VA EMT-I85 or EMT-E
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abckidsmom
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I am not sure what the registry I85 and I99 mean in relation to the VA certifications.
In VA, if you want to do EMS seriously, or for money, you will not want to be EMT-E. It's a baby step between EMT-B and EMT-P that just gets you halfway, not fully ALS, not fully BLS either. In our county, EMT-Es are BLS providers, even if they are released to give the few meds that they can give.
EMT-I is an abbreviated paramedic class, in which you learn all the skills and meds (except surgical cric) as a paramedic, with less classroom time and less clinical time. In my experience, VA EMT-Is come out of class needing a very intensive preception in order to meet minimum standards.
In my opinion, the best option is to go to an EMT-B to paramedic program, but I understand individual reasons why people choose not to. Just know that the less time your class takes, the more time it takes to reach minimum comptency in the real world, and the more effort it takes, too.
In VA, if you want to do EMS seriously, or for money, you will not want to be EMT-E. It's a baby step between EMT-B and EMT-P that just gets you halfway, not fully ALS, not fully BLS either. In our county, EMT-Es are BLS providers, even if they are released to give the few meds that they can give.
EMT-I is an abbreviated paramedic class, in which you learn all the skills and meds (except surgical cric) as a paramedic, with less classroom time and less clinical time. In my experience, VA EMT-Is come out of class needing a very intensive preception in order to meet minimum standards.
In my opinion, the best option is to go to an EMT-B to paramedic program, but I understand individual reasons why people choose not to. Just know that the less time your class takes, the more time it takes to reach minimum comptency in the real world, and the more effort it takes, too.
traumaluv2011
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I-85 = Basic
I-99 = Paramedic
I'm not sure what the intermediate is, some states don't have an intermediate though. Basics are taught ALS assistance stuff in the core class in VA, right?
I-99 = Paramedic
I'm not sure what the intermediate is, some states don't have an intermediate though. Basics are taught ALS assistance stuff in the core class in VA, right?
abckidsmom
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I don't think I-85 = Basic in VA. We have a ton of intermediate little step-type certifications between EMT-B and EMT-I. Especially in the central VA area, if you venture far west of Richmond, you'll see this is very common.
And Basics are not typically taught ALS assistance stuff in the EMT-B class, though some instructors do include it.
abckidsmom
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Dinosaur status acheived by 32!
My dad was a shock trauma in the early eighties. My mom was super awesome, lol: Cardiac!
Every read EMT: Beyond the Lights and Sirens? It shed a lot of light on EMS in VA.
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Dinosaur status acheived by 32!
My dad was a shock trauma in the early eighties. My mom was super awesome, lol: Cardiac!
Every read EMT: Beyond the Lights and Sirens? It shed a lot of light on EMS in VA.
Never did read that, I'm going to have to read it now. I've got you beat on the dino status at 28, ST and CT were still in use when I started lol.
I do remember being in awe of a couple of volly Cardiacs I knew when I first started...
18G
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I'm a Paramedic in VA and have seen a few people with EMT-E but not many. The company I work for wont hire EMT-E's or I's because they are limited and would create more confusion and work for the dispatchers than anything.
For example, as an IFT ALS provider for my company you need to be a Paramedic. EMT-E or I won't cut it since they are not permitted to transfer patients with the many drip medications, vents, chest tubes, etc that the Paramedics do.
Just go for Paramedic. The short cut isn't worth it and gives you no where near the mobility of being a Paramedic does.
For example, as an IFT ALS provider for my company you need to be a Paramedic. EMT-E or I won't cut it since they are not permitted to transfer patients with the many drip medications, vents, chest tubes, etc that the Paramedics do.
Just go for Paramedic. The short cut isn't worth it and gives you no where near the mobility of being a Paramedic does.
18G
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When I was younger I used to hate that PA didn't have a quick and easy Intermediate level. And now that I'm older my view has changed. Paramedic is the only way to go.
Paramedic = more money, more job opportunities, and more women... maybe not so much the last but can help some
abckidsmom
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Dude, I WAS a Cardiac. At 19, no less. I pushed the limits of what our EMS council people could handle. It was fun.
NVCC didn't test at lower levels when I was there, so I had to settle for Paramedic at 20 lol.
The EMS council and county medical directors, ahhh yes.....
(This trip down memory lane brought to you by the letters "E", "M" and "S")
Chief Complaint
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I doubt that there is an I/85 course in Richmond since that cert level isnt recognized by VA. As has been stated by others, EMT-E is a waste of time and will do nothing to get you hired. Here in NoVa they are only hiring medics for the most part, I/99 or P. And that is definitely making its way to the rest of the big cities in VA.
You can get hired with an I/99, but having your P gives you a much better chance at a job.
Are you a minority or a female? Or both? If thats the case then just show up with a CPR card and they will give you a Bataleon Chief position on the spot. Good luck!
Chief Complaint
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Just curious when you took your classes at NVCC if you dont mind sharing. Im currently in their program and am somewhat disappointed by it. Maybe my expectations were too high.