Start Your EMT Online Training Now

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics provide medical attention at the site of an emergency. They may also administer treatment under a physician's direction if they have the appropriate level of training and certification. When necessary, EMTs transport patients to the emergency department of a medical facility or assist with the transfer of patients between medical facilities. Some EMTs are specially trained in the use of communications and medical equipment found in ambulances or medical helicopters; they usually work in teams with one EMT providing care and monitoring of a patient while the other drives the emergency vehicle.

EMTs are found in various settings, including private or public ambulance services, hospitals, fire departments, or other emergency service providers.

There are different levels of certification within the EMT profession, each with distinct responsibilities. Certification can be earned through EMT online training or through classroom-based training. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) provides testing and certification at five levels: First Responder; EMT-Basic; EMT-Intermediate, which is broken down further into two levels, Intermediate/85 and Intermediate/99; and Paramedic. Individual states sometimes have their own certification programs with different titles, such as EMT-I and EMT-II.

If you hold a First Responder or EMT-Basic certification (sometimes referred to as EMT-I), you will be trained in assessing a patient's condition, managing emergency situations ranging from fractures to cardiac arrest to emergency childbirth, and using and maintaining standard emergency equipment. Prerequisites are graduation from an approved formal training program, as well as passing exams administered by the NREMT and/or state or local certifying agencies.

EMT-Intermediate (or EMT-II) certifications usually require additional hours of training, with the specific requirements varying from state to state. At the Intermediate level, you'll learn more advanced medical treatment skills, equipment usage, and some medication administration. The highest level of certification is EMT-Paramedic, which includes classroom training in anatomy, physiology, and medical treatment as well as practical field experience. Usually, EMTs and paramedics are also required to pursue continuing education, either through classroom or EMT online training courses, and periodic recertification.

In order to locate an approved EMT online training program or classroom-based certification, a good place to start is your state's Emergency Medical Services department in order to find out what the requirements are for EMTs in your area. They may recommend specific programs that meet the appropriate state and national requirements.

Another useful resource is the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS). Organized by a number of national-level emergency services groups including the NAEMT, the CECBEMS promotes high-quality educational opportunities for people in emergency services professions. They maintain a state-by-state list of in-person programs as well as a list of EMT online training providers.

With an appropriate EMT certification in hand, you'll be on your way to a worthwhile career in a growing field, providing much-needed medical services in your community.

_{Sources: cecbems.org; healthoccupations.org}