Chapter 6: Pre-Hospital Care
Karen Piette
Summary
In this chapter, we have explored the various available careers related to prehospital medicine. The educational requirements vary slightly between the three professions even though these professionals work together out in the field. The amount of training hours increases from EMT to AEMT and finally, paramedic.
Paramedics are the most advanced in the EMS system. At the most basic level is the EMT. EMT’s are considered entry-level in the prehospital system. In order to be an AEMT or a paramedic, an EMT course must be completed as a prerequisite. Once someone has worked as an EMT and completed training hours, then they may choose to further their training and become an AEMT or paramedic. The AEMT is not a prerequisite to becoming a paramedic.
All three courses (EMT, AEMT, and paramedic) are hands-on and involve face to face classes. There are no fully online courses in EMS due to the curriculum involving laboratory skills that students must be proficient in.
You also learned that EMS personnel can work in various settings besides ambulances. It is common knowledge that EMS professionals work on ambulances. However, they can work in a variety of settings as mentioned previously.
People who work in EMS tend to be drawn to trauma and medicine combined. Remember John in the overview of this chapter. He was interested in medical trauma series on TV. He would want to sign up for an EMT course first, as it is a prerequisite to the paramedic course. Prior to applying, John would need to have his high school diploma or GED and be 18 years of age. Following the successful completion of an EMT program, passing the National Registry of EMT (NREMT) exams for certification, and getting a Washington EMT state license, John will be able to work as an EMT in the field.
Hopefully, you have learned about the different careers relating to prehospital medicine within the EMS system. Many community, technical and four-year colleges will have information regarding their programs available on their websites. Another great resource is the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. This resource tracks employment and salary averages of the different EMS careers.
Review Questions
- Define what a medical first responder is.
- What role does the medical director play in the EMS system? What education is needed to work in this position?
- In your own words, describe the components of the prehospital medicine system. Can you differentiate between the different components?
- What are the different modes of transportation EMT’s and paramedics utilize?
- What stands out to you regarding the educational requirements of an EMT versus a paramedic? Are the training hours the same or different?
- How do continuing medical education requirements differ between EMT, AEMT and paramedics?
- What are signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
- What is blood pressure such an important vital sign?
- How many continuing education credits are required for the careers within this chapter?
- What is a mobile integrated healthcare network?