What Is An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?
An emergency medical technician, formerly called an EMT Basic, is an emergency services professional who handles critical situations within a city, town, county, or township. Often arriving first at the scene of an emergency, an EMT is responsible for tending to those in need of critical care. In many cases, EMTs face life or death scenarios, requiring great instinct, knowledge, and effectiveness.
EMTs experience hands-on training, allowing them to perform specialized emergency care in the field, including transportation of patients. As an EMT, you will be trained in basic injury assessment, illness, childbirth, environmental emergencies, and basic human anatomy. EMTs also provide assistance to trauma victims en route to the receiving emergency center.
The EMT Certification
The EMT certification requires you to pass courses required by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT). This organization is a non-profit body responsible for licensing those who complete the prescribed EMT courses. The minimum educational requirements, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, include a high school diploma or GED. Some EMT certification programs may require additional training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
EMT Coursework
Students interested in getting their EMT certification are required to take a variety of courses.
Required courses include:
- introduction to human biology
- patient assessment techniques and methods
- medical terminology
- trauma injuries and needed treatment procedures
- cardiac emergency care
- pediatric emergency care
- ambulance operations
- patient transport methods
- hazardous materials management
- introduction to human anatomy
The EMT Certification Test
Once you have completed the required courses, it’s time to take the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification exam, a computer-based test. The questions cover six major categories, including operations, OB/GYN/PEDS, trauma, medical, cardiology, and breathing.
To make sure you are ready for the test, follow these tips for exam success!
- Read and study the book being used for the EMT course. Try and stay on top of things and do not procrastinate.
- Complete the workbook. Completing the course book will give you a head start on the certification exam.
- As you study, make note of any questions you have.
- Ask questions. Get clarification where you need it when you complete reading the book.
- Attend every class.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Make friends and work closely with other students in groups.
