I start my EMT-B class Feb 10! I have some questions

[HWhite98]

Ok, so I recently have been doing ride alongs with a local volunteer Fire/Rescue department the past couple of weeks. I have been wanting to be with this department for a couple of years now, but had to wait until I was 16 (I live in VA where you can do EMS and Firefighting at 16). I've turned in my application and the board meeting where I get accepted or declined is on Feb 9th. They have basically told me they plan on accepting me, and are working with a near by dept to get me into there upcoming EMT Basic class that starts on Feb 10.

I have a ton of questions, but I am going to limit it to the important ones.

What should I study/ learn before the class starts. I am already certified in CPR/BLS and fully understand the subject so other than those two, what else should I learn?

The class is 3 hours on tuesdays, thursdays and saturdays. How long should it take to complete the course?

And finally, how often should I study and what materials should I bring?

Thanks for any help you can offer. If you have tips about anything I did not mention please feel free to tell me. Any help is appreciated.

 

[MkVity]

Welcome.. There is so much good information on this site if you use the search you'll answer a lot of the questions real quick. If you get stuck there are some great guys and advice on here. Good luck.

 

[NomadicMedic]

They'll teach you everything you need to know. EMT is an entry-level class, there are no prerequisites other than CPR.

Check with the course provider as to the length of the class. I would expect it to be 10 or 12 weeks.

Bring a notebook, pen or pencil and anything else that you would normally bring to a class on your first day. If they expect you to have anything other than the norm, they should let you know. Study as much as you need to get a good, working knowledge of the material. Study groups work well, flashcards are a good idea.

 

[HWhite98]

Ok, yeah I'm new here so I'll for sure check out some other posts about the same topic. I plan on looking out for who I think will make it through the course, and find a good group to study with.

 

[Robert Michael Olson]

You will learn to prioritize as you go through the course.

If you can test yourself at home, try to recall the information and write it down before you dive into the book for answers. That way you can show yourself the things you actually remember.

 

[HWhite98]

You will learn to prioritize as you go through the course.

If you can test yourself at home, try to recall the information and write it down before you dive into the book for answers. That way you can show yourself the things you actually remember.

I appreciate the tips. Tonight they did a mandatory CPR/BLS course, because we are required to be certified as health care providers, and it went great. I know the material was simple, but I was still proud of myself because I passed both the practical and written test 100%.

There is about 25 people in the course, and I found a good study group of people close to my age (16-21). I am really excited for this course and can't wait to (hopefully) get my certification.

I will keep you guys updated through out the course on these forums and if I get confused I will definitely reach out to you guys.

Thanks!

 

[Robert Michael Olson]

I appreciate the tips. Tonight they did a mandatory CPR/BLS course, because we are required to be certified as health care providers, and it went great. I know the material was simple, but I was still proud of myself because I passed both the practical and written test 100%.

There is about 25 people in the course, and I found a good study group of people close to my age (16-21). I am really excited for this course and can't wait to (hopefully) get my certification.

I will keep you guys updated through out the course on these forums and if I get confused I will definitely reach out to you guys.

Thanks!

I recently passed the class so the curriculum is fresh for me. You are more than welcome to hit me up for questions.

 

[Trauma Queen]

The class is 3 hours on tuesdays, thursdays and saturdays. How long should it take to complete the course?

And finally, how often should I study and what materials should I bring?.

To the first question, they should be able to provide you a tentative end date. But if shouldn't take you more than a few months.

As for supplies, bring a new notebook, a couple of pens, a highlighter, all of your issued books, and maybe a small binder if they give handouts. Also, it's a good idea to buy a small note pad for your pocket, so you can have something to write on if they give you scenarios to do in class. Always come prepared. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a small variety of colored pencils or colored pens so if you need to draw diagrams or label pictures, you can easily make everything stand out.

When it comes to studying, try to read the chapters you'll be going over in class the night before. That way you have a decent understanding of the material you'll be reviewing, as well as be able to have any questions ready for class and discussion. Then reread the material to have a full understanding. Also, try to do the section of questions at the end of each chapter. It'll help you apply the knowledge, as well as prepare you for your testing at the end of the program.

Good luck!

 

[HWhite98]

To the first question, they should be able to provide you a tentative end date. But if shouldn't take you more than a few months.

As for supplies, bring a new notebook, a couple of pens, a highlighter, all of your issued books, and maybe a small binder if they give handouts. Also, it's a good idea to buy a small note pad for your pocket, so you can have something to write on if they give you scenarios to do in class. Always come prepared. It also wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a small variety of colored pencils or colored pens so if you need to draw diagrams or label pictures, you can easily make everything stand out.

When it comes to studying, try to read the chapters you'll be going over in class the night before. That way you have a decent understanding of the material you'll be reviewing, as well as be able to have any questions ready for class and discussion. Then reread the material to have a full understanding. Also, try to do the section of questions at the end of each chapter. It'll help you apply the knowledge, as well as prepare you for your testing at the end of the program.

Good luck!

Thank you so much! I've decided I'm going to devote at least 1 hour a day, and I plan on reading the material until I have it 100%. The only thing that seems intimidating is the clinicals, but I'm sure it shouldn't be to hard. I at least know that the first thing out of my mouth should be "Scene Safe".

Also, I found this website called EMT-training.org, and have been going over the material they have. Right now I am mainly focusing on anatomy and physiology, because they are both very important. Do you have any websites that you would recommend me to check out?

Thanks!