Before we discuss the steps to becoming an EMT, lets talk about what an EMT is.

EMT’s are a vital link in the health care system, as they are typically the first to arrive at the scene of any medical emergency. EMT’s provide life-saving interventions at the basic, intermediate and advanced (paramedic) level. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the “basic” or entry-level EMT.

EMT-Basics perform basic airway management, bleeding control, splinting, oxygen administration, spinal immobilization, and suctioning. In some cases EMT’s even administer some medications and are trained in childbirth.

In most settings, EMT-Basics typically work with a paramedic. In some cases ambulances will be staffed with two EMT-Basics in volunteer, rural or inter facility transfer settings.

Now for the big question, “how do I become an EMT?”

To achieve certification through the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians), you must take a semester long class and pass a written and skills test at a licensed testing facility.

Many community colleges offer EMT-Basic training and testing. Some companies and fire departments also offer in-house EMT-Basic training. For more information on the requirements for certification as an EMT-Basic visit http://www.nremt.org

For someone with no medical or emergency services background, EMT-Basic school can be difficult. The semester-long class is a crash course in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, airway and breathing emergencies, cardiology, trauma emergencies, pediatric emergencies, patient assessments, OB/GYN and much more.

If you are new to the medical field, I would recommend studying or taking a class in medical terminology. This will relieve a large majority of the challenges associated with EMT-Basic school. Researching basic anatomy and physiology prior to class will also place you ahead of the game.

Unfortunately I can not cover everything that is expected in EMT training as classes may vary from state to state. For information about becoming an EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic, please refer to my article titled “Want to become a paramedic?”.

I hope this will help serve as a starting point in your new exciting career in EMS. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments.