In this article, I will discuss for those who are interested in or seeking more information about getting into the field of EMS. EMS can be a fun and exciting carrer for some and on the opposite side, a living nightmare for others.

Since I am an old school medic, I have seen many come and go in this field of work. Most always is because people do not research EMS as a career before jumping into classes. In my opinion, one should be sure to research EMS as a career before spending the time and money it takes to get into this career.

Back in the days of the television show 911, many thought by watching this show EMS would be a cool way to make a living. Unfortunately, many did not do their research before taking the first responder or EMT class. Once they actually got into a good trauma call or perhaps a saddening pediatric call, they found out what the real world of EMS is like. Like I already stated, they did not research the EMS life before they jumped in head first. "First mistake, research EMS before you choose this job as a career."

If you are considering a career in EMS, research the job first, this may save you from something that just is not you. EMS takes a special personality as far as I am concerned. Start your research below before you decide getting into EMS.

Ask Yourself These Questions First:
• Can I take working 24-hours shifts with less than adequate sleep?
• Can I think on the spot when time is critical to save a life?
• Can I live with myself if my patient dies? (and many do)
• Can I be committed to my job? This is not a 9 to 5 factory job!
• Am I willing to train on a continual basis and keep my skills top notch?
• Am I a good people person?
• Can I work under highly stressful situations with virtually no supervision?
• Can I follow policies and procedures?
• Can I take constructive Criticism?
• Can I seperate my job from my family life and balance both? (long and stressful hours for the pay)
• Am I going to do this for the money? (if you answer yes, stop now, this is not a career for you)
• Am I going to pick this career because I love to help people? (if you answer no, stop now, this is not a career for you)

Preparing Yourself for EMS Training
The above are a just a few of the questions you should ask yourself. If you answered no to the above questions, you may wish to seek out another career. EMS is a highly stressful and very demanding job. If you're not ready to give it your all, this is not a good career choice.

When seeking EMS as a career, you should evaluate whether you have what it takes (see a few sample questions to ask yourself above). EMS training is intense and this career-path can potentially put you on the frontline of gruesome accidents, dangerous situations, and extremely high levels of stress. EMS jobs are physically and emotionally demanding, but can also be very exciting and rewarding if you have what it takes for this type of work. EMS is what you make of it, a good positive attitude is important for this career choice.

The recent popularity of realistic medical dramas on television has served the dual purpose of educating the public while increasing their awareness of EMS related careers. Over glamorized in my opinion, these television shows provide some insight into the type of person you need to be to succeed with EMS as a career. What these television shows usually fail to reveal is the amount of training and knowledge that EMS professionals must obtain.

Any person wishing to pursue EMS as a career should be physically and emotionally fit. You should have above average communication skills and a desire to help people. You should be a master at making instant and correct decisions under highly stessful situations. This will come with time.

You should be aware that most EMS programs require a high school diploma (or GED). Some EMS programs may also require students to be at least 18 or 21 years of age. Many require a criminal background check and drug-screening test. Requirements differ by program and by the level of certification you are seeking. As an example, EMS programs for those seeking certification as a paramedic often require one to have already obtained EMT-Basic and CPR certification. Most EMS programs if you are seeking the paramedic certification also require at some field experience as an EMT.

Those seeking to pursue EMS training should be aware of what your state requires prior to taking the different certification tests. You can find this and more information by following either of the links listed below.

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

Training Levels
As I stated above, you may wish to consider starting out at the lower level and advance from there. I'll list a brief summary of the various levels of EMS training below. Also visit the two links I posted above for even more information on the various certification levels. Please Note: All of the certification levels I have listed below are according to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Various Certification Levels (varies from state to state)
• First Responder
• EMT
• EMT-I
• EMT-D
• Paramedic

First Responder
A certified first responder is a person who has completed about forty to sixty hours of training in providing prehospital care for medical emergencies. They have more skill than someone who is trained in first aid but they are not emergency medical technicians. A short overview of the type of training you will receive is noted below. I will not go into the modules of training, it would make this article much more lengthy so I'll just list a few of the modules. Do your research, that's what this article is all about is teaching to you research EMS as a career.

