Who are the first to arrive on the scene to provide immediate medical attention to injured and ill patients in emergencies? Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, for short! They play a vital role when an emergency strikes; they attend to medical needs, transport injured and sick people, and care for patients.
The role of EMTs is challenging as their judgments and decisions in life-threatening situations can save or cost people’s lives. Still, the profession attracts many individuals who want to start a rewarding career and make a significant difference. Perhaps, you are one of them and searching for ‘how to become an EMT?’ If so, you will find the following guide beneficial:
Select the right Emergency Medical Technician training program
Only certified EMTs can practice in New York State; therefore, Emergency Medical Technicians need to train with an EMT course provider approved by the New York State Department of Health. It ensures EMTs are familiar with basic life support equipment and techniques, such as defibrillators and CPR, and know how to perform essential medical services, for instance, wound treatment and emergency childbirth.
Before choosing a training program, it’s wise to check if it’s updated to today’s needs. You can do it by ensuring that the designed course aligns with the latest industry standards and current requirements. Although online classes have become a go-to mode of EMT training, you must look for courses that provide in-person training sessions, as EMTs need physical and cognitive training to prepare for emergencies.
What are the qualifications for EMTs?
Applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent degree qualify for an EMT training program. They must also have a clean criminal record. Physical fitness is essential as EMTs require lifting and moving patients. Besides qualifications, candidates have to hone a few skills to become an elite EMT; they are mentioned below:
Excellent interpersonal skills
EMTs interact with other first responders and professionals of emergency medical services, and that’s why they have to work on their interpersonal skills, such as active listening and speaking skills. Since emergency sites can be chaotic, an EMT should be composed when speaking with patients and bystanders, explaining patients’ conditions to other workers, and relaying information to medical providers.
Team player
Multiple agencies, including police and fire responders, arrive on the scene in the case of an emergency to help and provide immediate care to individuals in difficult situations. For this reason, EMTs need to be team player who coordinates and works effectively with other professionals. They also have to be an effective communicator as miscommunication can lead to dire consequences.
Fortitude
Crime scenes and mass casualty incidents are gruesome situations that can turn into a nightmare for individuals who are not mentally strong. Since EMTs are no strangers to such traumatizing experiences, they have to remain calm and composed while handling stressful situations.
EMTs are exceptional individuals who are compassionate, committed, and courageous. They make quick decisions, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to unexpected situations. In emergencies like car crashes, gunshot wounds, building fires, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes, they assess patients’ condition and determine the right course of medical treatment, providing first-aid and CPR to injured and sick patients. After transporting patients to hospitals, they report their observations to healthcare professionals.
Although an EMT’s job is not easy, you can become an emergency medical technician with knowledge and skills. So, enroll in an EMT course in Staten Island, NY, at once!
Author’s Bio – The author is an online blogger. This article is about how to become an EMT
