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Is there anything you can do if you’re 14 and you wanna become a EMT?
Tips on EMT
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Jesse’s Answer
Hey Mekhi,
Flight Paramedic here.
Find an American Heart or Red Cross course on Basic Life Support (BLS). This is the foundational algorithmic skill that will follow you for the rest of your career. Even some seasoned EMS folks still jack it up.
Take interests in high school anatomy and physiology courses, chemistry, biology classes. Start learning some medical terminology and speaking the lingo.
Branch out and learn stroke assessments or symptoms of a heart attack or diabetic emergencies. You don’t need to go into full detail on how to treat yet, maybe save that for later, but learning how to recognize sick versus not sick patients and symptoms and signs correlating with certain conditions or diseases which is paramount in being in EMS aka “spidey senses”. For example, elderly patient falling down suddenly yesterday but then complaining about gradual left arm pain and jaw pain afterwards may seem like he injured his shoulder and chin, but as you’ll learn, those symptoms correlate with a heart attack.
There’s not much you can do at your age. Maybe there’s a junior volunteer opportunity at your county/city/Fire agency. But starting with the stuff up top, really master those concepts you’ll be prepared and comfortable more than your classmates will be.
Ask any of us about life in EMS and the different pathways you can take and see if it’s right for you. Or maybe you plan on using it as a stepping stone but being an EMT is not for the faint of heart.
Flight Paramedic here.
Find an American Heart or Red Cross course on Basic Life Support (BLS). This is the foundational algorithmic skill that will follow you for the rest of your career. Even some seasoned EMS folks still jack it up.
Take interests in high school anatomy and physiology courses, chemistry, biology classes. Start learning some medical terminology and speaking the lingo.
Branch out and learn stroke assessments or symptoms of a heart attack or diabetic emergencies. You don’t need to go into full detail on how to treat yet, maybe save that for later, but learning how to recognize sick versus not sick patients and symptoms and signs correlating with certain conditions or diseases which is paramount in being in EMS aka “spidey senses”. For example, elderly patient falling down suddenly yesterday but then complaining about gradual left arm pain and jaw pain afterwards may seem like he injured his shoulder and chin, but as you’ll learn, those symptoms correlate with a heart attack.
There’s not much you can do at your age. Maybe there’s a junior volunteer opportunity at your county/city/Fire agency. But starting with the stuff up top, really master those concepts you’ll be prepared and comfortable more than your classmates will be.
Ask any of us about life in EMS and the different pathways you can take and see if it’s right for you. Or maybe you plan on using it as a stepping stone but being an EMT is not for the faint of heart.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mekhi!
Becoming an EMT at 14 Years Old
To become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the United States, you typically need to be at least 18 years old due to legal and licensing requirements. However, there are steps you can take at the age of 14 to start preparing for a future career as an EMT:
1. Education: Focus on your education by excelling in science and math courses. These subjects are crucial for understanding medical concepts and calculations that you will encounter as an EMT.
2. Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross or local hospitals. This will give you exposure to healthcare settings and help you gain valuable experience working with patients.
3. CPR Certification: While you may not be able to become a certified EMT at 14, you can still pursue certifications like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). CPR training is a fundamental skill for all healthcare providers, including EMTs.
4. Explore Junior EMT Programs: Some areas offer junior EMT programs or explorer programs for teenagers interested in emergency services. Participating in such programs can provide hands-on experience and insight into the field of emergency medicine.
5. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the field of emergency medicine by reading books, attending workshops, or following reputable websites related to EMS.
While becoming a fully licensed EMT may not be possible until you reach the minimum age requirement, taking these proactive steps at a young age can set a solid foundation for your future career in emergency medical services.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT): The NREMT is the national certification organization for EMS professionals in the United States. Their website provides detailed information on EMT certification requirements and processes.
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross offers various training programs, including CPR certification courses that can be beneficial for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medical services.
Local Hospitals and EMS Agencies: Contacting local hospitals and EMS agencies can provide valuable insights into volunteer opportunities, junior EMT programs, and other ways to get involved in the field of emergency medicine at a young age.
God Bless,
JC.
Becoming an EMT at 14 Years Old
To become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the United States, you typically need to be at least 18 years old due to legal and licensing requirements. However, there are steps you can take at the age of 14 to start preparing for a future career as an EMT:
1. Education: Focus on your education by excelling in science and math courses. These subjects are crucial for understanding medical concepts and calculations that you will encounter as an EMT.
2. Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross or local hospitals. This will give you exposure to healthcare settings and help you gain valuable experience working with patients.
3. CPR Certification: While you may not be able to become a certified EMT at 14, you can still pursue certifications like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). CPR training is a fundamental skill for all healthcare providers, including EMTs.
