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How would I go about becoming an EMT?

I’m a junior in high school and I attend a public safety class. I’m really interested in becoming an EMT and I would like to know more about this career. #EMT #career

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Jack’s Answer

Hi Jessica! You should reach out to your local Fire Department or EMS station to ask about EMT classes being offered in the area! An EMT class is typically about 150 hours, and can either be completed in 2-3 months full-time, or over the course of a full school year if you're in school. An EMT class focuses on the basics of patient assessment, lifesaving interventions such as bleeding control, airway management, artificial ventilation of people who cannot breath on their own, and CPR.

Once you complete your EMT class, you can take two tests administered by your state (one written test and one hands-on test) to become licensed to work as an EMT in your state. Once you've passed those, your ready to work as an EMT!

There are two main types of EMT jobs: 911 services, and interfacility-transfer services (or IFT). 911 services respond to 911 calls, usually for life-threatening emergencies. Interfacility-transfer services perform scheduled transfers for patients between two medical facilities. Those usually aren't emergencies because the transfers are planned in advance. This could mean taking someone from one hospital to another or from a nursing home to the hospital.

Jack recommends the following next steps:

Reach out to your local fire or EMS department to ask about EMT classes in your area
Take an EMT class
Take the written and hands-on tests to become certified as an EMT
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Harold’s Answer

Each state has different rules and requirements for becoming an EMT. Some high schools offer the course. Basically, you must be 18 years old. The class can take up to six months of classroom time not including practical training and your ER rotation. Then the rest will be practical experience with an ambulance or fire company depending on how your region is set up. I was an AEMT with the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 35 years before moving outbof state.
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Beth’s Answer

There are training academies and community colleges that offer EMT courses. They usually are a few months long, include classroom time, written exams, practical time such as experience on an ambulance or in an emergency department and a skills test of your knowledge. I would highly recommend a course that will prepare you to take the National Registry of EMTs exam. NREMT allows you to be licensed nationally instead of just the state you are in. Here is a link to one school in your area. I would contact them for additional information. Good luck!
https://www.dorsey.edu/dema/woodhaven-mi-campus-dorsey-emergency-medical-academy/
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Brandon’s Answer

You can always start volunteering at your local Volunteer Fire Company. Taking an EMT class takes nothing more than finding one, signing up, and focusing on the class.

Brandon recommends the following next steps:

Contact your local VFC (Volunteer Fire Company)
See what EMT classes are offered
Attend and pass the course
Pass your state protocols & National Registry
Congrats! You’re an EMT.
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