Hello from Lawndale California!!!

[ochacon80]

I found this forum while I was searchign google for EMS info. I will be starting my EMT - B classes beginning June 28th and it will be an 8 week accelerated course at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. Our course uses Brady 10 edition and I found a great copy on Ebay and recieved it a couple of days ago. Since the course is excelerated I decided to get the book early and read the first four chapters and take a lot of notes, as well as check out the CD that comes with it.

I am getting anxious and can't wait to jump into the class and get to work. The classes are Monday and Wednesday and will be 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab a day. I am planning on taking the NR if I pass the class and begin applying for companies asap and eventually work my way to EMT - P.

I was just wondering if anyone had any study advice for me, or any crucial chapters in this Brady book?

any help or advice would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Jon]

Welcome to the fourm (from the opposite coast)!

To answer some of your questions:
All of the chapters are important.
Since you have it... read the book. You probably won't understand everything, but you will start to recall it in class.
I'm not sure how useful note-taking will be until after you start lectures.

The best advice I can give you is to show up for class on time (or early) every day and take the class seriously. In your case, you are paying tuition and attending a college class. If you goof off and don't make the most out of class, you are squandering some of your money.

Good Luck, and hang around here... ask any EMS-related questions you want to (we won't laugh) and we'll try to help the best we can.

Jon

 

[mikeylikesit]

welcome aboard...i'll provide some answers when i am not so tired. sorry.

 

[ochacon80]

Thanks for th quick replies, I will continue reading this book and prepare myself for my class. I will definately be early, would it be smart to bring a tape recorder?

 

[rsprue]

For study tips see JEMS March article titled "How to study for success in EMS." As for using a recorder it can be a good idea if you get a good quality one and are able to obtain good quality recordings. Also make sure to ask your instructor if it is ok, and lastly be sure you will listen again. My own opinion as an EMS instructor for more than 10 years is that you listen well and take good notes during class.

 

[ochacon80]

Well, it has been a little over two months since my last post and I come with good news. I passed my course and recieved my EMT certificate yesterday. I passed the class with a B and a lot of fun. My ride along and my clinicals were both great experiences.

I paid for my NREMT yesterday and once payment is confirmed, I will schedule my test. My study resources for the test are my Brady book and this book from REA it is flash cards in book form.

I pretty much have a job lined up with Gerber Ambulence here in Torrance, CA but a buddy of mine who is a paramedic suggested Mcormick since they get 911 calls. Either way, I am looking forward to my time as an EMT.