PALS, PHTLS, ACLS training in the Bay Area

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Guermo

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So I am looking for classes to get certified in PALS, PHTLS, ACLS, but I honestly don't know what organizations I should be looking at to get into those classes, any help you can provide would be appreciated.
 
Are you an emt or medic?
 
As an EMT, you won't have much need for those extra classes. Those courses teach skills and interventions that aren't in your scope of practice as an EMT. You could get some CE by taking a PHTLS-Combined Provider course though and they should make it clear what's OK for the EMT to do and the Paramedic to do.

I guess the point I'm really trying to make is that although you could take those courses, as an EMT, they won't increase your scope of practice even though you will have learned stuff from taking the courses. The extra knowledge won't hurt anything except your wallet, and may help you with additional assessment skills.
 
Akulahawk said:
As an EMT, you won't have much need for those extra classes. Those courses teach skills and interventions that aren't in your scope of practice as an EMT. You could get some CE by taking a PHTLS-Combined Provider course though and they should make it clear what's OK for the EMT to do and the Paramedic to do.

I guess the point I'm really trying to make is that although you could take those courses, as an EMT, they won't increase your scope of practice even though you will have learned stuff from taking the courses. The extra knowledge won't hurt anything except your wallet, and may help you with additional assessment skills.
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I think you would be much better served taking some science courses (a&p, chem, etc.) see will give you a better understanding of what is going on and help you much more than alphabet soup classes with skills you can't even do. You could also pick up a physical exam text. A good physical exam is both in your scope and incredibly valuable for every level of provider. It will serve you well both now and if you want to move forward to another license/certification.
 
So if I just wanted to make myself more of a prospect in the employers eyes what could I do. Also I know that to work at an ER you need ACLS and EKG training, what are legitimate places to get those 2?
 
Absolutely nothing wrong with you taking any of these courses. It will make you a much better BLS partner in assisting your partner when the poop hits the fan when you can anticipate their needs.

But like others have said, when you have the time make sure to also get your core education
 
Guermo said:
So if I just wanted to make myself more of a prospect in the employers eyes what could I do. Also I know that to work at an ER you need ACLS and EKG training, what are legitimate places to get those 2?
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NCTI, Defibthis in Santa Cruz, San Francisco Paramedics Association, Snowy River EMS sometimes has classes in the Bay Area.

There are a ton of places. Google.

To make yourself more marketable for a job? Being someone who has been on the other side of the EMS Interview table a few times I can tell you that being a down to Earth person who can knock out their skills will get you a lot farther than taking extra classes will. That and having someone vouch for you goes a long way. (Not say that is right, it is just the way it is.)

Most of the Bay Area interviews are designed to see if you are a person that people already on the job wouldn't mind working with.
 
I dont see any point in getting ACLS and PALS if you're only a basic. You have to walk before you can run, so if you dont even know the basics of pharmacology, cardiology, A&P and have no idea how to interpret ECGs or even start an IV, whats the point in taking those classes?

I have taken PHTLS as a basic. It was OK, got some good practice and learned a few new things and , but nothing profound.

As for being more employable. My experience is that getting hired in EMS, and healthcare in general is about who you know, your personality, luck, and real world experience. The classes you mentioned would be way down the list, as this stuff can be taught if they are deemed important.
 
So if I wanted to get experience what would be good places to go for? I tried volunteering at ERs but I've only found one position for that in 6 months of searching.
 
Unfortunately, there aren't many consistent volunteer opportunities for EMS in the Bay Area. Only special event type things every now and then. If you lived near Santa Cruz there are a bunch of Volly fire departments out that way. Santa Clara City fire has a volunteer department I believe. Spring Valley in Milpitas is volunteer too.

There are no volunteer EMS squads anywhere in the Bay Area that I am aware of.

Try and get some ride alongs in or volunteer at your EMT school. Good way to stay sharp on skills.

I'd start applying for any job I could as soon possible. I was hired with no EMS experience at all and have always worked for an 911 provider.
 
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