New guy here, lookin' for some advice.

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mrjorgejones

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So, I'm starting my EMT training on the 24th of this month...pretty excited.

I was just wondering if there's anything I could do/read to help get me prepared and whatnot for all this. I'm pretty interested in the field, so I'm looking to get maybe some tips, or some extra-curricular reading, or basically anything else I should know, or watch out for, or other such things as I get ready to throw myself into all this.

I'm generally the type to give everything I have to anything I pursue, and to go above and beyond what's expected, and I think it would be nice to see if I can gain any wisdom from some of you seasoned folk...maybe gain an insight or two. And I'm not picky either, I'm just an information junkie, whether it be about what training will be like, to what the job is like, to fun facts about the industry, equipment, etc.

Anyways, I hope this post isn't too broad and/or too ridiculous. Just thought I'd cast a line out there and see what comes up.

Thanks in advance!
 
I would recommend that you start reading your EMT textbook, as you may not have a lot of time to read it during the class, depending on how quickly it goes. Anatomy and physiology textbooks are also always a good choice.
 
just pre read your EMT text book. google anything you dont know or understand and when your in class ask any questions you have. i started off by reading a first responder text book but that was before i got my EMT textbook.
 
In addition to anatomy and physiology, a medical terminology text would be helpful too. It's nice to be able to break down terms and understand them rather than just attempting to memorize them.
 
LucidResq said:
In addition to anatomy and physiology, a medical terminology text would be helpful too. It's nice to be able to break down terms and understand them rather than just attempting to memorize them.
Click to expand...

I agree. Though I haven't taken my EMT class yet this really helped me in Anatomy and Phys. If you know roots and suffixes you can usually figure out terms and what not.
 
It also helps to get tips from people in the field, Be careful though many ems providers with expirience do things much different than what the class teaches so be careful, But also use the other suggestions, all prep will help!
 
I just finished my class in NJ and subsequently passed the state exam and I'm now an EMT with my township's volunteer squad.
What really helped me through the class, not having had any prior medical training, was pre-reading every chapter before the class at my leisure and asking my fellow squad members whenever I felt I didn't grasp a concept or procedure.
if no one was available, I would simply Google the topic.
While in class, I highlighted the relevant items on the class book but I would save questions for the breaks between lessons, that way interruptions during the lecture were at a minimum.
Of course when there was a blatant disconnect in my train of thought I didn't wait and just fired a salvo at the instructors.
They are ususally pretty good at answering questions and most cadre are especially receptive to the folks who "get it" and would gladly volunteer to assist you.

As the class progresses you will find that almost all the material can be distilled into scenarios and what-if's.
I kept those on a per-situation basis and studied them later.

The one thing that helped me a lot through the class is actually being on a squad and having a good pool of folks to ask questions.
I only wish I had found out about this site earlier though :rolleyes:

Best of luck!
 
Google and You-Tube are very good resources for studying pretty much anything. Last semester I used videos to enhance a lot concepts from the text
 
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