How is EMS training different in the US ?

[fiddlesticks]

Hey Everyone,
i was just wondering what kind of training you guys need to be EMTs or Paramedics in the US. Ive noticed that alot of ppl say that an EMT program is only a 120hr? just asking cause in my primary care paramedic program we had about 6 months of class time. 2 months of clinical/ambulacne time. then another 2 months of ojt on just the ambulacne. and class time was made up of one 8hr lab day a week. so i was just wondering how is 120 hrs even close enough to teach you how to be a medic? thanks for any info and i dont mean to offend anyone just asking why they would be so different.

 

[TransportJockey]

Hey Everyone,
i was just wondering what kind of training you guys need to be EMTs or Paramedics in the US. Ive noticed that alot of ppl say that an EMT program is only a 120hr? just asking cause in my primary care paramedic program we had about 6 months of class time. 2 months of clinical/ambulacne time. then another 2 months of ojt on just the ambulacne. and class time was made up of one 8hr lab day a week. so i was just wondering how is 120 hrs even close enough to teach you how to be a medic? thanks for any info and i dont mean to offend anyone just asking why they would be so different.

120 hours is not for a medic, it's for EMT-B. Our system might be screwed, but it's not that screwed. As it is, basics are just glorified first aid providers

 

[fiddlesticks]

ok thanks cause i was just wondering how they could have that kind of training and be medics. cause i know i had to do a lot more school then that i dont even think my tag would transfer to the US then would it?

 

[MRE]

ok thanks cause i was just wondering how they could have that kind of training and be medics. cause i know i had to do a lot more school then that i dont even think my tag would transfer to the US then would it?

I don't know about what would transfer, but to become a paramedic in the US, it usually takes a few years and a few thousand hours of training and clinical/ER time. I have heard it compared to getting an associates degree in college.

As it is, basics are just glorified first aid providers

Ok, as long as I can call medics double super first aid providers.

For fiddlesticks benefit: EMT-Basics perform as the name suggests, basic life support. That includes CPR, Auto Defib, simple airways, splinting, emergency childbirth, O2, albtuterol, epi, nitro, charocal and oral glucose. This of course differs a bit depending on what state you are in.

 

[JPINFV]

...and no one outside of EMT-Bs are really impressed with the ability to do CPR or use an AED. :/

 

[TransportJockey]

For fiddlesticks benefit: EMT-Basics perform as the name suggests, basic life support. That includes CPR, Auto Defib, simple airways, splinting, emergency childbirth, O2, albtuterol, epi, nitro, charocal and oral glucose. This of course differs a bit depending on what state you are in.

Hmm... in most states basics can't do anything a lay person can't do. You can do CPR and splint? So can a boyscout (probably better than most basics I've met), you can give epi (in most states BLS is limited to auto-injectors), so can lay people with their own prescriptions. NTG? Most basics can only help a person administer their own. Oral Glucose? 'Oh, I'm feeling weird and shaking... maybe I should drink some orange juice.' Do I really need to continue?

 

[fiddlesticks]

thanks guys for all the info it was neat to get an idea as to how this training works

 

[MRE]

Hmm... in most states basics can't do anything a lay person can't do. You can do CPR and splint? So can a boyscout (probably better than most basics I've met), you can give epi (in most states BLS is limited to auto-injectors), so can lay people with their own prescriptions. NTG? Most basics can only help a person administer their own. Oral Glucose? 'Oh, I'm feeling weird and shaking... maybe I should drink some orange juice.' Do I really need to continue?

Did I miss the starting pistol for the pissing contest?

The "double super" comment was obviously facetious. Do I need to add a googly eyed smiley face so you will know next time?

Please go back and read the part where I said "For fiddlesticks benefit". The original poster had a question about training levels, and since he is a medic and was asking about our 120 hour course, I figured I would describe it for him. That was kind of the whole point of the thread

I'm sorry that you have had such poor EMT-B's to base your opinion on, but that is not my fault or my problem.

 

[Summit]

To head this off early, it is not what you can do, it is knowing when to do what that makes an impressive provider.

 

[fiddlesticks]

k i didnt mean to start a fight i just wanted to know so lets play nice. and im a girl by the way but that dosnt matter. i wanted everyones point of veiw not just medics. and im thankful for the all the info i have gotten.

 

[VentMedic]

I don't know about what would transfer, but to become a paramedic in the US, it usually takes a few years and a few thousand hours of training and clinical/ER time. I have heard it compared to getting an associates degree in college.

It is also sad when those in the profession don't know the minimum requirements to get to the next level or how to become a Paramedic.

Yes, you may get a 2 year degree but in at least 48 states it is not required.

was just wondering what kind of training you guys need to be EMTs or Paramedics in the US. Ive noticed that alot of ppl say that an EMT program is only a 120hr?

Actually the minimum amount of hours needed in many states to be an EMT-B is 110.

For Paramedic, it can be anywhere from 500 hours to a two year degree depending on the state. There are only one or two states that require a two year degree with Oregon being one of them.

There are also many, many different levels between EMT-B and the Paramedic, most based on a single skill.

Here is a list of the different levels in the 50 states which may or may not be totally accurate as levels seem to get added often in some states.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_medical_responder_levels_by_U.S._state

This may be the web page JPINFV put up last year.

 

[MRE]

Yes, you may get a 2 year degree but in at least 48 states it is not required.

Come on Vent, I said "compared to getting an associates" not that you will or won't get one. Its just a comparison I've heard for the time it often takes to complete the program.

Good info in the rest of your post though.