New emt student, what should I be doing

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linziclip

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Hey guys! So I am staring emt training next week, and I am so excited!

I am also taking a full college courseload this semester, so it's going to be really busy..anyway, any advice on how to get ahead in emt training before my normal college semester starts at the end of the month? What topics were the most time consuming and difficult?

I am trying to get as much as I can done over break to make my workload and schedule more manageable this spring.

Also, I am living in Orange/ L.A. county at the moment. I know it's hard to get a job here as a basic..any tips to get my foot in the door?

I'll be 19 when the course ends.

Thanks!
 
linziclip said:
Hey guys! So I am staring emt training next week, and I am so excited!

I am also taking a full college courseload this semester, so it's going to be really busy..anyway, any advice on how to get ahead in emt training before my normal college semester starts at the end of the month? What topics were the most time consuming and difficult?

I am trying to get as much as I can done over break to make my workload and schedule more manageable this spring.

Also, I am living in Orange/ L.A. county at the moment. I know it's hard to get a job here as a basic..any tips to get my foot in the door?

I'll be 19 when the course ends.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you know the book you'll be reading, I suggest that you read the book. At least start by reading the chapter summaries... Now as to which portions of the program was the most difficult, my experience was way different than yours will be. Why? I had to learn to NOT do certain things, and because of my own education, I didn't really have to crack the book. I'm not kidding.

I can honestly say, though, what has helped me get through all the classes that I've taken over the years, including nursing school, is to read ahead, stay ahead, and be in class. I'm not the person that though that up. I got it from this book: http://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Co...TF8&qid=1357535196&sr=1-1&keywords=0963511106

I can't recommend that book enough to people that are continuing on with school past High School or any career course that requires formal study.
 
Sooooo. Hate to be that guy but this topic has been beaten to death....

Read the assigned chapters before the lecture and have questions prepared so you can build on the base you made from reading.

Do your homework.

Manage your time wisely.

EMT-B isn't difficult. Remember, it's EMT-Basic
 
NVRob said:
EMT-B isn't difficult. Remember, it's EMT-Basic
Click to expand...

Then why are there constantly "I can't pass my basic class / exam threads"? :blink:
 
NVRob said:
Sooooo. Hate to be that guy but this topic has been beaten to death....

Read the assigned chapters before the lecture and have questions prepared so you can build on the base you made from reading.

Do your homework.

Manage your time wisely.

EMT-B isn't difficult. Remember, it's EMT-Basic
Click to expand...



This is very true, I know how to study while taking a course.
My question was how can I prepare in advance, in the few weeks I have before my schedule becomes crazy? Is there anything I can start memorizing now that will come up later in the semester?
Anatomy, terminology, whatever?
 
Chase said:
Then why are there constantly "I can't pass my basic class / exam threads"? :blink:
Click to expand...

Your guess is as good as mine...

linziclip said:
This is very true, I know how to study while taking a course.
My question was how can I prepare in advance, in the few weeks I have before my schedule becomes crazy? Is there anything I can start memorizing now that will come up later in the semester?
Anatomy, terminology, whatever?
Click to expand...

EMS Education is big on mnemonics and acronyms. AVPU, AEIOU-TIPS, DCAP-BTLS, SAMPLE, OPQRST. You could get a head start on those. Skim through the book, things of that nature.

What are you studying in school other than EMS?

Check out this thread
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=27746
 
As others have said, I'd suggest by reading the textbook. Make flash cards out of key terms, anatomy, and anything else the book thinks is important.

Spend as much time as you can on anatomy, that's where many struggle the most. Medical conditions, signs, and symptoms is also a challenge for many, get a head start on that.

Lastly, don't forget your priorities. In retrospect I wish I spent more time enjoying the college experience and less time working in EMS.

Good luck!
 
EMT-B is NOT easy. It is a lot to learn in a short amount of time. I agree learn SAMPLE, OPQRST, etc. However, you can be book smart but you have to be able to do the skills in a certain amount of time. I would start reading my skills and text book and trying to figure how they work together.
Good luck and you can do it but studying and practice is the key.
 
As a skills instructor for a EMT program at a college in SoCal I agree with what NVRob has said. Read the chapters before class. Make a list of questions. Find out what studying technique works for you (study groups, flash cards, etc).

A lot will depend on how the program is set up. If its an easy program with easy tests then you may find the class really easy but when the Nation tests come you may find them extremely hard.

Since you are taking other classes time management will be your friend. Don't get behind. If you have any questions make sure they are asked and answered by your instructor/support staff.

Don't worry about reading skill sheets before the class even starts. You have to see how an "assessment" is done before you can understand the sheets (for most students. Heck we don't even hand out skills sheets until week 12 I think).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
linziclip said:
Hey guys! So I am staring emt training next week, and I am so excited!

I am also taking a full college courseload this semester, so it's going to be really busy..anyway, any advice on how to get ahead in emt training before my normal college semester starts at the end of the month? What topics were the most time consuming and difficult?

I am trying to get as much as I can done over break to make my workload and schedule more manageable this spring.

Also, I am living in Orange/ L.A. county at the moment. I know it's hard to get a job here as a basic..any tips to get my foot in the door?

I'll be 19 when the course ends.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I did the exact same thing as you. Took my EMT class at night twice a week while taking four college classes during the semester.

It was easy.

I didn't do anything to prepare for it ahead of time. You've had a semester of college (maybe) by this point, so you know to study. Throwing an extra 50 pages of reading in won't kill you, in fact you might find it to be a welcome diversion from your usual coursework.

Just stay on top of it. I made sure to read the chapters before class, take notes, and study for the quizzes when I needed to.
 
Robb said:
Your guess is as good as mine...



EMS Education is big on mnemonics and acronyms. AVPU, AEIOU-TIPS, DCAP-BTLS, SAMPLE, OPQRST. You could get a head start on those. Skim through the book, things of that nature.

What are you studying in school other than EMS?

Check out this thread
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=27746
Click to expand...

Biochemistry major, pre-med. I will be taking 22 units including emt training + working part time.

thanks for the tip!
 
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