Value of IV Cert in the Field

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AMF

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From what I gather, IV certification is mainly for nurses (RN) but I've seen it in many of your signatures. As someone strictly working as an EMT (but not necessarily in an ambulance), is it valuable? I don't have the time/money to get my I/85 (and definitely not my P). I understand that IV cert is not available in all states (I think it's mostly in the south) but where it is available I haven't seen a single person on emtlife without it (or a higher certification).
Thanks.

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AMF
TXEMT-B
 
I don't believe in TX there is a set IV course. EMT-I is the norm for IV therapy. Although I have heard of some hard up systems that have their Basics with special skills for lines and tubes. The only reason I have the equivalent of a CO IV cert on my EMT-B cert is because I hold an NREMT-I/85 cert, which CO doesn't recognize. Honestly, I think EMT-Bs starting lines and tubing people is just asking for trouble. If you want more toys to play with, go to school and get the additional education. If you work for a service see if they'll sponsor you to go.
 
AMF said:
From what I gather, IV certification is mainly for nurses (RN) but I've seen it in many of your signatures. As someone strictly working as an EMT (but not necessarily in an ambulance), is it valuable? I don't have the time/money to get my I/85 (and definitely not my P). I understand that IV cert is not available in all states (I think it's mostly in the south) but where it is available I haven't seen a single person on emtlife without it (or a higher certification).
Thanks.

--
AMF
TXEMT-B
Click to expand...

RN's do not take IV certification courses, it is already an RN skill, a basic one at that. LPN's in some states have to take an extra IV course, but not RN.

Anyways, I think what you are seeing around the forum are individuals whose state has their own specific level, there are quite a few (EMT-IV, EMT-CC, EMT-Cardiac, etc)

Here in TN, we have EMT-IV's who are trained at the i/85 level but test nationally at the B level. The extent of their skills is beyond that of EMT-B due to the ability to push certain meds, initiate, maintain, and discontinue intravenous therapy, give IM/SC injections (particularly epi for anaphylaxis), and a few other skills.

In these situations, these are levels of provider not actual IV certs.. For instance, there is no such thing as an EMT-IV without IV priveleges, that would just be an EMT-B. If you are an EMT-B in one state and wish to come to TN, you would have to complete an EMT-B to EMT-IV transition course.

In some of the more conservative states, the EMT-I is the lowest level provider that can initiate IV therapy. It all depends on the state.


I have no prob with EMT-IVs starting IV's because they spend 9 months in class with full clinical experiences unlike EMT-B in most states who only do a 6 week course with no clinicals (which actually shocked me because I had assumed at one point that all EMT-Bs spent 9 months in class and had clinicals both semesters). These individuals have more than demonstrated their competency in intravenous therapy and they are great with ALS assist as well. Mind you, these individuals not only learned how to stick, they also learned about fluid dynamics, acid/base, indications for IV, signs of infiltration, phlebitis, and had to document with the state a specific number of successful sticks before being checked off to take the NR.

As for a 6 week EMT-B having IV therapy privs, I don't think they should.
 
Well I'm a 12 month EMT-B but I see your point. In TX, Basics don't really have a scope of practice, it's just whatever the Medical Director wants so I'm concerned that they'll have us push IV Glucose or at least help a P. It also seems a shame to keep doing BLS until PGY-1 (7 years from now). I could get my P three times over in that time.
 
Fortunately, most Medical Directors are well versed in the limitations and realistic offerings of the EMT-B level. Not many services are going to allow you to start an IV as a basic when an EMT-I course is generally readily available.

Honestly, if this is a "want" of yours, then pursue the appropriate training for it. I find it puzzling that you make the statement "I don't have the time/money to get my I/85" when you also voice the plan to attend medical school in the upcoming years. If medicine is where your heart is at, then pursue to the level you choose. Just realize that sacrifices may have to be made, if you don't have the time, the you don't have the training, and you'll probably continue at the BLS level.

Choice is yours.
 
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