• Oxygen Therapy
• Childbirth
• Triage and Multiple Trauma
• Airway Management
• Moving Patients
• Assisting Patients in using medications such as inhalers, epinephirine auto-injectors, nitroglycerin pills, etc.
• Transportation of Patients
• Assisting medical professionals

EMT and Paramedics
Formal training and certification is needed to become an EMT or paramedic. A high school diploma is typically required to enter a formal training program. Some programs offer an associate degree along with the formal EMT training. All 50 states have a certification procedure. In most states and the District of Columbia, registration with the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) is required at some or all levels of certification. Other states administer their own certification examination or provide the option of taking the NREMT examination. To maintain certification, EMTs and paramedics must reregister, usually every 2 years. In order to reregister, an individual must be working as an EMT or paramedic and meet a continuing education requirement.

You can advance your EMS career at different certification levels. I suggest this as you can feel out this line of work and also make a few dollars while you progress up the ladder if you will.

EMT-Basic (EMT) coursework typically emphasizes emergency skills, such as managing respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies, and patient assessment. Formal courses are often combined with time in an emergency room or ambulance. The program also provides instruction and practice in dealing with bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, cardiac arrest, and emergency childbirth. Students learn how to use and maintain common emergency equipment, such as backboards, suction devices, splints, oxygen delivery systems, and stretchers. Graduates of approved EMT basic training programs who pass a written and practical examination administered by the State certifying agency or the NREMT earn the title "Registered EMT-Basic." The course also is a prerequisite for EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic training.

EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) training requirements vary from state to state. Applicants can opt to receive training in EMT-Shock Trauma, wherein the caregiver learns to start intravenous fluids and give certain medications, or in EMT-Cardiac, which includes learning heart rhythms and administering advanced medications. Training commonly includes 35 to 55 hours of additional instruction beyond EMT-Basic coursework, and covers patient assessment as well as the use of advanced airway devices and intravenous fluids. Prerequisites for taking the EMT-Intermediate examination include registration as an EMT-Basic, required classroom work, and a specified amount of clinical experience.

The most advanced level of training for this occupation is EMT-Paramedic (EMT-P). At this level, the caregiver receives additional training in body function and learns more advanced skills. The Technology program usually lasts up to 2 years and results in an associate degree in applied science. Such education prepares the graduate to take the NREMT examination and become certified as an EMT-Paramedic. Extensive related coursework and clinical and field experience is required. Because of the longer training requirement, almost all EMT-Paramedics are in paid positions, rather than being volunteers. Refresher courses and continuing education are available for EMTs and paramedics at all levels.

EMTs and paramedics should be emotionally stable, have good dexterity, agility, and physical coordination, and be able to lift and carry heavy loads. They also need good eyesight (corrective lenses may be used) with accurate color vision.

Advancement beyond the EMT-Paramedic level usually means leaving fieldwork. An EMT-Paramedic can become a supervisor, operations manager, administrative director, or executive director of emergency services. Some EMTs and paramedics become instructors, dispatchers, or physician assistants, while others move into sales or marketing of emergency medical equipment. A number of people become EMTs and paramedics to assess their interest in health care, and then decide to return to school and become registered nurses, physicians, or other health workers.

Summary
This article was intented for those that are considering a career in EMS. Advancement in the field of EMS is depending on how far you wish to go. As an example, I started out as an EMT Basic. I advanced to EMT Intermediate and then to the paramedic level. I was the EMS director for more than one ground service and also worked as a flight medic and an EMS educator. You can advance your career a very long way in a relatively short time frame with dedication and hard work.

As you have read throughout this article, please take the time to research EMS before you consider it as a career. EMS is not for everyone. You as an EMS professional will deal with trauma, medical health conditions, death, long hours of work, exhausting stress and much more. Research it by using the means I have suggested throughout this article. EMS can be a very rewarding career for those who have what it takes for this line of work.

Phillip Sampson
EMS Prime
http://emsprime.com
Sources:
NAEMT
US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
My Many Years As A Paramedic, EMS Director, Flight Med and EMS Educator