4. Explore Junior EMT Programs: Some areas offer junior EMT programs or explorer programs for teenagers interested in emergency services. Participating in such programs can provide hands-on experience and insight into the field of emergency medicine.
5. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the field of emergency medicine by reading books, attending workshops, or following reputable websites related to EMS.
While becoming a fully licensed EMT may not be possible until you reach the minimum age requirement, taking these proactive steps at a young age can set a solid foundation for your future career in emergency medical services.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT): The NREMT is the national certification organization for EMS professionals in the United States. Their website provides detailed information on EMT certification requirements and processes.
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross offers various training programs, including CPR certification courses that can be beneficial for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medical services.
Local Hospitals and EMS Agencies: Contacting local hospitals and EMS agencies can provide valuable insights into volunteer opportunities, junior EMT programs, and other ways to get involved in the field of emergency medicine at a young age.
God Bless,
JC.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Mekhi
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mekhi !
Yes, there are things that one can do at your age if you want to get a head start for eventually becoming an Emergency Medical Technician.
You can begin by taking an in-person CPR course for which you will be certified. These trainings are open to people of all ages. Contact your local hospital, American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to find out where and when this training will be held. I would also advise asking one of your teachers or school nurse about it, too. I would advise that you take a free training for this. Also inquire at these places and your school about First Aid Training.
I would also suggest that you begin learning medical technology. That would be a good place to begin. I have left a link for instructional videos on medical terminology for you below. There are also some free medical terminology courses you can take online and I have left a link for one of them below.
For next summer, apply to be involved in the university of Pennsylvania's Summer Academy for teens. The program has already started this summer but try to remember this for next year. I left the link below that you can keep for next summer. They have a Biomedical program and one in Neuroscience that you might be interested in.
Your local EMT agency may have a Junior EMT program and I have left an informative link below about this. Contact your local EMT agency and ask about becoming involved as a Junior EMT.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you well in all you do !
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY INSTRUCTION VIA YOU TUBE [VIDEOS] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Medical+Terminology+instruction
ONLINE FREE MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY COURSE https://www.classcentral.com/course/medical-terminology-1-61423
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SUMMER PROGRAMS https://hs.sas.upenn.edu/summer-programs/academies
ALL ABOUT BEING A JUNIOR EMT https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Junior_EMT.html
Yes, there are things that one can do at your age if you want to get a head start for eventually becoming an Emergency Medical Technician.
You can begin by taking an in-person CPR course for which you will be certified. These trainings are open to people of all ages. Contact your local hospital, American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to find out where and when this training will be held. I would also advise asking one of your teachers or school nurse about it, too. I would advise that you take a free training for this. Also inquire at these places and your school about First Aid Training.
I would also suggest that you begin learning medical technology. That would be a good place to begin. I have left a link for instructional videos on medical terminology for you below. There are also some free medical terminology courses you can take online and I have left a link for one of them below.
For next summer, apply to be involved in the university of Pennsylvania's Summer Academy for teens. The program has already started this summer but try to remember this for next year. I left the link below that you can keep for next summer. They have a Biomedical program and one in Neuroscience that you might be interested in.
Your local EMT agency may have a Junior EMT program and I have left an informative link below about this. Contact your local EMT agency and ask about becoming involved as a Junior EMT.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you well in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Mekhi,
Becoming an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) at the age of 14 isn't possible due to age restrictions, but there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself and gain relevant experience while you're still in high school. Here are some tips and steps you can follow:
Understand the Role of an EMT:
Research what EMTs do, including their responsibilities, work environments, and the types of emergencies they handle.
Consider talking to or shadowing an EMT if possible to get a firsthand understanding of the job.
First Aid and CPR Certification:
Enroll in first aid and CPR courses offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications are valuable and often a prerequisite for EMT training.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer with local hospitals, fire departments, or community health organizations. Some places have junior volunteer programs for teenagers.
Participate in community events where first aid services are provided.
Good luck on your journey!
Becoming an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) at the age of 14 isn't possible due to age restrictions, but there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself and gain relevant experience while you're still in high school. Here are some tips and steps you can follow:
Understand the Role of an EMT:
Research what EMTs do, including their responsibilities, work environments, and the types of emergencies they handle.
Consider talking to or shadowing an EMT if possible to get a firsthand understanding of the job.
First Aid and CPR Certification:
Enroll in first aid and CPR courses offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications are valuable and often a prerequisite for EMT training.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer with local hospitals, fire departments, or community health organizations. Some places have junior volunteer programs for teenagers.
Participate in community events where first aid services are provided.
Good luck on your journey!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Mekhi