those that see patients as simply an object to poke with needles or ram tubes down are frowned upon and wash out of the programs early

EDIT:
It seems you are focusing more on the "skills" of the profession. If I made an error in my assumption, then I apologize. It just needs to be pointed out that one must understand WHY someone needs an IV/Medication/Intubated to fully understand WHEN someone needs to an IV/Medication/Intubated. Many take there EMT-B license up a level or two for no other reason than to "do the cool stuff", and thankfully, most of those don't pass the exams. Aspire for education, not for skills
 
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Well, it would just be nice to have some exposure before I start studying for a respiratory therapy degree. I'm not so concerned with the advanced certification being useful to me in any other way, besides that it shows I had some additional experience. If I think it would teach me something valuable for the future career.

I am also interested in having this knowledge just in case it comes in handy someday. (In particular I'd like to take a 5 day Wilderness course for EMT-B's.)

Most likely I'll go with life-savers, even though it won't finish for 6 months, since it doesn't start for 2 months. (If the Advanced class starts in under 7 months, I'll probably have to wait a while for another one to start.)
 
sleepy said:
one that includes IVs, but I'd really like to learn intubation especially.
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sleepy said:
Well, it would just be nice to have some exposure before I start studying for a respiratory therapy degree.
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Now your motive is clear. You think that if you "learn intubation" you'll have RT school mastered.

In RT school you will first learn all about the "whys" of intubation before the "skill" itself is even considered. When it is, it is taken very seriously. If you come in as a cocky EMT who took a PDQ intubation cert, you will be laughed at and scrutinized. While some classmates might be in awe at first that you are "intubation certed" as an EMT(B,I or whatever), they may find out how little you actually learned.
 
No, but I think it's better than nothing. If I took one baking class in my life, I am not going to go around saying I'm a chef. Even if I spent 10 months in a cooking school, I'm no chef. I have no idea why I'm being accused of wanting to "do stuff" to people carelessly.
 
sleepy said:
No, but I think it's better than nothing. If I took one baking class in my life, I am not going to go around saying I'm a chef. Even if I spent 10 months in a cooking school, I'm no chef. I have no idea why I'm being accused of wanting to "do stuff" to people carelessly.
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Just a whole lotta angry people in the world Sleepy. Ignore it. No harm meant.

You're looking at this EMS adventure as more of a helpful stepping stone from the sounds of it, yes? It'll definitely give a college and / or undecided student a way to make money while still attending school. EMTB and / or a course that combines 85 is definitely doable. 85 is a shorter course than EMTB course by the way. Also think adding phlebotomy (a one semester course in many places) is not a bad plan if you aren't absolutely certain of which path you'd like to follow within the health care field. Making yourself marketable and getting some exposure in the process is not a bad way to go IMHO. Good Luck in whatever you decide.
 
Since RT school has a fairly long list of prerequisites, maybe he should be concerned with getting them out of the way unless he needs a job during college. In that case, phlebotomy is probably the most flexible and the pay is decent.
 
rescue99 said:
Just a whole lotta angry people in the world Sleepy. Ignore it. No harm meant.

You're looking at this EMS adventure as more of a helpful stepping stone from the sounds of it, yes? It'll definitely give a college and / or undecided student a way to make money while still attending school. EMTB and / or a course that combines 85 is definitely doable. 85 is a shorter course than EMTB course by the way. Also think adding phlebotomy (a one semester course in many places) is not a bad plan if you aren't absolutely certain of which path you'd like to follow within the health care field. Making yourself marketable and getting some exposure in the process is not a bad way to go IMHO. Good Luck in whatever you decide.
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Really? Make money? Sorry, EMT's and EMT'I's are a dime a dozen. I almost have them paying me to let them work so they can keep up their license.

Seriously, one that believes that EMS should be a stepping stone or that it makes one marketable needs to really look around. As well, the national standard of the EMT/I 85 does NOT include intubation; so one better check their state ability of what an EMT/I 85 is allowed to do.

R/r 911
 
Also, if you want a job inside a hospital like RRT, there are many entry level jobs you can obtain that will be of benefit to you as they will allow you to see many healthcare professionals work in their environment. The hospital may also pay for your tuition and you will have benefits accumulating.

I have already mentioned being a Phlebotomist which quite often gives you the run of the hospital. Being a CNA may not sound glamorous but it will give you the patient care experience and contact that will be useful for RT. Yes, RRTs may have to do vitals occasionally and assist in moving patients. Many of the skills of the CNA will be part of your first week of RT school. Having done a few hundred sets of vitals beforehand would be of benefit. As a CNA you may become a master of moving patients with complex disorders and accessories (equipment) to many areas of the hospital. This also would be of importance when you beome an RRT.

From CNA, you might be able to advance to PCT who does 12-lead EKGs, phlebotomy and occasionally IVs. You might also be able to work in the ED or as an Ortho Tech. You could even get into the Surgical Tech program. One could be flexible and just let the hospital train you for whatever area and you could just float through all of it as you choose your major in college.

Being an EMT is rare limiting in a lot of ways. Also, as you get more education you may find yourself becoming frustrated by your partners who are not always pro-education. They may even start to see you differently as you become more educated about medicine and their opinions may not always be favorable of you as they know EMS is a stepping stone for you.

If you did choose RT, you could also work for an RT Department as an Equipment Tech. You will see many more O2 devices than the EMT would ever think possible and you would learn about infection control as well.

However, if you want to do EMS, don't sell it or yourself short. Attend a school with a decent program and approach it as a profession.
 
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